As child I saw with my own eyes and heard with my own ears ministers standing in the pulpit spewing hatred against black people. I heard them talk about the Bible's endorsement of slavery. I heard them say that slaves were to serve their masters as part of God's plan. I heard them rail against civil rights for blacks and against the evil of interracial marriage.
Yes, I actually witnessed this myself growing up in the conservative religious south. Maybe this is why I am so opposed to all forms of discrimination today. These experiences were so distasteful to a young child.
I recall seeing black people for the first time on the beaches, it was during a Blue Angels show on the island of Pensacola Beach. I was so surprised, I asked my father why I hadn't seen black people on the beach before, assuming they just didn't like the heat and the humidity. He told a then very young Tim about a new law that was passed that forced a change in the local laws that had banned black people from the beaches. What?! A law had banned black people from going to the beach?!
I still marvel that today, in the 21st century, religion is used to deny people rights. God is still used as a tool to promote hatred, ignorance, intolerance, and sheer discrimination. The ugly face of evil is painted holy with a sanctified white. Today, even though racism certainly still exists in this land, the battle for respect and equality is being waged against a less visible group: gay people.
I am astounded and deeply saddened that the California Supreme Court would support the notion that Ken Star promoted in his arguments to uphold Proposition 8: the majority of people in this state's democracy can vote away any group's civil rights. One of the justices asked Mr. Star, "So you are saying that the people can vote to remove freedom of speech?" To which Mr. Star responded, "Yes."
Perhaps next November Californians should pass a proposition banning all non-white people from going to the beach?
The court had the opportunity to do what was right, to take a stand for civil rights. They failed in their duty to give voice to people who have no voice.
Photo credit: Cafe for White Only by jonnyphoto at Fickr. Click the photo to see the large version to read the sign on the door.
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