Discrimination, Disrespect of Gays is Appalling

Another in the Voices of Venango County series, this letter, by Jon Burrows of Oil City, followed a barrage of letters-to-the-editor criticizing the local newspaper, The Derrick, for publishing a same-sex wedding announcement:


I am writing today to protect all gays of America.

I have many friends who are gay and it is absurd to read so much disrespect and discrimination in the paper about them.

I think it is great for two people of the same sex to fall in love, and I am appalled by these people, especially some people for what they say about gays. America is a free country and everybody is supposed to be treated fairly. It's not up to anybody to judge any person for what they do or believe in and you know that.

All you're doing is teaching our children to disrespect and discriminate against people.

That's something my children will never be taught. Like, "Oh my, there's a gay marriage in the paper - everyone cancel their subscriptions."

That's ridiculous. Why can't we just all get along? America and its people have a lot more to worry about than gay marriages.

The only reason those heterosexual couples are going to remember their announcements in the paper is because of you, not because of The Derrick.

It is a normal occurrence in today's society, all over the world, and it's happening, so get over it.

And to think that you believe love of the same sex is not worthy enough to put in the paper.

to all gays who are married or want to get married, the best of luck to you. I'm proud of you, so stannd up and fight back. There's no reason you shouldn't. Good luck.

Printed in The Derrick 6/4/04.