Warning – political post ahead.
Okay, you were warned. If you follow me on Facebook, this is your official warning that from now until May 8th, there will be a bunch of posts decrying Amendment One, the ballot measure that NC will be voting on to outlaw gay marriage. I’m staunchly against this, as I am in favor of equal rights for all people, and taking away someone’s right to stand in front of a justice of the peace, put their fifty bucks on the counter and say “Til Death Do Us Part” seems wrong to me. I would like to think that my stance on gay rights doesn’t influence my writing too much, but I’m sure it’s pretty apparent to the readers of Back in Black that I’m all in favor of gay marriage. Or as we like to call it amongst my friends – marriage.
I’m not going to debate all the pros and cons of the issue here, but suffice to say if you see me at a con and I’m wearing a shirt that says something about equality, and I have several, that’s what is being referenced. I was loathe to use my modest notoriety as a bully pulpit until I realized that the opponents of civil liberty in our country don’t share my reticence. So I’m speaking out, in no uncertain terms, about my opposition to any constitutional amendment, or law in general, that reduces freedoms. And this is the first one that hits home for me, because it impacts so many of my friends.
I’m a straight white southern guy, happily married for over sixteen years. So why is this important to me? Because I think that all of my friends should be able to declare their love for each other openly without fear of reprisals from society, government or anyone else, as long as both parties are of legal age. Because I think it’s stupid that one couple that’s been together for ten years can have visitation rights in the ICU, and another one can’t. Because I think that it’s stupid that if Suzy and I adopted a kid, and something happened to either one of us, the kid stays with the other one, but a committed lesbian couple can be together for decades and have their children taken away from one mother if the other one dies. And this isn’t a random possibility – these are things that happen. And it seems unfair to me. So I’m speaking out. I’d like to think that my readers will mostly agree with my positions on this issue, but if not, that’s okay. I have friends and relatives that I disagree with too. But I just wanted to warn you that I think this amendment is bullshit, and you’re probably going to hear a lot from me about it for the next few months.
I really give a rat’s over what one side or the other want to call their fun and games coupled to annoying responsibility.
What I don’t care for is the posturing by both sides who demand, demand, demand. It was far more peaceful when closets and bedrooms had doors.
“Step over this line. Go ahead! I double dare ya!!!” Give me a break.
I didn’t address one important remark. If the child is taken from a home, that is sad and often wrong. If the lesbians knew that could happen and didn’t make provisions, they too are wrong. Parental rights aren’t to be denied and most courts will honor provisions made by a legal guardian/parent before their death. If that isn’t happening, it is wrong.
Looking at DCS or whatever it is called is always an abomination under the control of bureaucracies that are about as far removed from good parenting as it gets. Sadly, some of the other alternative are just as dark.
I remember hearing about a mother that jumped out of her car with a baby in it to mail a letter and ended up in cuffs and the baby in “protective custody” by DCS. Really now! And nothing to do with sexual preference. Just human stupidity.
To Ken: Must be nice being a white male, never having to fight for rights. I wonder how indifferent and uncaring you would be if everything weren’t just automatically a given to you.
I agree 1000% John. There is one thing I’ve been harping on for years that I think MIGHT help. The homosexual community needs a NEW WORD. A word that by definition describes marriage but never mentions gender. Then this “word” (or phrase) needs to get in the dictionary and into the legal system. THEN those bozo’s who are wrongfully concerned about the sanctity of marriage will have nothing to bitch about. I’ve tried to invent a word but they always seem silly to me. What about ‘LOVERAGE’ ??
BENEFIT CONCERT AGAINST AMENDMENT ONE PLANNED IN RALEIGH
February 10, 2012 – The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh today announced it is holding a benefit concert on Saturday, February 18th at 8PM, to inform and entertain people in the Raleigh area about why to vote against Amendment One on May 8th. The event called “Protect NC Families Benefit Concert” is in support a coalition to oppose the May 8th, 2012 amendment regarding North Carolina’s unmarried couples, their families, and their status before the law.
“Out of respect for all families in North Carolina, and in the United States, we think it’s imperative to inform people about the harms of this discriminatory Constitutional Amendment if it’s passed,” say Don Rollins, Interim Head Minister. “We are a fellowship who believes in equal rights for all human beings. This proposed amendment would enshrine discrimination in our state constitution, and that is unacceptable”, Rollins said. Don will also be performing on acoustic guitar as well as emceeing the evening.
Guests are guaranteed two hours of quality, live music and thoughtful discussions with friends of the cause for equality and dignity. Musicians include Someone’s Sister, Rhythmicity, Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus. Speakers include Reverend Jimmy Creech and others. The suggested donation is $7 or what you can afford – nobody turned away, everybody welcome! About the event: http://www.uufr.org/special-events
Jen Jones, representing the Protect NC Families organization, (and is also running 322 miles across the state of NC to raise awareness about the harms of the amendment), will be speaking at the benefit concert. http://www.racetotheballot.com
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh is an open-minded and liberal religious congregation that values the inherent worth and dignity of each person, regardless of who you are or whom you love. It encourages all to seek their own spiritual path. This concert supports the Coalition to Protect NC Families: protectncfamilies.org
For more information, visit: http://www.uufr.org – or – http://www.voteagainst.org – or – http://www.racetotheballot.com
Where:
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
3313 Wade Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 781-7635
When:
Saturday, February 18, 2012
8PM – 10PM
Cost:
Suggested donation $7.00