Those Good Christian Values

By Jason Joslyn, 17, Windsor

Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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To be in the hub of fiery social conflict is a position where one can find himself yearning for voice and reason. Often leading to social turmoil, political controversies accomplish the debilitating act of placing minorities in the glare of publicity. Here, these minorities have been forced to endure rampant stereotyping, separation from society, and altogether hatred.

In the newspaper's December 13, 2003 Maine Compass column, Michael Heath [Executive Director of the Augusta-based Christian Civic League of Maine] pulls out all stops in degrading homosexuals. Sometime during last year's political churnings, the homosexual identity has been questioned, marred, and scorned enough times by the negligent anti-gay-rights activists to jar even those normally passive. Embedded in anti-gay rights activists arguments and minds is the strange notion that disagreeing on a matter immediately constitutes grounds to vilify their opposition.

As much as I appreciate candor, I find it disturbing to open a newspaper's public forum and find, to my amazement, that my complete existence as a homosexual merely adds up to "sin," defined by sexual promiscuity, lack of common sense, and wallowing narcissism. Apparently I didn't get the memo.

I am deficient in understanding just how these groups of anti-gay rights activists came to establish that crude stereotypes reflect all of gay society. You would think that these socially conscious and christian organizations would be so loving and enlightened enough as to realize that not every homosexual is a rapist, drug-addict, and image-obsessed freak who is incapable of unconditional love and companionship. For some reason, this method of stereotyping homosexuals out of contempt for opposition doesn't succeed in proving superlative existence. These groups combating homosexuals simply have nothing better to do than to defile the intentions of their opposition. As seen time and again, the minority is scorned for standing up for what they believe in. Unlike those who oppose gay rights, homosexuals, as wrong as we may be, hold more dignity and pride than to publicly embarrass ourselves with unjust and illogical hatred towards others.

Being homosexual amongst legions of myopic hate-mongers is hard enough in itself. Heath doesn't acknowledge this fact, considering he argues that, "Some Mainers reason "Give em what they want, then they will shut up" and allowing gay marriage would be a "slide to decadence" clearly showing he hasn't found the time to understand the pain and suffering homosexuals must endure.

Heath forgets to mention that gay teens are up to twice as likely to commit suicide compared to their straight classmates, and are at significantly higher risk for depression related substance abuse problems. If Heath were truly an advocate for bettering society, he would understand that these issues are real and his publicized intolerance is adding more fuel to the homophobic brushfires of hatred. The only "slide to decadence" is occurring in the minds of our hate mongers. Heath's comments help create and perpetuate ill will and violence directed at gay society. One can't help but realize the irony of this so-called "Christian" message.

In a world and epoch of perfection, driven by the media images of the perfect body and glamorous existence, how can one ridicule anyone for wanting to be the best they can be? Homosexuals live in the same world as everyone else. We have the same goals, ambitions, and attitudes. Heed the fact that humankind is progressive, and homosexuals, not unlike any others, aspire to better themselves. The world is not going to stay the same, as the foundations of family values and the institution of marriage will surely change.

The Kennebec Journal spoke the truth in stating that those who reject homosexual marriage rely on a weak argument. For the sake of debate, while the anti-gays hide behind the bible in defending the institution of marriage, I will hide behind the constitution. Every American has the right to do so. Considering that the constitution clearly states that both men and women are to be treated as equals and there is to be no differentiation between the sexes, technically anyone in any situation would be treated uniformly. Why doesn't the same apply to marriage? Step away from the bible here, as you may have heard they separated the entities, and realize that you are trying to deprive us of our rights, as Americans above homosexuals.

In essence, I feel sorry for those of you in opposition to gay marriage and social progression. I feel sorry, that as a young and innocent high school senior, I have learned great lessons of life quicker than you. Embracing diversity and valuing tolerance, as well as understanding what true disagreement is, are crucial in maintaining civil social order. Don't get me wrong, I encourage all intelligent opinions. When the tireless debates over gay rights have finally ended, and the minority has won the competition created by the hatred, as I'm sure we will, remember that homosexuals were the ones who fought fairly and kindly for their voice.

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