Not only did Texas produce the idiot currently residing in the White House but it also has passed an amendment to its constitution banning same-sex marriage.
Now, the state already had a law to the same effect, but uptight Bible-thumping heterosexuals wanted the amendment because they said it would prevent judges from overturning the law. That's a lot of fear.
I'll bet most of those folks have never gotten to know anyone who's gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.
My brother, Wally, is gay, and he's not the least bit frightening. He's a talented IT professional at a Texas-based satellite communications company. He pays his taxes. He's kind and generous. He has an infectious laugh.My friends who are part of the New Century Singers are all talented vocalists. They're short, tall, thin, round, male, female, introverts, extroverts, conservative, liberal, religious, agnostic, pale, dark, single, in new
relationships, and in long-term relationships. They sound just like everyone else in the country, don't they? I went to their tenth-anniversary dinner dance this last Saturday and had a blast. There was one woman there who was obviously in love with her escort; there were two couples celebrating at least 40 years together. But wait—they're straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. In this country, that means that most of them shouldn't be allowed to marry.Shame on Texas for denying Wally a basic human right. Shame on New York State for denying the New Century Singers a basic human right. Shame on Americans for denying their fellow citizens a basic human right.
GLBT human rights civil rights gay rights prejudice Texas EditorMom
7 comments:
I expected it out of Texas. It will probably take another Stonewall to change things. -Wally-
Meanwhile, we all have to speak out. Silence = death.
Well written, Katharine. I work with Wally, and he's known at our office as one of the nicest, kindest and funniest people. Your warmly written story about Wally touches on his good heart as well as his strength. Through all his challenges, he remains good to people & keeps a smile on his face. That's what it's all about, and I'm proud to be his friend! Go, Wally!!
I know Wally, and consider him a very good friend. Everything that is posted about him is true. This law has denied him his basic right of the persuit of happiness.
Our laws need to apply to everyone, not just a group that some people are afraid of.
Thanks so much, Wally Friend 1 and Wally Friend 2! It warms my heart to know that my brother, who's also one of my best friends, is so well loved. Because I'm in New York and he's in Texas, I can't look out for him as much as I'd like, so it's wonderful to know that you're there to care for him. :-))
The Houston Chronicle had a very true statement: "When you put a fundamental right of a minority up for popular vote, it's almost impossible to win," said Foreman. "I'm not sure the right to desegregate schools, the freedom to marry another race or even access to contraception in many states would exist if those issues were put up for a vote." -Nanette, Houston TX-
That article can be found here.
The attempts, nationwide and state by state, to legislate for same-sex marriage represent just one tool in the long-term battle for GLBT equality. Whether such legislation becomes law or not, it serves the wider purpose of getting people to think about the issue. Eventually, same-sex marriage will be legal in this country.
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