As a member of the LGBT community, I am personally acquainted with how these issues play out in one’s life. I know how quickly a lifetime of accomplishment can be wiped away by a slur on the part of an employer or other person of community “stature.” I know what it is like to wonder what will happen; what will you lose if you come out of the closet? From both a philosophical and personal perspective, then, I take these positions on the following issues.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell– I am for the repeal of this policy. I believe that gay and lesbian Americans have always served in the military. They have that right, just as all citizens do.
Defense of Marriage Act– I am for the repeal of this act. All Americans should have the right to marry, if they choose. All Americans should have the right to have a Civil Union if they choose. All Americans should have the right not to marry if they choose.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act—I am in favor of this act and believe it should be passed as quickly as possible. It applies not only to the LGBT communities, but also to racial and ethnic communities. Labor and many in the business community also support this act, knowing it will prevent discrimination in employment, housing, equitable wages, etc.
In addition to these acts, I believe that we must look carefully at what constitutes a family. The current definition of “Mom, Dad, and the kids” applies to less than 50% of American families. Grandparents rearing their grandchildren have a right to be called families. Brothers and sisters helping to care for an elderly parent have a right to be called families. Two women or two men with children have a right to be called families. Our definition of the highly charged word “family” needs to keep up with the multiple relationships in which Americans now live, and our legal systems need to keep up with the civil rights of all these citizens. In their legislative decisions, both Utah and the U.S. Congress are, in this regard, far removed from the basic needs of their constituents.
(Part 1 of 2)
Huzzah! for your position* on full equality for members of the LGBTQ community and all law-abiding adult citizens. Utahans need to wake up and smell the Postum-like morning beverage—there are NO second-class citizens in Utah; there are NO second-class soldiers in the U.S. armed forces. Prejudice and discrimination have NO place in modern American society.
Too many people pay lip service to important ethical and moral principles like The Golden Rule—treat other people the way you want to be treated. Every major world religion includes some form of The Golden Rule in its teachings. Ditto every major world culture.
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(Part 2 of 2—continued from above)
DADT is a Mark of Shame on the leaders of our constitutional republic. The inappropriately named DOMA is a similar Mark of Shame. Utah Constitutional Amendment 3 is a Mark of Shame on every citizen in the State of Utah, especially those who voted for it and those who have remained silent concerning the emotional and financial harm being done to same-gender couples, and especially their children, by government-sanctioned, irrational discrimination.
David
David S. Saari, Ph.D.
Delegate, Precinct 4625
* This comment is a statement of support for Ms. Wright’s position on DADT, etc., and is not an endorsement of her candidacy.
People entering into a legal contract of marriage as a civil action should not be discriminated upon based on sexes of the persons as this is a legal civil contract. Those who choose to marry in a Church may do so, but must meet all requirements of a civil marriage, each Church may at their discression deny to marry a couple as this is a voluntary action. If you don’t think marriage is a civil contract go get a divorce, you have to meet civil requirements not church requirements.