Sen. John Eichelberger was on RadioTimes on Friday to discuss legislation relating to marriage. Close to the end of the program he made this statement regarding gays and lesbian:
Leach: Should our only policy towards [same-sex] couples be one of punishment, to somehow prove that they’ve done something wrong?
Eichelberger: They’re not being punished. We’re allowing them to exist, and do what every American can do. We’re just not rewarding them with any special designation.
When I heard this it was so outrageous I listened to the podcast and, indeed, that is exactly what he said. Allowing them to exist? What does that mean? If he decides gays shouldn't exist will they all disappear, perhaps with the help of people who agree with Eichelberger? They're being allowed to do what every American can do? How nice, especially for those who are American citizens.
Let's hope it was just unfortunate wording on his part, but words have meaning and his wording speaks volumes.
Keystone Progress has set up a webpage that will help you send a note to Sen. Eichelberger should you wish to express an opinion on his remarks.
Posts
3 comments:
What a dinosaur. I can't help but wonder if this is how white supremacists felt about african-americans during the civil rights movement. "Don't shake the apple cart, at least we allow to exist. You have SOME audacity to expect more than this." The idea that this man speaks for my state is repellant.
Yeah, that's exactly what he meant. They are allowed to continue to exist. In their immense toleration, they won't stand for upsetting episodes like that unfortunate Matthew Shepherd incident. So long as they don't hold hands in public or anything gross like that. The worst is, he thinks he's being reasonable. ARGH.
I always wonder what people like Eichelberger expect gay people to do. Never talk? Marry for social reasons, like Jim McGreevey? It amazes me. Saying "allow to exist" implies that he could change his mind at any minute and disallow people to exist. There is a real implied threat.
Post a Comment