By Dixon Bledsoe
One of the nice things about social media is that people are not shy about voicing their opinions. There was no shortage of responses (over 100) when I asked via Facebook about last week’s court ruling effectively overturning the Oregon ban on same sex marriages. A disclaimer of sorts – everyone quoted gave permission for their comments to be published. This “Person On the Street” interview is top-heavy with supporters of same sex marriage. Six people who opposed responded, but only one agreed to be quoted.
Joshua Anderson of the Silverton area believes “God is more concerned with a lot of other issues going on in America, such as idolatry of self, which is a huge one, materialism and selfishness (people getting trampled by Black Friday Shoppers), and the way we mistreat the environment, God’s creation. In comparison, gay rights are a minor thing.”
Dr. Barbara Keller of Silverton has a different take. “The bottom line for me is always that the right choice is the one which grants the most freedom to the most people in the most ways, without classifying people unnecessarily. That is the Constitution, baby. And no, it does NOT degrade anyone else’s marriage.”
Melissa Pedigo is “proud of Oregon finally making the move forward… Equality is all people want, and protection when unfortunate things happen.”
Another Silvertonian, Tamara Rich, thinks it was a good decision. “People should be able to love who they love without judgments from anyone.”
Renee Bianchi, who has been with her partner Celia Stapleton for 16 years and was legally married in 2004 when Multnomah County issued same sex marriage licenses, feels this is an historic event, especially since the license for the two to marry was rescinded. “The main problem with marriage defined by the state is that marriage is a religious belief. Once marriage confers rights such as tax breaks for married people living together, medical visitation rights, and a myriad of other rights, then the problems begin.”
Joel Autry of Silverton has the perspective of both an African American and a gay man who has been in a loving relationship for 14 years. “People are free to dislike me, free to yell nasty comments at me and judge me. What they are not free to do is to treat me as less of a person than they are under the law. That is what this is all about.”
Angie Lindstedt-Knutson feels things should not be this difficult. “Love is love is love. Simple as that. “
Stefanie August of Scotts Mills-Silverton felt, “Now the LGBT community can be protected in rights pertinent to married loving couples who share homes, bank accounts, car payments, raising kids, etc.”
Austin McIntire, a Silverton resident for many years, cites another chapter in the country’s history. “I don’t understand that lifestyle in the slightest, but I can tell you that in a way it borders on the shadow of segregation/civil rights.”
David Kazel responded, “All USA citizens and taxpayers deserve the same rights and protections under the law, including the right to marry regardless of sexual orientation.”
Beatrice Shapiro of Silverton had some fun. “Apparently gay marriage is going to be The End of Marriage As We Know It”, Beatrice offered. “Not sure how a bunch of happy, committed, loving couples enjoying long-overdue equal rights is going to affect my union…”
Jaqueline Nieves feels that the “‘degradation of marriage’ is perpetuated by those that violate the vows and treat marriage as something that is disposable – not the gender of those entering that commitment.”
And Gina Tate of Silverton adds, “At some point we must expand our hearts and minds and allow others their choices even if we don’t like or agree with them.”
Definitely a hot topic for a lot of people in the Our Town readership area.
