From the Director's Desk

Christina Gilgor, Executive Director

Last week members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed federal hate crimes legislation that would at last include sexual orientation and gender identity. One of several gay-friendly bills before the House, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act has stirred the most vicious reaction from anti-fairness extremists.

"Thought crimes!" comes the inevitable cry. "Grandma will go to jail for preaching the gospel."

I'm not going to take the time here to debunk that nonsense. We've had hate crimes protection in Kentucky for years and no one's speech has been punished. Not even the folks who make outrageous and hurtful comments about us in the media.

Instead, I'm bringing up the federal hate crimes law (named for Matthew Shepard in the Senate), to call out Rep. David Floyd for, well, let's say his naivete.

Back in March when I testified against healthcare discrimination for the House Health and Welfare Committee, Rep. Floyd, a Bardstown Republican, accused me of being "the only one talking religion" during the hearing. This despite a gallery full of anti-fairness extremists shouting "amen" while their hired guns testified.

Faith in America calls it religion-based discrimination; Soulforce's mission is to end religious and political oppression of GLBT people. What they, and the Kentucky Fairness Alliance share, is a vision of diversity - a vision of hope, inclusion, and dignity for all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Here in Kentucky the anti-fairness industry has emphasized tax dollars, not scriptures, in our public conversation about domestic partner benefits. But this is the same anti-fairness industry now spearheading opposition to hate crimes with an overtly religious argument.

Oh yes. While the Family Foundation of Kentucky provided the face of the anti-fairness industry, the money came from Focus on the Family. Their action alerts filtered through the Family Research Council. And the attorney flown in to testify for House Health and Welfare works for the Alliance Defense Fund.

Who is speaking truth to the people of Kentucky? Not these self-proclaimed guardians of morality (disturbingly). Anti-fairness extremists ignore facts, twist logic, and place their own dogma above the values we all should share: the American values of liberty and justice for all.

We need people of faith to counter religion-based discrimination and political oppression.

I urge you to talk with people in your faith community about your experience, and about the all out assault the anti-fairness industry has launched against GLBT Kentuckians. I urge you to share your story with us. Just send an e-mail.

Regardless of your faith tradition you can be a part of our important work. Volunteer to help out at a Pride event, or become a member of Friends & Family. Those are just two ways to make a measurable difference in the journey toward a fair Kentucky.

Thanks to all our members for all you've done, and for your commitment to a fairer future.