Persecuted should know better

Friday I experienced deep sadness. I observed adolescents standing outside the Pilgrim Slavic Baptist Church on Second Avenue with their anti-gay and anti-equality signs.

I do not understand. Many of the parents and grandparents of these kids immigrated to this country to escape religious persecution. Now they are using their narrow interpretation of Scripture to persecute me. Why?

I’ve spent my life defending the underdog. I still don’t understand why people who have experienced discrimination, discriminate against others.

Senate Bill 5688 is about giving people in committed, loving relationships the rights and responsibilities of caring for each other. It is not marriage. My life partner and I have been together for 23 years. Why would anyone choose to deny me access while he is in the hospital, the use of my sick leave to care for him, his last paycheck if he were to die and the responsibility of making funeral decisions?

I support people’s right to practice their religion. I have no tolerance of their attempts to force their lifestyle on me. I pray they will see God’s love and wisdom and allow me and my partner to experience equal treatment under the law.

Please vote Approve Referendum 71.

Dean Lynch

Spokane