Service Members Continue to Speak Out
The Visible Vote, a Presidential Forum/Blog on Logo, featured a guest commentary by Joan Garry, former executive director of GLAAD. In response to her blog, came this response from a soldier code-named 'Cody.'
"I am a gay Soldier. I have served in Iraq and I am in a stable loving relationship with a wonderful man who I love with every ounce of my being; yet he cannot share my awards, promotions, ceremonies that celebrate who and what I am. I am not asking for anything in return, I don't think gay marriage should be legislated and i don't think that 'don't ask don't tell' is necessary... by fostering a culture of exclusion we discriminate - by pointing out the obvious differences and legislating that things be the same we create discrimination and foster the ignorance of hate.
I am not asking to be singled out or to be different. There is a significant difference between those that scream for equality and mandate equal treatment and those who simply wish to be recognized as equal.
I am not sure I know the solution - but i can honestly say that if a marriage license simply said 'spouse A and Spouse B' versus husband and wife it would be so simple wouldn't it? if it was 'don't care' versus 'don't ask, don't tell' wouldn't that solve the issue?
Inclusion by legislation is not the basis of our constitution - it is not the foundation of this great nation. Although we have found ways to legislate free thinking; it only causes problems... me .. I personally think the best democratic platform is Joe Biden's - at least he doesn't seek to force a hand... to legislate how people think..."
As service members continue to speak out, and with so many of the presidential candidates calling for repeal, it seems only a matter of time when the U.S. will follow Britain and rid discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Jason KnightLabels: other blogs
-----08-09-07
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