Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Editor, Times-Union:
I am proud of the North Manchester community which shows such love and grace for everyone. That Clayton and his friend feel safe and welcome in North Manchester is affirming our tolerance and respect for each of God’s creation, who are to be His “image-bearers.” (Gen. 1:26) (We are not all God’s “children” - Jn. 8:41, 44; 3:7; Mt. 13.38; 1 Jn 3:8-19).
That said, I feel that the drag show they are planning for April 24 at the Firehouse has no redeeming value and should be banned from any public property. Since the Firehouse is owned by the town, Town Council has the right and responsibility to decide who uses this venue, just as they prohibit smoking, drugs and alcohol in public spaces. I hope they would also prohibit a strip show in the Firehouse, a topless bar on Main Street or prostitution on the street corner.
While the drag show may be affirming to the LGBTQ community and their “icons,” a drag show has no redeeming value: physically, mentally or spiritually. The LG community “icons” lose up to 35+ years off of a normal lifespan because of STDs, Hepatitis A, B and C, as well as many other health issues. This was the case even with my own cousin, who died (age 46) 35 years younger than his dad (age 81). My aunt and uncle buried their only son, and never had grandchildren. Transgenders sterilize and perhaps mutilate their own bodies, and still have a 19 times higher suicide rate (even in affirming countries). This is not healthy physically or mentally, and affirming care does not change these facts.
LGBT goes against scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments and the Quran. Even the Anglo-Saxons and many other cultures prohibited homosexuality hundreds of years ago. This is not something to encourage or celebrate.
“Inclusivity” does not mean endorsing unhealthy, immoral or sinful behavior. The drag show would affirm the LGBT lifestyle and likely groom in new members. This is not redeeming even to the health of LGBTQ members and is detrimental to the families and spiritual values and standards of our community.
Therefore, I am asking that the town council (ecclesia) would prohibit drag shows in any of our public buildings. And they should also prohibit strip shows, topless bars and prostitution lest someone get ideas to start these.
“A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole batch (it perverts the concept of faith and misleads the church).” (Gal 5:9 AMP). Not to mention misleading the children! “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” (1 Cor. 15:33).
I hope you will join me at our next North Manchester Town Council meeting at 7 p.m. March 4 at the public safety building.
Russ Reahard
North Manchester via email
