thomascwaters.com

While I was away over the weekend, there were a number of bloggers who wrote about thew recent debate between PA State Senators, Daylin Leach and John Eichelberger (R- PA 30th). Two very good resources would be the Pennsylvania Progressive blog, as well as Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents blog. I have linked to the blog below however, to share another voice on the matter.

I want to highlight just one element out of the debate. This quote from Eichelberger:

We’re allowing them to exist and do what every American can do. We’re just not rewarding them with any special designation.

As you read it, pause on the phrase “we’re allowing them to exist…” and ponder changing the reference of them from Gays and Lesbians, to Blacks, Jews, American Indians, Immigrants… whatever group you want.

Could the bigotry of any legislation that denies full equality to the GLBTQ communities be any more flagrant? In addition to ponder the following:

• Who is the “we” about whom Eichelberger is speaking?  The state government? Straight people?  Tax payers? Only straight taxpayers?
• What is the alternative to “allowing them to exist?” This phrase implies that this action is by choice and decision. If one allows one can also disallow.
• The issue being discussed is marriage equality. Eichelberger’s bill would add a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage for Pennsylvania, where as Leach’s bill would allow full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. So, what is the “special designation” to which Eichelberger is referring? If anything, marriage as it exists today, grants a special designation to straight people who marry. How exactly would allowing full civil marriage equality provide for any special designation?

A constitutional ban on gay marriage has been defeated within the state twice before. With the budget crisis, and the other issues facing Pennsylvanians, isn’t it time for all of our Senators to stand up against such bigotry, and say enough is enough.

Unleashed: Time to lean on Leanna.