LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
SPEAK Out |
Sen. John Still's perennial bill to change Delaware's constitution to ban same-gender marriage, civil unions and even domestic partnerships thankfully never advances. But stunning to me was Rep. Pamela Thornburg's rationale for signing on to this piece of garbage as co-sponsor: her constituents, including the Amish, wanted it.
Amish people of course refrain from voting, lobbying and other involvement in secular government, so this is disingenuous. But should a legislator use majority opinion to decide minority rights? Is "I was only following orders" ever enough of a rationale? If so, African-Americans would still be enslaved. Jews could be restricted in housing. And since once only men voted, women, including Rep. Thornburg, would be unable to hold public office or even vote. The majority has often been wrong concerning minority civil rights. Our Delaware legislators must not pander to popular prejudice but do the right thing, come what may. And by the way, Sen. Still is not the one to tell me what my family values should be. Toward equality, Douglas Marshall-Steele Letters to Letters should be sent to editor@camprehoboth.com or mailed to 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth, DE 19971. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include a daytime phone number for verification. Unsigned letters will not be published. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 11 August 10, 2007 |