HomeMy WebLinkAboutNon-Discrimination Ordinance Public Comment from Cynthia Huempfner 5-29-14 May 28, 2014
Dear Mayor and City Commissioners,
Although I have not been deeply involved with the recent discussions on the perceived need for
a non-discrimination ordinance in Bozeman, essentially aimed toward sexual orientation, I'm
writing to ask for a thoughtful consideration of both sides of this issue.
While some feel this ordinance is extremely important "just in case," I simply ask that
thoughtful consideration be given to business owners who might defer providing services based
on their deeply held religious beliefs. In our amazing country, we allow people to be Christians,
Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, whatever, and they are still free to operate as citizens with full
rights. It can probably be agreed that our country was founded mostly on Christian principals
and the Bible has been accepted as a standard for morality on a wide basis, at least until the
past few decades.
There is no reason to quote chapter and verse, but it is true that marriage of a same-sex couple
is not condoned in the Bible. If someone believes that they should be using the Bible as their
guide in life—an idea that was quite prevalent not that long ago—they should not have to
choose between following their religious belief or being put out of business—for example, they
may choose not to decorate the wedding cake or be the photographer for a same-sex marriage.
We are not talking hate here. We are talking holding to heartfelt religious beliefs. When
services can be obtained by other businesses, there should be no penalty assessed if a business
or person respectfully says they cannot perform that service based on their religious beliefs.
There are way too many cases in the courts already where activists simply look until they find a
business that says just that—and immediately throw them into litigation with the purpose
being to put them out of business or ruin them in any way they can. Other businesses in the
area would supply the services they request, but there isn't an interest in that. The interest is
in "punishing," in whatever way possible,the business that doesn't think just like they do and
embrace their idea.
We have been a great country because of our tolerance for many beliefs. Today it certainly
seems that there is tolerance every place except for a Christian. Yet I personally know of so
many people who are Christians and help and meet the needs of so many others in this
community. They are not driven by hate, but from deep love for humanity fostered from their
deeply-held religious beliefs. Please, please show true tolerance, both for those who hold
these deep religious beliefs and choose to follow them, and for those who disagree with those
same religious beliefs. Hate is a word thrown around for emotional effect, but I, myself, have
never seen it in the people I know who hold these deep religious beliefs. I realize you can find
extremists on both sides of any issue, but protect both sides from extremists.
It seems apparent that you will pass a ruling of some kind to be sure Bozeman is a place of
tolerance. Make it true tolerance. Don't make a business have to live in fear of being targeted
by extremists and go through thousands of dollars of litigation if the owners have to choose
between following their long-held religious beliefs or disobeying them.
I can't imagine that anyone, no matter what gender, cross-gender, sexual preference, etc. they
had, could not find any business or service in Bozeman that would meet their needs. Having
lived in Bozeman for 37 years, I also don't see a need for this ordinance. However, it is
definitely the "politically correct"thing to do now, and I'm sure you will do it. But you can show
true tolerance and allow a business or service provider a religious exclusion if that can be
shown. Please don't allow one-way tolerance. Support religious freedom as it is allowed in our
constitution. Again, I cannot believe in our community that any service would be denied 100%
to anyone, but it shouldn't be forced 100%on anyone either.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this. This proposed ordinance is important
and far reaching and should never be taken lightly. You are given a duty and responsibility to
all. Use it well. Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
Cy t is Huempfner
52 ack Leg Lane
Bozeman, MT 59715