Sometimes your blog has to be a platform. To remain silent is no longer an option, and I hope to have the honor of your readership continue after one of the most explosive and divisive issues of the day is addressed here.
Gay Rights. I am a straight, married woman with three children. Why do I care about this? Because it's about
human rights. When any group is denied rights, I take it personally because I am a human who never wants my liberties denied because of my religion, sex, sexual orientation, race, or social status. And because I see what this does to my friends and family who are gay.
Discrimination is discrimination. In the brief history of our young nation several oppressed groups have already had to fight for equality that the constitution so rightfully declares. We are constantly forced to heed this lesson:
"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate which would be oppression."
- Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801
Immigrants, Workers, African Americans, and Women have reached milestones but for Gay men and women the fight has only just begun.
When will we learn? When will people stop having to fight so hard? This battle will be won. This is certain. We have always been a country moving forward, moving upwards. Why must it take blood, sweat, and tears?
We will keep marching on.
Some progress has been made. Homosexuality is no longer a criminal act, but it is still widely viewed as "sin". Many feel that it's unnatural, wrong, confusing to children. I understand that this is uncomfortable for many people. Differences can make us uncomfortable. We are afraid of what we don't understand. It is feared what complete acceptance of gay couples will do to a society. This is new territory, although gay people have forever graced this earth.
Beliefs we are all free to keep, but what will our society look like if we completely set fears and feeling aside for the sake of human equality and respect for personal freedoms? I see more love, more tolerance, more happiness for everyone.
Our gay brothers and sisters currently live in shame. This is about dignity. Until their marriages are legitimized before the law and society, how can they feel a part of it?
As a mother, if I have a gay child:
I think that even if she did choose it, it is OK. There is nothing wrong with it.
I don't believe gay people choose to be gay any more than I choose to be straight.
I want her to have the respect, dignity, and happiness that can only come from having a family that is acknowledged and accepted by society.
She won't be suicidal, because she will know that the world accepts her and will allow her to carry on the same traditions of marriage and family she has witnessed her parents enjoy.
My fears are actually vanished by the legalization of gay marriage! It would mean that if I have children who are gay the law will protect them from discrimination and allow them the freedom to marry the one they love.
Before you vote for Prop 8, have an honest discussion with a gay person about how it makes them feel. Think about what kind of society you would want your gay child to grow up in. If a society is made stronger through shared values of commitment and family, why would we deny others the ability to practice them in their lives?
