Editor, Times-Union: This is in reply to the letter "Take a Stand", submitted by Rick Bradley on June 28.
Mr. Bradley, you referred to the recent employment policy passed by Gov. Mitch Daniels. I had a chance to read about most of this policy and even though I myself am gay, and may I add a gay Christian, I have to admit that I personally feel that the policy goes somewhat too far. I do not believe in "special rights" for anyone in the homosexual, bi-sexual or transgender communities. In fact, I do not believe in "special rights" for anyone at all. I simply believe in equal rights for all. And by the way, I am very satisfied and happy with the way that I am treated and accepted in my workplace. I am not looked at any different than anyone else.
You mentioned also that under this new policy, "Those in the homosexual community are entitled to special rights and privileges not available to heterosexuals." This policy has to do with the rights of the transgender community, therefore, nothing was given nor taken away from any other community. I do agree that what some of the policy states would be a privacy issue, i.e. the showering issue, which I agree is a bit unneccesary and far fetched.
I brought this issue to the table as I spent the holiday weekend with a large group of friends (mostly homosexual) and they to agreed that we do not want "special rights," only equal rights.
One thing that you did mention that I do not agree with is when you said, "Together, we can take our country back from those whose primary goal is to destroy the values and morals that have safeguarded this country for more than 200-plus years." Many, if not the majority of those in the homosexual community, have many of the same values as anyone else. Our primary goal is not to "destroy" anything or anyone. Our goals are to have solid, committed relationships, many want families, and we want to live with the freedom in which you live. We do not want to fight, hurt or hate. At one time, society looked down on the gay community for being so flamboyant and for "sleeping around" so much. But now, when all that we want is to settle down with one person, to have families, go to church and to live with that freedom and that right and to live normal lives, we are looked down upon again. So, no, our primary goal is not to "destroy" anything.
I just wanted to submit this letter not to condemn nor attack anyone, but to let people know that there are many of us that do not agree with "special rights", but we do stand tall for equal rights.
