discrimination (n): treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 8th, North Carolinians will be going to the polls. Every voter will have the option to vote for or against Amendment One.
According to ballotpedia.org[1]: “The measure would define marriage in the state constitution as between one man and one woman, and would ban any other type of “domestic legal union” such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. Same-sex marriage is already illegal in the state of North Carolina. The proposed measure, however, would add the ban to the state constitution.”
So, what I get from this is: we are making an already discriminatory state-practice more permanent by adding it to our constitution. Many believe that this amendment has many added negative, unintended effects[2]:
- Harms Children – children of unwed parents may lose benefits including health insurance
- Hurts Seniors – those that have lost spouses previously, but end up in unmarried relationships could lose benefits previously shared
- Endangers Unmarried Women – this amendment threatens domestic violence protection for un-wed women.
**Someone pointed out in the comments below, that I should indicate: These opinions ARE MY OWN, and do not necessarily represent the views of my sponsors, the companies I represent and/or write for, or the members of the South Charlotte Playgroup. Thanks for the suggestion.**
Respectfully,
Christianity is not just an institution..it’s a relationship and consequently a way of life, and our beliefs should affect all arenas of our lives and everything we do. Our government is a democracy, which means the people that it consists of get to participate in decision-making. It only makes sense then, that Christians would excercise their right to vote in a way that lines up with what they believe. So even if you believe in separation of church and state, you can’t separate what people believe from how they make decisions. Just as you are urging your readers to stand up for their belief in the right to pursue hapiness, shouldn’t Christians be allowed to stand up for what they believe? And why is it not okay for one group to “discriminate” against another, but it seems that you are saying that my beliefs in the sanctity of marriage are wrong? Does disagreeing and standing up for your beliefs equal discrimination? I think there is a big difference. (And please let me add here that you can love and accept people and still disagree with choices they make).I am thankful that we live in a country where we can all vote, and I hope that people on both sides of this debate will have the courage to do what they feel/know is right and will not be bullied/pressured into compromising their beliefs.
Thanks for expressing your opinion. I have a blog and have not used this platform as a way to state my own political opinions until this issue. I don’t consider it bullying, but a dialogue. I’m ok with others expressing their opinions. I’d just like others to see my side of the story, also. It’s a discussion.
In the same way that you feel that your religion doesn’t agree with same-sex marriage, my beliefs state that a government shouldn’t decide what love is. Regardless of anyone’s belief, however, I’m glad that I live in a country where we can both hold different opinions and vote.
It’s not likely that my “side” will win this debate, and for that I am sad. I just want everyone to have an opportunity at being in a happy family, like I am.
It’s discrimination when all people are not given the same rights. Amendment 1 inherently discriminates. It’s that simple, religion or no religion. Tomorrow I’ll be voting NO to Amendment 1 and its discrimination.
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Keep in mind while it hard to preserve the “separation of church and state”, our government was founded on the idea that…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”…
to deny a fellow man the unalienable rights that someone else receives is against a core belief of what our country is founded on. We must ensure that our laws protect us from “Tyranny of the majority”…
Remember that what America was founded on.
This law prevents two people from receiving the same rights as two other people just because they view life in a different light.
Great post Katie. Can’t wait to vote NO tomorrow!
Thanks for this post, Katie. I will be voting no tomorrow as well. I do not want to raise my children in a place that encourages discrimination.
I struggle to accept any religion that preaches hate or even a lack of acceptance toward people who are different than they are. It is ironic, because my Christian upbringing taught me not to judge others, yet this amendment does just that.
There was a time not too long ago in which this country had laws where women and African Americans were discriminated against. Let’s not repeat history by further discriminating.
I foresee a future for our children that is more accepting, loving and open-minded, not discriminatory, judgmental and closed-minded. I can’t wait to vote “NO” tomorrow!
Great point. Thanks for sharing!
Katie,
I was not trying to accuse you personally of bullying…no one is forcing people to read your blog. I was simply trying to make it a true dialogue by presenting the other “side” like you said. The statement about bullying was in response to a general trend I’ve seen where PEOPLE on both sides of the issue are attacked rather than the issue itself being what people respond to/criticize…that’s why I commented anonymously…because I don’t want hateful comments on my facebook/blog. I just think both sides need to be presented and everyone’s right to vote be acknowledged and respected…it seems that those who are so quick to preach equal rights are also quick to spew hate at those who use their rights to vote in a way that doesn’t line up with their agenda (again, I am not talking about you). While I do not agree with the stance you take on this issue nor with some of the reasoning you use to defend it, I have no problem with you or your blog and am thankful that you are advocating for a healthy dialogue on the issue itself rather than personal attacks. I apologize if my earlier comment came across as an attack on you or your blog. Hope you have a great week!
Thanks for clarifying! I of course understand that others feel differently! It’s great that we can all comment and voice our opinions! See you at the polls! 🙂
Great post; thank you for covering this topic!
Is this your personal blog if it is tied/attached to the large playgroup that is sponsored by several businesses etc and do you hold tax-exempt status etc? Seems that this would be foolish to post religious and/or political propaganda…unless you have the full support of your sponsors saying they support your viewpoint also? And if you “speak” on behalf of 800+ playgroup members maybe you should post both sides to this not just favor yours..this seems to be treading on dangerous grounds.
