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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Public Comment from Sharon Henderson 4-21-14From:Sharon Henderson To:Agenda Subject:Bozeman Non-Discrimination Ordinance Date:Sunday, April 20, 2014 10:11:30 PM Dear City Commissioners, When I moved to Bozeman four years ago, I felt something special about this community. Today, I still feel that way. It’s a welcoming community filled with so many people who are willing to give their time and effort to make this a wonderful place to live. I have never felt I could not be myself in Bozeman. I’m a Christian, and I’m protected. I’m a woman, and I’m protected. I’m a lesbian, but I’m not protected. I never imagined I could be discriminated against, but the reality is, I can. I’ve heard statements made both in favor and against the proposed Non-Discrimination Ordinance. For those opposed, I can understand their passion, as I feel just as strongly in support of the ordinance. But, their arguments fall short of reality with no basis in fact, and I feel most are created from fear and lack of understanding. Let me address a few of those comments opposing the ordinance: With regard to businesses not wanting to sign the NDO petition to oppose, you heard they feared being “boycotted, picketed, trashed, sued and otherwise threatened.” Let’s be clear; many LGBT people live with these types of fears every day of their life. Signing such a petition is no more of a guarantee of these reactions than those who sign a petition supporting it, yet those businesses signed. A Christian youth director stated he would be “forced to hire homosexuals” and “safety of all children would be at risk.” First, the ordinance wouldn’t force anyone to hire anybody. And secondly, the safety of children at camp or any other venue has nothing to do with one’s sexuality, and to state it as fact is unjust. Similarly to the above statement, those who voiced concern about “predators” in women’s restrooms have a misguided notion of those who commit such predatory acts. It’s fear-based and blatantly false. Children are no more at risk with this ordinance. The Christian argument is the most popular and perhaps the only one left that’s used against equality for the LGBT community. One of the opponents stated that they (“Christian” business owners) “should not be forced to do business with people who engage in activities they don’t agree with.” If that were just a general statement, business owners may not have many patrons. But, I believe this is the “against my Christian faith” argument directed specifically at the gay community. While biblical scholars and clerics still debate the interpretation of the Bible, some self-described Christians use freedom of religion to suit their personal beliefs. It’s interesting what the issue is when they decide to play that card, because there are other biblical beliefs that don’t get the same reaction. Additionally, most “Christians” don’t want governmental interference unless it suits their agenda. I don’t think this ordinance affects religious freedom and many members of the faith community have united in support of it. I won’t dignify the uneducated, personal attacks as it smacked of desperation and has no basis here. But, if that’s a Christian, I don’t know his God. To be certain, the ordinance doesn’t give anything special to the LGBT community. It affords them the same rights as every other citizen in this community. As a Christian, an NDO takes nothing away from my rights. As a woman, an NDO takes nothing away from me. As a lesbian, the NDO offers me equal opportunity. The commissioners represent the citizens of Bozeman, ALL the citizens. None of us knows everyone’s religious beliefs, sexuality, or personal history, so we establish laws to protect and treat them equally the best way we can. This is your charge and that includes protections for the LGBT members of this city. While I truly believe Bozeman is a wonderful, welcoming community, and the majority of the people here would not discriminate against its fellow citizens, a non-discrimination ordinance such as this says all are welcome here – to live, work and enjoy the benefits of this community but, perhaps more importantly, it protects those of us who would like to live our lives as freely and openly as our neighbors. Most sincerely, Sharon Henderson 95 Myles Rd. Bozeman, MT 59718