I read this story at AL.com and, while I’m not surprised, it really upset me. It is just another example of the state demanding access to the most private aspects of our lives.
While I encourage you to go read the story for yourself, the gist of the story is pretty straight forward. It seems Alabama State Representative DuWayne Bridges, R-Valley, wants to pass a law to stop State Universities from offering domestic partnership to same-sex couples. Bridges has a new bill ready to introduce in the January session of the state legislature.
It seems that what upsets him is that two state schools have either already offered such benefits or plan to very soon. UAB already has the plan in place, allowing them to compete for highly qualified medical professionals and UAH plans to institute benefits for same sex domestic partnerships in January. The UAB plan began on October 1, so both schools recently adopted the idea. (An idea I applaud and wish all the state schools offered.)
To make matters “worse” for Bridges, the UA President Robert Witt told faculty that UA is considering doing the same. I guess the only “good” school for Bridges is Auburn, which at this time has not considered it. (Shame on you, War Eagle!)
Of course our Republican Governor, Bob Riley, supports the Bridges Bill, as does Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim James. Which makes my pickings for governor slim. I could only find media reports of one legislator, Representative Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, who openly opposes the bill. I’m sure the fact that Todd is self described as “Alabama’s first openly gay legislator” has no effect on her position.
Okay, yes. That last bit was snarky. But I’m tired of the only people willing to take a stand for equal rights in this state are the people suffering under unequal laws. I don’t mean to disparage Todd, I’m glad she’s opposed. But I, for one, am throwing my straight, married opinion into the fray and saying Bridges is wrong for doing this. I don’t know what set Bridges off, but if he’d kept quiet, there would have been little outcry over this. The Universities could have quietly done the right thing and no one would have been upset.
I’m probably being hard on Todd over his actions. Realistically if Todd hadn’t done it, a Roy Moore or other bible toting politician would have grabbed the headlines come election time. But I’m tired of moralistic politicians trying to legislate what’s acceptable in people’s private lives, for make no mistake; this isn’t about benefits, this is purely anti-gay bigotry.
Needless to say, I’ll be watching this. I’m disappointed and upset that such a move would come, but can’t say I’m surprised seeing Alabama passed an amendment in 2006 to ban same sex marriage. And while it would be easy to point a finger and cry “Dirty Republicans,” as I’m sure some will, an amendment like that didn’t pass without plenty of Democrats supporting it. And Bridges bill won’t pass without significant Democratic support. And frankly, I think it will pass. And clearly, Riley will sign it.
I honestly don’t think there is a chance the bill will be stopped except through committee action that keeps it from getting a vote. I’m convinced that if the bill reaches the floor, it will pass. The same way other moralistic bills continually get passed in this state. It isn’t the fault of any one party, but of an ignorant population of citizens who think any bill that keeps “others” from enjoying their lives somehow improves their own.
It is a sad state of affairs in Alabama. I, for one, am depressed over my state’s actions. And after passing the “Craft Beer” act, I had hope that perhaps Alabama was progressing into a new age of acceptance. It is sad to learn I was wrong.
It has always struck me as the height of irony that the party that claims it wants a smaller government pushes the hardest for control of the most private aspects of life.
Irony is a gift wasted on bigots.
But Republicans could never pass anything like this with out copious support from Democrats who feel, or at least vote, the same.
When are we going to have a party that truly represents people who think correctly? You know, people who think like me?
Alabama is and has been behind the times on most issues. And, sad to say, most of our ignorance, intolerance, and backward thinking comes straight from the Bible or–more accurately–what people interpret the Bible to say. No wait–what their preacher tells them it says (most of these dimwits never read it for themselves). The politicians are pandering to their narrow minded base. It is not unlike the marijuana issue. Every one knows it is ridiculous to keep it illegal, but no one has the balls to stand up and say so. Most know (down deep, even if they won’t admit it) that this type of bigotry is wrong, but no one has the balls in this state to stand up and say so. Too many douchbags out there who are afraid to think for themselves. As the marching evangelist would say: “I don’t hate homosexuals. God does.” We keep trying to legislate “morality.” The problem is, most of what you find in the Bible has nothing to do with morality. How does homosexuality being an “abomination” make me a better, more moral, and spritually sound person? It doesn’t. Do I have to believe in talking snakes too?
Wait. Snakes don’t talk? HARRY POTTER LIES!
Now, as to the intolerance and ignorance, isn’t that the root of most bigotry? We’ve got a whole inclass/outclass thing going on in Christianity today that has me upset, and is probably going to be the source of a future post. Isn’t the whole point of Christianity to be one class? Not further class warfare?
I don’t know. I’m obviously stupid. My bible has never told me to hate homosexuals. Besides, they dress better than I do.
Clarification. Snakes DO talk, but only to those who speak parseltounge. I stand corrected.