Can I Get An “Amen”?
Well, not in the Virginia assembly, if your prayer has anything to do with justice and equality for gays and lesbians.
The Rev. Debra Peevey of the Journey of the Heart Ministries in Reston delivered the invocation to open Friday’s House of Delegates floor session.
In her prayer, Peevey took note of legislation the House has embraced this year to ban same-sex marriage and make it difficult for gays to adopt children.
“Holy One, convict those who are using their power not to lead or to guide but to harm the gay and lesbian citizens, a small minority in this commonwealth,” Peevey said.
That didn’t sit well with conservatives in the House. The usual “Amen” chorus at the end of the prayer was noticeably muted.
“I thought it was very inappropriate myself,” said Del. Kathy Byron, R-Campbell County. “This individual basically said we were using our power to harm gay or lesbian citizens.”
Keep in mind, this is a legislative body which passed legislation not only prohibiting same sex marriage, but also barring the state from recognizing any contracts between gay couples that even resembles the rights and protections of marriage. And it only narrowly missed passing legislation that would have banned gays and lesbians from being adoptive parents or even foster parents.
Maybe Ms. Byron, or some of the other neaderthalic Virginia delegates can explain how legislative their inequality actually helps gays and lesbians in Virginia. If nothing else, it might be good for laugh.
The delegates’ objections reminds me of another one of my mom’s favorite sayings. “A hit dog will holler.”
February 20th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
It’s a mind game they play with themselves.
I’m not hurting Gays…I’m helping society.
They pulled the same shit against the “nigro’s” in the 50s and 60’s
We’re not acting against the colored folk’s
We’re helping society.
It was bullshit then and it’s still bullshit now.
They are only upset because someone called them on it!
“I thought it was very inappropriate myself,” said Del. Kathy Byron, R-Campbell County. “This individual basically said we were using our power to harm gay or lesbian citizens.”
What’s the matter Mamm? That shoe fit a little too well?