Separate and Unequal in DC
October 26th, 2009
Inspired by “Both sides mobilize on same-sex marriage” (Washington Post 10/26/09).
About 150 protesters met in Freedom Plaza yesterday
To protest marriage between two people who are gay.
“No one has the right to pass laws without checking with the taxpaying citizens,” said one.
Maybe a little history would be fun.
I think it’s important to note
That if equal rights in the South had been left to a vote,
Segregation would probably still exist today
And blacks would still live in fear of the KKK.
Based on pictures in the paper,
The protesters were all or mostly black.
About which I must admit
I’m a little taken aback.
I know that you’re religious–
I’m religious too.
I just don’t have exactly
The same beliefs as you.
You may believe gays are an abomination,
But DC’s Human Rights Act outlaws discrimination.
It says a referendum isn’t allowed
Just to please the crowd.
We have a constitutional democracy
Which means that not everything is left to the majority.
The majority doesn’t get to say
That someone’s rights should be taken away.
We’re all equal in God’s sight
So why can’t gays have an equal marriage right?
No one wants to force churches to host the ceremony,
Or declare an end to traditional matrimony.
One sign said “13 people should not decide the fate of marriage” in DC.
But that’s not what’s happening, it’s plain to see.
The people of DC already set the agenda
When the Human Rights Act outlawed discriminatory referenda.
One can’t deny rights to those the majority abhor.
Segregation (also considered “tradition” and “God’s law” before)
Lasted 100 years after the Civil War
And could easily have lasted 100 more.
The sixties had “separate but equal.”
This is the sequel.
***
Sphere: Related Content
Tags: Civil War, DC, Discrimination, Freedoms, Gay rights, Marriage equality, Racism, Religion, segregation
Posted in
Freedoms, Religion |
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