As many blogs and news outlets are reporting, in Vermont the state legislature is considering a bill to legalize gay marriage. As is the case when bills are considered testimony has been taken by legislative committees. Set forth below is a video of the testimony of James Neiley, a 17 year old, who shows wisdom far beyond his years. His testimony is poised, articulate, and gets directly to the heart of why marriage equality is so critical: to show us and the world that we are equal and that we are not inferior. I have often said that while the Christianists and Mormons claim that that they are only seeking to "protect marriage," as James notes, the goal is to send a constant messages to gays and to society that gays are inferior, gays are not normal, and that even the law recognizes this inferiority by giving us fewer rights. It's an insidious and damaging message. I urge you to watch the video. Here's how Q-tips described James and his testimony:*
This is one very smart, articulate and courageous kid. We must keep in mind that he is luckier than most because he has accepting parents and family members. Obviously his parents did a great job raising him. He is profoundly eloquent when he explains how he would raise a child without the blight of bigotry. This youngster is the antidote to cynicism
1 comment:
This young man is our future.
His parents, relatives and friends should be very proud of him.
I've put up this inspiring video on LGBT Rainbow Links Newscenter.
Thank you for finding it, for all of us.
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