The Inevitable

North Dakotans have a chance to join modern civilization as our legislative leadership debate giving equal protection under the law to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered population. It truly is
one of those moments in time where we have opportunity to get ahead of even ourselves. Because, quite frankly, the inevitable is still the inevitable.

And the inevitable is that our laws will eventually include all people, not just some of them, and neither just the visible majority. Senate Bill 2278 is the focus of the debate—the point of the sword so to speak. It is making its way through committee and will advance to the full senate shortly.

For some odd reason, it seems to be perceived as a partisan issue, which perplexes us. Last we knew, GLBT genetics or inclinations or proclivities were equally present in both Democratic and Republican camps, and if anything there are more Republicans needing sexual orientation protection than Dems simply because they are a bigger slice of the population.

Be that as it may, the real issue is human rights. Is it acceptable for some of our family, friends, neighbors and citizens to have less protection under the law than others simply because of a condition of birth, their sexual orientation? Is it acceptable for someone to get fired or to lose housing simply because of what chemistries exist or potentially exist in their hearts? Is it acceptable to discriminate and diminish the value of any other human beings for any reasons whatsoever?

There is a reason our laws have come to include protected classes. In fact, there are millions upon millions of reasons. Most importantly, our principled government is designed to protect the minority from being trodden upon by the majority. It is time North Dakota’s legislative leadership leaves its own prejudices at the door when they enter their respective chambers in the state capitol building. If protections under the law are selective or pick and choose, we have far greater issues to address than simple legal protections for GLBT folks.

The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is championing this effort. That coalition of organizations and people is on target. What they are asking is indeed the inevitable. It WILL happen some day. So let’s get on with it. Let’s get this over with. It will not go away, and neither will GLBT sons and daugters, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, neighbors and friends.

This argument is getting old. There is no justifiable reason for state leadership to dig in their heels and to affirm discrimination and prejudice against a small percentage of our own population. This is not a moral issue, it is a legal issue. It is not a religious issue, it is a human rights issue.

This is also an example whereby the majorities have to enact what is right for the minorities. The high road is a principled one, and one where the color of prejudice does not affect the treatment of our people. The low road fosters prejudice and does damage, unquestionably.

We urge all HPR readers to contact their respective state senators and representatives and to urge support of equal rights under the law for GLBT members of OUR community. This is a people issue and only the voice and heart of the people will put us collectively on the right path. Once accomplished, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that right prevailed over wrong, and that the impact on people we
know and love will be immense and affirming.

Speak out now. Send this email to your legislators and say, “I agree. Give all North Dakotans equal protection under the law.”

February Birthdays…

Happy February birthdays to the following folks:
Carol “Marty” Martinson, Josh Richter, Dennis Reidhammer, Kelly Vesel, Sister Di Dolce, John Lamb, Wayne Stenehjem, Terry A. Barta, Justin McKenzie, Merry Helm, Erin Sparks, Mike Dunn, Scott Hegel, Dave Engebretson, Wade Myszka, Erin Sparks, Whitney Retzer, David Paul Brooks, Dan Waffle, Gene Shannon, Serena Schwartz, Sue Matcha, Alicia Nelson, Scott Vanderhagen, Patti French, Jim Singer, Dan Mahli, Paul Johnson, and Lee Swanson.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)