Friday March 24, 2006 SGN.org |
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Volume 34 Issue 12 |
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Sunday, Mar 21, 2010
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Letters |
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| TURN OUT NEEDED TO PASS
TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS
Dear SGN As previously announced in the SGN and other media, on March 20, 2006, the King County Council held the first of two meetings to hear public testimony on the proposed ordinance to expand the county's civil rights protections to included gender identity and expression, as well as to grant a private right of action (i.e., allow plainatiffs to go to court) for those individuals who file civil rights complaints. Knowing that this meeting would be the first of two opportunities to have our voices heard by councilmembers, members of CEDL (Coalition for Enforceable Discriminations Laws) organized a group of people to attend the meeting and testify in support of the proposed ordinance. Council President Larry Phillips called on anyone present, representing any point of view, to give testimony. Much to my surprise, not a single individual stepped up to the micorphone to give testimony in opposition to the ordinance. Much to my delight, but not surprise, the CEDL speakers and some individuals from the general public, gave some of the most excellent testimony I have ever heard in support of the ordinance. If you are interested in viewing this meeting on your computer, go to http://www.metrokc.gov/ctv/Archive/index.htm, then click on Metropolitan King County Council and select date 3/20/06. Furthermore, if you know any of the following individuals, I encourage you to both congratulate and thank them for the excellent testimony they delivered (listed in the order that they gave testimony) Marsha Botzer; Christine Landon; Karl Darrick; Naomi Adorable; John Otto; Aiden Key; Beth Barrett Bloom; Zan Lussier; Elizabeth (Beth) Reis; Tim Bradbury; Rev. Craig Darling; Sarah Luthens; James Weston; and Gwen Nakano. Kudos to everyone of the persons listed above for their outstanding testimony. Just because only our side turned out people to testify at this meeting does not mean it is over. Council President Phillips announced that there would be a second opportunity for public testimony at next week's council meeting. We fully expect our opponents to turn out in force. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDINANCE TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING AND SPEAK UP. If you would like some detailed information on how the meeting process works, you may contact me at BillDubay@aol.com for further information. The next meeting will be: Monday, March 27, 2006 at 1:30 PM. King County Courthouse 516 - 3rd Avenune (@James St), Seattle Council Chambers, 10th floor (overflow can be seated on the 12th floor balcony) As a community we can do this. DON'T LET OUR OPPONENTS OUTNUMBER US. It seems that they gave us the first meeting. That doesn't mean we have to give them the final one. Attend if you can, even if you don't plan to testify. Share this information with your friends. Lets be sure our voices are heard. I hope to see you there. Bill Dubay Seattle, WA BOSTON ARCHDIOCESE SEEKS TO LIMIT ADOPTION BY GAYS The Rainbow Sash Movement charges the Archdiocese of Boston with a failure to serve, as Jesus taught us to do. We live in a world were the lives of born children are being threatened daily, and yet we put so many other things ahead of their needs. For the Archdiocese to turn its back on children is akin to the Archdiocese turning its back on the Gospel Values the Church is suppose to promote. I think there is a lot of anger to go around. However, if there is only anger and no reason, we sink into endless finger pointing. It is natural to demonize those you don't like, it just makes it right. It is more difficult to build bridges, and outreach your hand. So should we judge all the Catholic Bishops by the actions of a few? What of the Bishops accross the country who allow GLBT families to adopt, and do it very quietly? What about options for women who are pregrant who want the baby and cannot afford it? What about Catholic Charities who does a wonderful job in not being judgemental, and allows GLBT parents to adopt. Should we like the Archdiocese of Boston through out the baby with the water because we can't have it all our way? The Archdiocese of Boston has committed an abortion of faith, they put other issues ahead of the very real needs of born children. Not all Archdiocese's and Diocese's handle it the same way. I can hear the war drums beating. Perhaps it is time to listen to Jesus and find another way. What I say to my community is what I say to my Church: this is a very complex and difficult time, let us reach out to each other and try to find a way. Sincerely, Joe Murray US Convener Rainbow Sash Movement CORRECTION In the March 10, 2006, edition of the Seattle Gay News we erroneously credited a photo of Seattle Symphony's Music Director Gerard Schwarz. The photo had been provided courtesy of Yuen Lui Studio. The SGN deeply regrets the error. |
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