Ups and downs

In this weeks edition: The vote is in - do we have equal rights yet? The rules of Uganda - US religious groups influence international policy making.

The results for Ref 71 and Question 1 are in. In a close race, Question 1 in Maine was passed with 53% of the vote, thus repealing the law allowing same-sex couples to marry. On the flipside, Ref 71 (granting same-sex couples all the rights of a married couple, except not calling it a marriage) passed with 52% of the vote. Although not a question of 'marriage', Ref 71 would be the first time voters in a US state have approved a bill that promoted gay rights. Also in this voting period, anti-gay politician, Christopher Christie, was voted in as the new governor of New Jersey.

While I'm glad Ref 71 passed, it is unfortunate that both votes were so close. Again, the expected anti-gay forces were responsible. The National Organization for Marriage and Protect Marriage Washington, both used similar tactics to persuade voters to stamp on the rights of same-sex couples. These are some typical arguments: 1. Allowing same-sex marriage will diminish the value of marriage between a man and a woman. 2. It will lead to teaching homosexuality in schools (thus making our kids gay). 3. It will create a precedent which will allow animal-human marriages, object-human marriages, etc. 4. It's immoral and against my religion. Needless to say, I feel like these arguments are all unfounded and somewhat illogical...I won't get into rebuttals, but you're welcome to post below. Some anti-gay activists see pro-gay bills as giving homosexuals special rights as a minority group and feel that the bills actually infringe on the religious rights of people. In reality, they just give us the same rights that everyone else already takes for granted and raises us up from the level of second citizens. Our queerness isn't a choice, unlike religion, and I feel like we should all be allowed freedom of thought and action as long as it doesn't trample any other groups rights.
With the win in Washington and the loss in Maine, some people question whether it is democratic to leave question of human rights to the voters. A democracy is supposed to protect the rights of all citizens and grant equality to all. Unfortunately, this can be warped into a 'majority rules' mentality where a state wide vote can affect policy and law making. While this is usually fine, it can also lead to something called the 'tyranny of the majority', where a majority of people can vote away the rights of the minority. Although everyone has a say, the question is inherently flawed because it affects a minority group's rights in a system where everyone is meant to be treated equally.

Let's stop talking US politics...kind of. In Uganda, politicians are soon to pass an anti-gay bill. Homosexual sex would be grounds for life long imprisonment, having same-sex relationships with HIV positive people or people under 18 would be punishable by death and organizing LGBT rights gropus would be criminalized. Even here, we can't step entirely out from the reaching arms of the US religious zealots. Much of this legislation is considered to be the result of vicious anti-gay preaching by US missionaries from the likes of those like evangelical leader, Rick Warren. For what it's worth, an online petition is circulating to ask Rick Warren to stop his anti-gay rhetoric in Uganda (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/rick-warren-please-denounce-anti-gay-bill-in-uganda). It is examples like this, where homosexuality is faced with government backed homophobia and punishable by death of imprisonment, that bolster my determination to push the envelope in our own city and country. Some argue that here in a Canada, we've got marriage, we've got our rights, we should just shut up and blend with the rest of 'normal' society. Even here we face homophobic slurs and gay bashings on a regular basis. Though this is nothing to the level of what a homosexual in Uganda would face, it is nonetheless unacceptable. It's your right to sit down, to be silent and to be happy in your own little city, however, take care not to treat your outspoken, boa wearing, flag waving, pride going queer brothers and sisters like some embarrassing distant relative. In our privileged position with many legal rights, we need to push forward and set an example for other peoples.
Upcoming, banning anti-gay books (I'll get to it this time around!), polygamy and more. What's important to you?

Stay tuned.

This just in...

Hey Folks,
I recently heard about this a candlelight vigil to stop hate crimes happening Friday, October 30th, 9pm. More details at the end of the post. This is in response to not just one homophobic attack, but to all attacks in the recent and distant past. In addition to the killing of Ian Baynham in London, a gay police officer in Liverpool was beaten by as many as 20 people after leaving a club with his partner. These are just a sample of the violent crimes directed towards homosexuals, and do not include all the hate filled slurs that many of us encounter every single day. We don't all have to be activists, but we can all take 2 minutes and have a moment of silence this Friday.

