Editor, Times-Union: So here’s the deal for anyone who is confused. Yes, freedom of speech gives anyone the right to say whatever they want. The CEO of Chick-Fil-A has every right to oppose same sex marriage. BUT the same constitution that gives him that right also gives me the right to boycott his company and any other company or person that supports the hate and discrimination of my sister, my cousins, my friends and the millions of others in this world who never once hurt anyone.
When my cousin, who happens to be a lesbian, not my lesbian cousin because you know I don’t label them like that; tall cousin, fat cousin, skinny cousin, stinky cousin, etc. That's just stupid. So anyways, when my cousin got married I didn’t see anything burst into flames. The stock market didn’t crash, the earth didn’t flood. No crazy Armageddon type of thing that so many people obviously think will happen. I mean, that’s what some people must think, right? There’s no other reason I can possibly think of that would justify such hatred of complete strangers other than fear of the end of the world. And anyone who thinks same-sex marriage would somehow destroy the sanctity of marriage, well, I think the straight people have that one covered with all the abuse, divorce and infidelity.
I don’t want to hear how it goes against the Bible. Please. That one is all played out. Give me a reason that has nothing to do with religion because that God who supposedly taught you it was OK to hate, taught me to love my fellow man even with their differences. You worried your children might suddenly end up in the nut house because they saw a gay couple holding hands? Well, if they’re taught it’s OK to bully and kill someone for being gay they will surely end up in prison. Let me tell you, I hope I’m on that jury.
Every gay couple I know teaches kids about love, kindness, respect and acceptance. Those are real family values. People want their kids to be happy with who they are but every day they teach their kids the exact opposite by discriminating against those who are different. We’re all different. There is no “perfect” person on this earth. Anyone who wants to start condemning people for being gay, well, let’s just see what’s in your closet of secrets. I’m not telling anyone they must support same-sex marriage. It’s totally up to you. You have that right. Just remember I have the right to walk away from anyone who is being hateful toward my family and friends who never once did anything to hurt you.
