Watch Out!!

Defending the Sanctity of Marriage…

Running to Raise Money For Marriage Equality

Soldier Gets Booed at GOP Debate

Last night a soldier was booed at the GOP debate either because he was gay or because he was asking a question in regards to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). I find this whole section of the debate very disturbing for three reasons. The first being that, regardless of the reason, he was booed. He is a soldier and deserves respect like any other soldier for his service to the United States of America. Secondly, I am appalled, although not surprised, that none of the candidates said anything regarding this lack of patriotism. Finally, I am disgusted by Rick Santorum’s response.

Santorum’s states that the repeal of DADT is giving gay soldiers an extra privilege. I fail to see how a gay soldier not hiding their sexual orientation is a special privilege that their heterosexual counterparts don’t have. He also correlates DADT with sex and mentions that sex needs to stay out of the military. DADT is not about sex, it is about forcing soldiers to hide who they are. He mentions that if he was president that he would bring back DADT. He goes further by making the statement “Keep it to your self, whether you are heterosexual or homosexual.” Does this mean that Rick Santorum would discharge any soldier that mentioned their heterosexual partner just like DADT would discharge a gay soldier if they mentioned their homosexual partner? If so, I am seriously concerned about the security of our country as our army will likely be non-existent.

The challenge: I challenge everyone reading this, especially Republicans, to attempt to live under DADT for one week to try to get a sliver of understanding in regards to what it must be like for a soldier or a gay person that has to hide who they are because they are fearful they will fired. Now obviously if you are straight, chances are your co-workers already know this. In these cases, just quickly change the subject if someone asks you about your straight significant other or children. You will not be able to talk about your spouse or children for the week unless you are at home with them. Make sure when communicating with others that you don’t discuss any details about your life that would indicate that you are straight. Make sure that you are careful with your pronouns. Also, make sure you know what you are going to say when your co-workers ask you what you did last weekend. This one can get you in a lot of trouble. These are all things that soldiers had to do just to serve our country.

This is a serious challenge. I would love to hear your experience even if you only make it a day without “outing” yourself as straight. Leave a comment to let me know how it went.

Governor Dayton’s Symbolic Veto

Courtesy of my aunt.

MN Republican Rep. Kriesel’s Speech

As many know, last night the Minnesota House of Representatives debated and voted to add a proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage to the 2012 ballot. It was decided to allow the majority decide what rights the minority should have. There were many powerful speeches, but I think Rep. Kriesel’s had the most impact. He is a Republican that decided to go against his party and vote for what he felt was right. Come next November, I hope many others find the courage that Rep. Kriesel had and vote for what they know in their hearts is right and not because of how their party tells them to.

If you would like to thank Representative Kriesel for his words you can follow him on Twitter or Facebook.