September 13, 2011
COMPLETED!
(Photo by Emily Scott)
I first posted about going on a demonstration back in December when I missed the chance to counter-protest the Westboro Church’s visit to Raleigh during Elizabeth Edwards’ funeral. I knew, however, that by working in downtown, another opportunity would come my way. It was important to me to not just choose any demonstration but something that I actually do support.
I had heard murmurings for a while about a possible vote to amend the North Carolina Constitution to make gay marriage illegal. There is already a law on the books that states it’s illegal but the powers that be feel that by making it an actual amendment to the constitution, it will make it difficult for a judge to overrule the law. For more info, just go here: http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/10122896/
As the Senate convened to vote in the Legislative Building behind us, I made my way down to Halifax Square and joined the hundreds in attendance at the rally. As it was during my lunch hour, I only stayed for about 30 minutes of the 2 hour long event. I didn’t hold up a sign and I didn’t shout. I simply stood alongside others that feel this issue is one that should be considered with rationale and with empathy, rather than knee-jerk reactions and hate.
I’m a Christian and there were plenty of us there today. I’m a Republican and there were plenty of those too. At the end of the day, this really isn’t a “God-thing” or a “Republican v. Democrat-thing.” It’s simply a matter of human rights and whether you feel the person next to you is also deserving of all the rights entitled to a citizen of the United States.
As a general rule, I’m not very political. I don’t pay enough attention to the rhetoric and I mostly get annoyed by the talking heads shouting at one another, all clamoring and competing to be the loudest and most abrasive. If you want to debate this with me, go ahead. You’re probably not going to get much response because political discourse simply doesn’t get me going.
Today I exercised my right to assemble peacefully in the name of love and compassion. And I can’t think of a better reason in the world.
I’m glad you found a demonstration to go to. I think it’s even better that it is one you support.
I had a chance to attend a political rally a few years ago. It wasn’t in anything I believed in, but it was taking place on a bridge near my apartment. I couldn’t resist seeing what it was all about. In the end, it is better to go to one with issues you stand by.
Yeah, being in downtown there have been several I could have attended but I knew it would have to be something that I could actually believe in.
This post made me cry
I’m going to blame it on new mom hormones…and I’m going to keep using that excuse until my great-grandkids are grown!
Awww…thanks…you big girl!
I really admire you for doing this. I am a Christian too and sometimes face critizism when I stand up for Gay rights. However, I beleive more than a matter of sexual preference, it is a matter of basic human rights.
What a great thing to be involved in, congrats! And I love that sign
Trust me, I hear that ‘marrying your cousin-thing’ all the time living in Kentucky.
As a Republican, it should be pretty easy for you to support gay rights (even though it seems the majority of Republicans would rather be a bunch of hypocrites) as one of the basic tenets of the Republicans is a small government that doesn’t interfere with the personal lives of the citizens. Hmmmm…think about that for a minute….and then tell me why any Republican thinks it’s their business to force their morals onto anyone else via the government. My message to these people: “GET A CLUE!”
I agree! I’m all for less government! And I really don’t like it when people mess with my constitution for their whims! Yep yep!
Way to go on getting another thing off the list. I went to a similar protest a few years ago protesting the Prop 8 bill that passed here in CA. It was so great being surrounded with similar minded people wanting to make change. Glad you waited to go to a demonstration that meant something to you!
Yeah, I remember you going to that. It feels like maybe we have a chance of voting it down but…I don’t know. Every other state in the Southeast has changed their constitution for it so stands to reason we’ll join the others. We’ll see…