As I understand HB 135, it seems to bring us closer to the true meaning of tolerance. As US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his Obergefell ruling, There are many people who in good faith hold to the near universal practice of reserving marriage between a man and a woman. That being acknowledged, along with our First Amendment rights, we have to learn to live and let live.
Sadly, I think we are currently in a climate of polarization, e.g., letters to the editor on 1/25/17 calling those who support HB 135, bigots. Contrary to the spirit of Kennedy’s majority opinion, some have taken the route of marginalization. They want to silence any and all opposition. They resort to name-calling, e.g., bigot, homophobe, et. al., which is not in the spirit of Kennedy’s majority opinion. Given our First Amendment rights, the state should not discriminate, but rather accomodate.
As I understand our Constitution, it is the duty of the state to balance fundamental rights. Therefore, for those who for reasons of conscience, cannot by their actions, affirm same-sex marriage, the state should strive to ‘accommodate’ and not discriminate.
That is why I am in favor of HB 135. It’s not a matter of denying services – and claiming such is a misrepresentation. HB 135 simply excuses an individual from participating in what his or her conscience tells them is immoral.
We do the same for abortion. Medical staff do not have to participate in those procedures if it violates their conscience. If we take the route of accommodation rather than discrimination, we will be a healthier and stronger nation.
HB 135 is reasonable, practical and is very doable. By passing HB 135 we will be that much closer to the realization of E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one).
Please call Ms. Steinmetz at (307) 534-5342 or Mr. Meier at (307) 834-2344 and let them know that you are in favor of HB 135. As a nation we should accommodate and honor the First Amendment, rather than discriminate. In doing so, we will be stronger. Polarization rips our national identity. We need a new path of true tolerance.
