These last few weeks have held quite the discussion about equality and civil rights for all Americans. With the recent passing of Prop 8 in California as well as the laws passed in Arizona and Florida debate on the issue has been very common.
It is sad and unfortunate that in this day and age 52% of people in California still feel it is okay to discriminate against a group of people. That people believe they have the right to push their beliefs and morals on to others. That two people in love cannot declare their love to one another in the same civil ceremony as their neighbors.
Another very unfortunate and somewhat disturbing side to the passing of Prop 8 is the hate streaming from and the assumptions being drawn by supporters on both sides of the issue. I 100% understand the hurt and sadness that the passing of these laws has incited and am hurt myself. I wish with all my heart my friends and family will one day have the same basic rights I do. At the same time I firmly believe everyone has the right to take part in democracy and vote they way they choose based on their conscience (whether or not I agree with their vote or the outcome). With that being said I do not believe any one's morals should be forced on anyone else. Tolerance and acceptance are key in this situation and disturbingly something that seems to be missing. This is an issue that isn't going away, an issue that needs to be given proper attention, an issue that needs to be heard and an issue that needs to be given fair and equal treatment. This is a civil rights issue and just as racial equality and women's rights took time this issue will also take time. For the sake of all gay and lesbian members of the human race it is a right I hope comes sooner rather than later.
This last Saturday there was a nationwide protest against Prop 8. Unfortunately I was at work and was unable to attend. However my friend Eric went and took quite a few pictures of the protest here are a few of the shots he took. Also, here is the link to the Salt Lake Daily Photo blog where you will find quite a few more shots from the day. http://www.saltlakedailyphoto.com/2008/11/gay-rights-demonstration.html
It is sad and unfortunate that in this day and age 52% of people in California still feel it is okay to discriminate against a group of people. That people believe they have the right to push their beliefs and morals on to others. That two people in love cannot declare their love to one another in the same civil ceremony as their neighbors.
Another very unfortunate and somewhat disturbing side to the passing of Prop 8 is the hate streaming from and the assumptions being drawn by supporters on both sides of the issue. I 100% understand the hurt and sadness that the passing of these laws has incited and am hurt myself. I wish with all my heart my friends and family will one day have the same basic rights I do. At the same time I firmly believe everyone has the right to take part in democracy and vote they way they choose based on their conscience (whether or not I agree with their vote or the outcome). With that being said I do not believe any one's morals should be forced on anyone else. Tolerance and acceptance are key in this situation and disturbingly something that seems to be missing. This is an issue that isn't going away, an issue that needs to be given proper attention, an issue that needs to be heard and an issue that needs to be given fair and equal treatment. This is a civil rights issue and just as racial equality and women's rights took time this issue will also take time. For the sake of all gay and lesbian members of the human race it is a right I hope comes sooner rather than later.
This last Saturday there was a nationwide protest against Prop 8. Unfortunately I was at work and was unable to attend. However my friend Eric went and took quite a few pictures of the protest here are a few of the shots he took. Also, here is the link to the Salt Lake Daily Photo blog where you will find quite a few more shots from the day. http://www.saltlakedailyphoto.com/2008/11/gay-rights-demonstration.html
2 comments:
Amen sista, I have had a 'vote no on prop 8' in the window of my house in happy valley for a month now. The neighbors hated it. I am also in the group of 'active' mormons who absolutely hate how the church handled this situation. What do we do. Life sucks. You just have to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm not sure if that Wow is a good thing or a bad thing.... I'm going to go with good....
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