On Tuesday, Gov. Sam Brownback announced he had rescinded protections granted to gays and lesbians who are employed by the state. BROWNBACK is on the wrong side of history with the decision. FUTURE generations will look back at laws that ban same-sex marriage as a means to oppress, not serve. The same can be said for Brownback’s decision to rescind legal protections for gays and lesbians.
Brownback lifted the anti-discrimination clause because he is a religious zealot who believes homosexuality is a sin — and obviously a crime.
It’s one thing to hold such convictions privately, but quite another to make them the law of the land.
Brownback’s decision is nothing more than gratuitous discrimination. Lifting the anti-discrimination ban doesn’t serve any segment of the population except other bigots. And what does it tell them? That they can now freely malign a small sector of the population without fear of retribution.
For most of us, the law was a no-brainer. Of course we shouldn’t pass someone up for a promotion just because he or she is gay. Of course those of different sexual orientations should not be treated as outcasts. Of course gays should have the same opportunities to openly pursue the same aspirations to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as everyone else.
Just not in Kansas, not now.
Younger generations, particularly, see no use in judging a person by his sexual preferences. In another generation gay marriage will be accepted law, or perhaps even earlier if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in its favor this summer. Already, hundreds of thousands have registered at HRC.org to pledge their support of gay marriage in a brief to be sent to the justices by March 6. HRC stands for Human Rights Campaign and works for equal rights in the workplace, among other causes.
It speaks volumes that Brownback, ever mindful of creating a legacy, wants this black spot on his resumé.
— Susan Lynn
Rescinding protections heavy-handed message of hate