Chris


A Silent Candle-lit Vigil is planned to start at 9:00 pm on Oct 30, 2009 in Trafalgar Square in London, England and travel around the world. This is in response to a recent "vicious" homophobic attack perpetrated on Ian Baynham in London which led to his death last week. This is a familiar story unfortunately here, there and everywhere.
The organizers, a group called 17-24-30, are asking those unable to attend the vigil to light candles of hope, and observe the two minutes silence Friday 30th around the world. People are invited to post a photo on Facebook with their candle in front of a monument from your city. 17-24-30 wants to make this a worldwide day of remembrance, hope and action.

Proudly opening its arms to bigotry since 30A.D.

In this weeks edition: Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Anglicans uneasy with female and gay clergy into the Catholic church. The Lutheran Church of Sweden now bestows same-sex marriages. On November 3rd, vote 'Yes' for Referendum 71 and vote 'No' for Question1. The Matthew Shepherd and James Bryd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act finally passes.

Proudly opening its arms to bigotry since 30A.D.

In a move to increase membership and close the schism between Roman Catholics and Anglicans, Pope Benedict XVI* has opened his arms to Anglicans who feel uncomfortable with the liberal attitude the Anglican church has taken in regards to its position on woman and homosexuals. Bluntly stated, Anglicans who don't believe in equity (woman's and homosexual people's right to be ordained as clergy, and homosexual people's right to marriage/union) are now welcome to rejoin the Roman Catholic faith. What does this mean for the queer community? It may serve to separate socially conservative people away from the calming effect of their more liberal brethren, and it consolidates and increases the size of the very conservative Roman Catholic religion. It seems unthinkable to me that anyone, much less a huge international organization can be so opening sexist, bigoted, etc. and not be made accountable and frowned upon by the rest of the world. Personally, I find this special deference we allow religion frightening. If a company such as Wal-mart attempted to attract Safeway employees who didn't like the rise of female Safeway managers, I would have a problem with it. I would feel similarly if Italy started calling out for Canadians to emigrate away from Canada's abhorrent, same-sex marrying ways. In rational society, we should candidly and thoughtfully discuss ideas rather than raising them on pedestals, never to be touched.
Fortunately, all is not lost. In a recent decision, the Lutheran Church of Sweden (the biggest church in Sweden) has made bold steps forward and is one of the first global churches to bestow same-sex marriages. With this move, it is joining the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Canada, South America and a few others in this endeavor. With victories like this, gay rights activists can only cheer, however, this only causes anti-gay protesters to dig deeper and form a harder stance against equality.
For example, in the United States of America two major referendums are coming up on November 3rd. Referendum 71 (Washington) seeks to "expand the rights of same-sex couples to that of married couples except that domestic partnerships are not marriages". A 'yes' vote will indicate support for gay rights, while a 'no' takes away these rights. An interesting controversy has arisen where the identity of anti-gay petition signers will be disclosed after the vote. Anti-gay petitioners fear retribution similar to the blacklist produced after Prop 8 in California took away the rights many same-sex couples. This disclosure seems entirely acceptable to me. I wouldn't want anyone, including anti-gay protesters, to be physically or verbally harassed. However, I personally would not want to obliquely support a business or person who has voted against my rights. It does raise questions about free speech and privacy laws in the country, though. Would this be persecution based on personal beliefs?
Meanwhile in Maine, Question 1 is up for vote, asking Mainer's if they would like to repeal a recent law allowing same-sex couples to marry. In this case, a 'yes' vote opposes same-sex marriages, while a 'no' vote supports same sex marriages. Unsurprisingly, the anti-gay petitioners have released false television advertisements that link a 'no' vote to allowing same-sex marriage to be taught in schools. In the ensuing events, they have been told to remove the adds, but have thus far refused.
Finally, some more positive news. The Matthew Shepard and James Bryd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act passed on Oct 23rd and has been signed by President Obama. Thus far, the federal hate crimes definition covers race, colour, religion and national origin, but will be extended to include sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. In a move that pissed off many republicans, this act also makes it a federal crime to attack US military personnel due to their service. Simply put, they couldn't vote against the queers without voting against the gun toting army. Note, that this act makes violent attacks illegal, but does not include hate speech.
In the future, lots to talk about. Why do we want same-sex marriage? Anti-gay books, what are the limits to free speech? and the politics of Uganda. Hope to hear your comments.



*Interestingly, the addition of Roman numerals after a name does not actually add legitimacy to a person, place, thing or religion. Otherwise, the popular game, Final Fantasy, would be well on it's way to becoming the world's most popular religion.