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News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyMarch 11th, 2014
Too often, the news coming from the South tends to have a shared and consistent theme, and not a pleasant one. It can leave the impression that there are no places or people in the South that do not approach gay issues without hostility and animus.
That, of course, isn’t true. Polls show that many Southerners are supporters and allies. It’s just that they are less visible.
So it is important to note some of the positive things that can provide some balance and perspective. And one such thing is the action taken last week by the city counsel of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”).
From the Oxford, Mississippi, city press release
Tonight Oxford, Mississippi unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the dignity and worth of all city residents – including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Oxford joins two other Mississippi cities – Starkville and Hattiesburg – which both passed similar resolutions earlier this year.
Also important to remember is that these things don’t happen on their own. And, in this instance, we have some back-story on how the resolution came to be.
One of BTB’s readers and regular commenters, TampaZeke, is an Oxford native and has family that is connected to the city government. With their support, and that of an alumni sports group, they reached out to the city to request the resolution and to point out that it would be good for the city’s image to take this stance.
The resolution doesn’t have much in the way of teeth. It’s basically a confirmation that gay people are part of the city and valued.
But often that is the most important step. Once you recognize the value and worth of a person, it’s much harder to justify discrimination or tolerate bigotry.
So thank you, TampaZeke, for your work on this project. And thank you, Oxford, for reminding us that even in the heart of the Deep South, there are those who recognize the dignity and worth of our community.
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Priya Lynn
March 11th, 2014
Way to go Zeke!
Ben in Oakland
March 11th, 2014
Huzzah, or whatever it is they say in the south!
Christopher
March 11th, 2014
Thank you, TampaZeke!
And it is a good first step. It would be nice if it were a genuine anti-discrimination law, but, as we’ve seen in states like Tennessee, when cities pass anti-discrimination laws the state government steps in and nullifies those laws.
If Mississippi’s state legislators want to pass something nullifying this resolution they’ll merely look petty and mean-spirited.
Ben in Oakland
March 11th, 2014
Christopher, they’d consider that a compliment.
TampaZeke
March 11th, 2014
I love my hometown. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in America. Unfortunately the news that comes from Mississippi/Oxford/Ole Miss, more often than not, brings me shame.
At least for today I couldn’t be more happy to be a Mississippian, an Oxfordian anD
TampaZeke
March 11th, 2014
…my new puppy jumped up on the computer and sent my message prematurely.
…At least for today I couldn’t be more happy to be a Mississippian, an Oxfordian and an Ole Miss Rebel!
Ole Miss played a very big role in the passing of this resolution. Thank you for your leadership Chancellor Jones and Mayor Patterson!
jerry
March 11th, 2014
Thanks Zeke to you and your family and all who stood with them to declare the value of all human beings.
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