There are days when living in Virginia is beyond depressing. Today is one such day. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled by the passage of marriage equality in Washington State and the amazing comments made by Governor Christine Gregorie before she signed the legislation (see the video clip below). I honestly believe that she is correct when she describes LGBT equality as the defining civil rights issue of today - especially in the eyes of the younger generation - and that history will judge states based on how they treated their LGBT citizens. Right now, Virginia seems set on a course to rival the negative images associated with Mississippi and Alabama.
The Advocate has more details on the momentous events in Olympia - my oldest daughter's new home town - and what actions the Christofascists may endeavor to take to block the legislation's effective date.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to not to contrast the surge toward the future and equality in Washington State with the situation here in Virginia where the Republican controlled General Assembly has the state hurtling backwards in time as it passes laws legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination, disenfranchising minorities, passing anti-women bills, granting special rights to religious extremists, and pushing forward a "personhood" bill that would in effect outlaw all abortion and many current forms of contraception. WTF happened to this state that in the founding days of the nation was a fountain of enlightenment? I can't help but wonder how much linger before I feel compelled to leave. Being treated as less than human by one's home state is soul killing and I fear for what many young LGBT Virginians must be feeling. I can only hope that they will have hope for the future - a future that most likely, if they are lucky, included leaving Virginia as soon as practicable.
Watch the video of Governor Gregorie and then contrast her leadership with that of Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell. And ask yourself who is the real Christian and who is the modern day Pharisee. Congratulations to Washington State. Virginia desperately needs to be saved from the haters and modern day Pharisees like Mr. McDonnell and Victoria Cobb, the princess of hate at The Family Foundation.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to not to contrast the surge toward the future and equality in Washington State with the situation here in Virginia where the Republican controlled General Assembly has the state hurtling backwards in time as it passes laws legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination, disenfranchising minorities, passing anti-women bills, granting special rights to religious extremists, and pushing forward a "personhood" bill that would in effect outlaw all abortion and many current forms of contraception. WTF happened to this state that in the founding days of the nation was a fountain of enlightenment? I can't help but wonder how much linger before I feel compelled to leave. Being treated as less than human by one's home state is soul killing and I fear for what many young LGBT Virginians must be feeling. I can only hope that they will have hope for the future - a future that most likely, if they are lucky, included leaving Virginia as soon as practicable.
Watch the video of Governor Gregorie and then contrast her leadership with that of Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell. And ask yourself who is the real Christian and who is the modern day Pharisee. Congratulations to Washington State. Virginia desperately needs to be saved from the haters and modern day Pharisees like Mr. McDonnell and Victoria Cobb, the princess of hate at The Family Foundation.
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