Submitted by MarkDaMan on Wed, 12/07/2005 - 2:51pm.
Yes, the people of Oregon voted to restrict the rights of a minority population. That doesn't make it right, but we aren't talking about the state of Oregon. We are talking locally, and you can go to the county website and realize the majority, in fact, a very large majority both in MultCo and Portland voted to allow gay marriage. So in essence, this ordinance is following the desires of local voters which is why we have locally elected leaders.
Comparing smoking with the gay civil rights issues is a bit irresponsible. If for no other reason and there are plenty, smoking harms not just the smoker but also the people around the smoker, many times a smoker walks right up to a person already resting on a park bench, restaurant patio, or TriMet stop and lights up. Studies show second hand smoke is even more dangerous than the person inhaling. However, a homosexual couple to the best of my knowledge has yet to be found to cause cancer, gum disease, or any other dangers to themselves or people that happen to be in their vicinity.
I'm glad you fought for our country. When a soldier is following the instruction of our president they are to be commended and looked upon as heros, regardless of the conflict. I have lost friends in this war and I have nothing but respect for their lives, and despite my objections to this I war, I do believe if the military didn't force me to stay in the closet or be discharged I might be serving, and dying, next to my former classmates that are still fighting to win this conflict.
But, because of discrimination, I'm not even allowed to serve my country. Marriage, ha. The ability to visit my partner in the hospital, are you kidding me, not if his family object! Even the life insurance policy I provide to him can be taken by greedy relatives.
I think in a progressive city, the city council has the responsibility to take this one small step in the effort to equal the playing field for all its residents.
re: The Equal Benefits Ordinance
Yes, the people of Oregon voted to restrict the rights of a minority population. That doesn't make it right, but we aren't talking about the state of Oregon. We are talking locally, and you can go to the county website and realize the majority, in fact, a very large majority both in MultCo and Portland voted to allow gay marriage. So in essence, this ordinance is following the desires of local voters which is why we have locally elected leaders.
Comparing smoking with the gay civil rights issues is a bit irresponsible. If for no other reason and there are plenty, smoking harms not just the smoker but also the people around the smoker, many times a smoker walks right up to a person already resting on a park bench, restaurant patio, or TriMet stop and lights up. Studies show second hand smoke is even more dangerous than the person inhaling. However, a homosexual couple to the best of my knowledge has yet to be found to cause cancer, gum disease, or any other dangers to themselves or people that happen to be in their vicinity.
I'm glad you fought for our country. When a soldier is following the instruction of our president they are to be commended and looked upon as heros, regardless of the conflict. I have lost friends in this war and I have nothing but respect for their lives, and despite my objections to this I war, I do believe if the military didn't force me to stay in the closet or be discharged I might be serving, and dying, next to my former classmates that are still fighting to win this conflict.
But, because of discrimination, I'm not even allowed to serve my country. Marriage, ha. The ability to visit my partner in the hospital, are you kidding me, not if his family object! Even the life insurance policy I provide to him can be taken by greedy relatives.
I think in a progressive city, the city council has the responsibility to take this one small step in the effort to equal the playing field for all its residents.