Wednesday, Aug. 1, many thousands of my fellow Americans lined up for chicken sandwiches. The reasons for buying this food vary, but not much. Some of these people support a corporation’s anti-gay stance. Some oppose marriage rights for gay couples. Others believe that Christianity and homosexuality are incompatible. Still others are irritated by the visibility of gay people and by their quest for equality. As a lesbian mother, I see this rhetoric as uninformed and fearful, but I take it personally. These people munching chicken and waffle fries want to exclude me from what would strengthen my family — a legal marriage.
Millions of people nationwide enjoy marriage and parenthood. Gay people start families, too, that most states unfortunately do not recognize. My partner and I were married in another state, but in Georgia law there is no term for our relationship. We are not related to one another, nor to both of our children. Most voters here in Georgia, including here in Dalton, wanted things this way. These voters claim to value marriage and families — but only theirs, not ours.
Despite the difficulties and the persistent undermining of our familial bonds, gay families exist all over the country. If you have any interest in our lives, which are remarkably similar to your own, you can find us shopping in stores, mowing our lawns in your neighborhood, singing in the congregation at your church, and even living as a branch in your own extended family. What a shame it is that people who know the importance of a stable home don’t want to extend its individual and societal benefit to more people. I can think of absolutely no reason not to do so.
Cecile Anne de Rocher
Dalton
Opinion
August 7, 2012
Letter: Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day affects me personally
- Opinion
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Citizens of the Week: Rock Bridge Community Church volunteers
A group of members from Rock Bridge Community Church demonstrated a desire to branch beyond serving only their own recently.
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