Kitchener Anti-Equality Rally on Thursday!

[c9]

On this Thursday, March 10th, there will be a rally against equal marriage -- "Defend Marriage" it's called -- right here in our city. If you have the time and willingness, I encourage you to attend to help provide some balance to this debate.



Details on the DefendMarriage.ca website

Evening MARRIAGE Rally
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Columbus Centre, 110 Manitou Dr., Kitchener, ON N2C 1L3
Speakers: Royal Hamel, Scott Brockie, Jakki Jeffs, Tristan Emmanuel
CONTACT INFO: 519-893-1504

I looked up the speakers, and here's what I found:

• Royal Hamel is a pastor who puts marriage in quotes when preceded by gay. A sample of his opinions. In 2003, he had a gay man removed from a town hall meeting, simply for not being on the correct side of the debate: Ref.
• Scott Brockie owns a printshop that in 1996 refused service to the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives. He then fought in court for his right to do so for many years. Ref. I have no opinion on this at the moment, since I kind of like the idea of being able to tell some evil person to shove off when they ask me for computer help.
• Jakki Jeffs is an anti-abortion crusader and anti-stem-cell-research crusader.
• Tristan Emmanuel runs a website devoted to "defending, advocating and equipping Christian participation and leadership in the public square." Essentially, promoting religious control of civil debate, leading to one religion making decisions for all citizens.

Actually, I'm not certain whether I will attend this rally or not. The last rally I attended resulted in a lot of ulcer-causing feelings, and I'm not sure I'm in the mood for that. I'm trying very hard to like Kitchener, and something like this will not help that cause. Also, I'm not certain what effect my presence could have. Our MP is pro-equality, and I'm reasonably comfortable C-38 will pass, eventually. I know that eual marriage is already a fact of life for 87% of Canadians, and that will not be turned back, despite what some say. Am I a bad person for being less activist right now? Of course I know I'm not, but it's hard to really believe that.

Anyway. Maybe some of you will check it out. Be forewarned, it's a little upsetting to know you're surrounded by people who believe, deeply, that you are evil or that your existence is somehow evil.

Comments

[simplisticton.livejournal.com]

it's a little upsetting to know you're surrounded by people who believe, deeply, that you are evil or that your existence is somehow evil.

Actually, it's not... 'cos I feel the same way about them!

[c9.livejournal.com]

I really wish I could make that leap. When I'm sitting here, I can objectively and completely deal with it, but being at that rally really was a different kettle of fish. Sometimes I daydream about going into politics, but I'm such a people-pleaser I don't know if I could handle all the conflict.

[simplisticton.livejournal.com]

Actually, no, I shouldn't say I hate them. I don't. I feel sorry for them. That's the difference.

You'd be an amazing politician.... you'd be one of those politicians people either really really love, or really really don't.

[nihilicious.livejournal.com]

You are not a bad person. I think having pros attend the antis rallies is a good thing, but not a necessary thing. If it causes you stress I'd say that outweighs any benefit from attending.

[c9.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) Plus, obviously I can't attend cause it's during Survivor!

ok now I'm a bad person

[nihilicious.livejournal.com]

No. If all the hotties had been voted off Survivor, then you'd be a bad person.

[c9.livejournal.com]

Umm, they have. IMHO.

[nihilicious.livejournal.com]

There's still Bobby-John. And Ian, the little scarecrow-looking guy--totally gueny's type.