–Concerned–
I hear what you are saying – I should have clarified that these opinions ARE MY OWN. They do not necessarily represent the views of my playgroup members or sponsors. I’ve cited my sources for my statements in this article and have clearly indicated that these beliefs are my own (hence the “what I get from this” statement). I feel the use of the word propaganda suggests I am trying to mislead, which of course I am not. If you wish to have a discussion about this, feel free to submit your opinion. This is a dialogue. I don’t mind sharing my side, but please, introduce yourself and share your opinion, if you like.
I think that you made sharing the other side impossible as you have already labeled me/us/them as discriminators who want to harm, hurt and endanger others.
You are welcome to share why you don’t think it’s discrimination.
I just read Katie’s article along with the comment thread. A few times actually. No where does she say anything about ‘me/us/them as discriminators who want to harm, hurt and endanger others”. Regarding the law being presented she wrote “It’s discrimination”. That was her point of view on what she feels the law ultimately does. Not a personal opinion on those who support it.
She has also made it very clear that she is open to a discussion and clearly is not stomping on the viewpoints of others. Nor is she deleting comments that are not in line with her own. This is quite possibly, the most open/non-threatening place to voice a different opinion.
Where can I send your thank you letter? I appreciate your comment! 🙂
I have a problem with this being posted on the playgroup’s blog site. I would venture to guess that at least half maybe more maybe less do not agree with this. I do not think it is responsible for this side to be headlined and at the very least let one of the other bloggers blog from the other viewpoint. But of course, if the “president” of the playgroup is personally putting this out there who is going to say otherwise. I guess we will check back in November to see who the playgroup should vote for.
Yes, you are right. There are members of the playgroup that certainly do not agree with my opinions. However, I signed this post, KATIE. Not South Charlotte Playgroup. Instead of an anonymous passive aggressive comment, I encourage you to share with me why you think this ISN’T discrimination. I’m all ears. I was raised in a family where people can have debates with each other and not take it personally. That’s my mission here. To display my (controversial) opinion, and for others to do the same.
There is nothing wrong with an open discussion. Just because the author doesnt share your point of view doesnt mean it should be shared. She is welcoming all other points of view.
Indeed! I am! Thanks for leaving a comment!
This is in response to Katie’s comment at 6:21PM — The problem with your flawed logic is your understanding of the word discrimination with a negative connotation. Almost every law we have discriminates. Speed limits discriminate against my ability to go 90mph in a 60mph zone. Parking tickets discriminate against my ability to spend more than the allotted time or park in a particular space. A murderer is put in jail because our laws discriminate against taking someone’s life. Discrimination is not always a bad thing so your argument proves absolutely nothing. As far as our nation’s founding documents that you were so eager to reference, homosexuality is not a constitutionally protected class. No laws were broken or even set in yesterdays vote, the only thing that happened was that the constitution was upheld, whether you agree with it or not.
As a side note I would have no problem with your post if it were one of many views, however this is not the case and in fact someone scrolling through this blog for the first time might be confused as to the blogs purpose and contributors since every post (at least on the first page) are all penned by you. Since you are president you should care more about creating a welcoming environment for all views. Instead, this blog has been converted into nothing more than your personal, random thoughts on everything from current issues to veganism. It’s easy to pretend to have an interested audience when in reality it’s just an already captive audience who comes to this blog only to find their fellow moms for support, encouragement, and baby/kid discussions. Your posts ‘discriminate’ against readers whose only option is to leave comments since they can’t write new posts. It certainly wouldn’t make someone with opposing views feel very welcome.
My husband would encourage me to just shut up and be quiet with this one. While I realize that may be the smart move, I can’t feel that I can let his one go. I agree, that some would argue that discrimination may not always be a bad thing. Unlike you, however, I believe in this case that it is. Obviously, in this state, I am the minority. You are right, homosexuality is not a protected class. I’m hoping that the pot has been stirred in this state and that will one day change.
In response to your comment about the blog… this blog is produced and edited by me. I am SOOO grateful for the posts by the CMF Coaches, Top Five list writers and Guest Bloggers. I penned the post about this amendment. It is signed by me. I wrote it. Those that contribute to this blog may or may not feel the same, which is why…Every post has a comment section to allow for discourse. I have not deleted any negative comment about my views, my blog or the attacks on me, anonymous or not. I can take it.
I also have a posting on the main page and additional pages of the blog asking for guest bloggers. Relevant topics are ALWAYS welcome on this blog, whether the opinions are my own or not, whether I disagree with them or not. If you would like to offer a guest blog on why YOU voted FOR this amendment, I invite you to do so, and respond to the discussions and commentary as yourself as I have. I voted for my beliefs and am owning it. Are you?
I welcome all readers to this blog. I encourage all readers to comment when they agree or disagree with what I have to say. As moms, women, and citizens, we have a lot to learn for each other and I am always open to broadening my horizons.
The funny thing is, not once did I espouse my beliefs on the subject. I just simply stated what the constitution currently (which could change in the future) states and that I thought your post inappropriate in this type of form without at least having an opposing viewpoint seeing as how this blog is supposed to be an encouraging and supportive outlet for ALL moms.