My letter to the Editor was published on the Seattle Times opinion page today. Here it is in case you missed it:
Equality always in jeopardy,
even as state offers protection
I applaud the Washington state Senate and leadership of Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, for passing the domestic-partnership bill ["Action over gay-benefits bill," Times, page one, March 11]. Even in the face of enormous pressure from the extreme religious right, the Senate saw through their lies and sided with equality.
For too long, the extreme religious right has lied to the public about the identity of gay people. They use fear to scare otherwise kind people into thinking homosexuals will hurt their families.
It saddens me they still think we are a threat to the well-being of this country. I will never understand why one group of people can hate another so deeply.
I am grateful the state Senate was able to see through the religious right’s illusion. Senators understand lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens are just as valuable and equal as heterosexual citizens.
I will sleep easier tonight knowing my family will finally be protected in Washington state.
But, even as I celebrate, I understand the extreme religious right is already working hard to steal my inalienable rights. As they do, I request the continued support from my straight friends and neighbors. Without you, my equality will always be in jeopardy.
– Joseph Mirabella, Seattle
Sen. Ed Murray at Prop 8 protest in Seattle
