Equal rights belong to all people. God loves all of his children regardless of their sexual preference. So who are we to draw such arbitrary distinctions in His name? [Rev. Tom Heather, Central Congregational Church]
On Tuesday evening the Galesburg Coalition for Equal Rights conducted an open community forum to discuss their ongoing quest to include sexual orientation as a protected group within Galesburg's existing human relations ordinance. The meeting was well attended by sympathizers but the opposition was also well represented vocally�� if not numerically.
Coalition Co-chairs Paul Steenis and Virginia Kasser were joined at the dais by Galesburg Mayor Bob Sheehan, local attorney Chris Kanthak, Rick Garcia of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, Heather, and Karen Kistler of the Galesburg Human Relations Commission. Each took their turn speaking before a crowd gathered in the Galesburg Community Center.
Most of the rhetoric was familiar to those who have followed this issue. The focus of the panelists was on fighting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. "It saddens me and is beyond my comprehension that we must still fight to gain equal rights protections for any group including homosexuals," began Kanthak.
"When you strip away the emotionalism and hyperbole most people, including myself, support equal rights protections which cover everyone. I think the important point of this amendment is that it is a beginning point. If a number of communities and individuals embrace these issues then maybe our politicians will understand that this is something they can and should address without fear. At some point this issue must be dealt with at the state or federal level."
Sheehan made it very clear that he was speaking only for himself as he lent his personal and political support behind the amendment. "To me this is clearly a matter of discrimination, nothing more. The only moral issue is the readily acknowledged objections most of us hold against discrimination of any kind."
The strident opposition to the amendment was fast to the draw; Harold Wilson became the first audience member to be recognized. He began his remarks by pointing out that he objected to "the sinful behavior" rather than the sinners themselves. He and his fellow Baptists were more than willing to accept homosexuals who were actively repenting, according to Wilson.
Reverend Leigh Nygard of the Galesburg Rescue Mission joined Wilson in opposing the amendment on moral and Biblical grounds. Nygard attempted to separate this civil rights battle from that of blacks. This argument didn't seem to play well with the crowd�� largely sympathetic to the amendment. Nygard, thanks to some careless language, did manage to ignite the passions of one vocal audience member, Millicent Bess, who promptly took great offense to his remarks.
Two Galesburg City Council who had voted against the amendment attended the forum but sat quietly listening in the back of the room. Margaret Hall and Tony Gerk gave no indication that their views have since moderated.
Rick Garcia of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights Garcia was held up in Chicago area traffic and arrived late to the meeting. Instead of a prepared speech, he answered audience questions and responded to charges by amendment critics. Later he offered his personal observations regarding the Galesburg battlefront.
"The gay rights movement has recognized that this is the front lines of our battle for civil rights protections in this country�� the heart of the heartland. Galesburg is much more civilized than many other communities where similar battle have been fought. While the arguments of the Galesburg opposition are based on misconceptions, misperceptions and 'false facts' the discussion tends to be less vulgar."
"We have noticed elsewhere that many opponents have traded their white hoods for clerical collars. They stand up and attempt to marginalize and demonize gay and lesbian people. The whole issue is, are we going to treat people fairly and equitably or are we not? Will we as a society continue to tolerate discrimination and intolerance against gays and lesbians?"
The opponents to this measure are nearly unanimous in condemning the "sinful" sexual behavior of homosexuals rather than the persons themselves. Interestingly, few apparently realize that there is nearly total commonality in the sex acts performed by homosexuals and heterosexuals. Furthermore, the moral and legal battle against sex acts not directly related to conception was abandoned years ago with Illinois' repeal of sodomy laws.
You hear no cry for heterosexual abstention from oral or anal sex from these religious opponents. You hear far more sympathy than condemnation for alcoholics by these same religious leaders. Adulterers aren't cast aside with the same degree of derision as homosexuals and gambling is now a generally accepted fund-raising technique for many churches despite Biblical prohibitions against such activities. The apparent moral hypocrisy is hard to understand."
Steenis said the message he would most like conveyed to the Galesburg residents who were not in attendance is that "It's most important that everyone know that no one's civil rights are fully protected in this community with regard to their jobs, housing or even public accommodation. There is a major misunderstanding that discrimination based on sexual orientation is already protected elsewhere. This simply isn't the case. Gay and lesbian people are already here and making valuable and significant contributions to the Galesburg community. Passage of this amendment sends a strong message that Galesburg values diversity."
Asked just what effect passage of the amendment could be expected to accomplish,
Kasser replied: "I think the biggest change that people would notice is the welcoming
message this sends to all members of the Galesburg community. People who have felt
or even feared discrimination based upon their sexual orientation could begin to feel
more accepted as valued members of this community. They would then have a
legitimate expectation of being treated with dignity and respect. This is more than a
symbolic gesture."