Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Constitutional change rooted in fear and hate

Senate Resolution 595 should outrage everyone, gay or straight. Hate derives itself from fear, and politicians feed on that fear. That is exactly what is happening in Georgia and around the nation at this very moment.

Politicians are ranting and raving that the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the right of marriage will “be the downfall of western civilization as we know it.”

The downfall will actually occur when the government has taken away so many of our rights (i.e., marriage, the Patriot Act, etc.) that we become victims of a tyrannical police state.

In opposition to the claim that gays are immoral heathens, promiscuous and AIDS-ridden, many of them are, in all actuality, involved in the Metropolitan Community Church and Reform Jewish synagogues.

They are involved with religion, but cannot take part in one of its most precious and sacred ceremonies. However, many of them do not attend church at all, fearing the wrath of the almighty, self-righteous Christian.

The vast majority of gays are not even out of the closet. Some are our friends, neighbors, peers, and some even our children.

The climate in this country, particularly in this state, is becoming more and more unwelcoming to millions of our fellow citizens every day. I believe everyone is rushing this resolution fueled by hate. We are blinded by fear.

If everyone takes a moment to think about what is actually happening, the denial of rights to a significant portion of our population, we will see where we have strayed.

If and when SR 595 makes it to the ballot in November, vote no! A vote against it is a vote for freedom and justice for all.

Noah DeWalt

Fayetteville, Ga.