In the recent letter titled "Biblical truth provides the only true foundation" the writer once again maligns gays and lesbians by equating them with pedophiles. It is very disappointing that this same writer is continuing his campaign of misinformation to promote his agenda of intolerance.
While the Founding Fathers did have great understanding of the tenets of liberty, it was not without flaws. It took a Constitutional Amendment and Supreme Court cases to extend equality to women and people of color. And like the Bible, the Constitution allowed for the practice of slavery. It was not until a civil war almost 80 years later that the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution outlawed slavery.
Sadly, using the Bible to denigrate certain groups of people is an old tactic used by some to force their interpretations of the scriptures on everyone else. The constructs of religious freedom and civil liberties do not have to be mutually exclusive. There are plenty of gays and lesbians of faith and many different denominations that embrace their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in Christ.
Please do not let fear and intolerance distort any religion. The previous writer's statement "May God raise up a new generation of patriots who will adamantly defend family and freedom in our great nation" is offensive. We are trying to defend our families and freedom by expecting the same rights, responsibilities, and protections as heterosexuals. Just like opposite sex couples, we are not morally depraved and undeserving of equality in our society. Certainly, we have the right to be treated with dignity and not compared to the worst elements in our society.
Kim Williams
Vienna, W.Va.
