False Knowledge

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”
~George Bernard Shaw

A moment of unusual clarity convinced me not to attend the anti-gay/pro-gay demonstration scheduled in front of my state Representative’s office last Saturday. As active as I am in promoting equality, I realized that it would be dangerous for me to stand on a street corner cheek by jowl with those opposed to gay rights; I just didn’t think I could maintain civility when confronted with their outrageous and erroneous assertions.

And, I was right.  The Downers Grove Reporter (Wednesday, May 8, 2013) reported that a representative of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) stated that they wanted to convince state Representative Sandack to vote against the bill. The IFI is a conservative group opposed to the Marriage Equality and Religious Fairness Act. The IFI representative stated, “We’re trying to encourage Sandack to uphold what marriage has been throughout history, Sandeck has publically stated he will vote for the bill.

I’m not sure what history the IFI representative was referring to.  Many biblical leaders had multiple wives. Until modern times, marriages were arranged to enhance the family fortune. Today, marriage is a legal agreement between two adults.  The state issues a license to protect the rights of the individuals, provide benefits, and create a legally binding contract. 

So, IFI’s knowledge about the history of marriage is not only false; it is dangerous.  The people who use code words like “traditional marriage” mean anybody can get married as long as they are not gay.  They excel at spreading lies and promulgating fear about what will happen when we allow all citizens to be treated as equals under the law.  In all cases, their fear mongering has been proven false.  They present no evidence to support their position; gay marriage has not led to the downfall of western civilization.  In fact, well documented studies find no difference in the achievement, mental health, or abilities of children raised by gay parents. And, in states where there is marriage equality, the divorce rate has actually gone down. 

A pro-gay activist at the rally tried to have a meaningful discussion with an IFI member who was picketing Representative Sandack’s office. The attempt revealed the true depth of this person’s belief that anything gay is evil.  He believes homosexuality is a “disease” associated with original sin.  He further explained that if we, as a society, continue to grant the validity of homosexuality, we will all be punished.

 How can any sane person respond to this kind of bigotry?  You can’t have a civil conversation.  You can’t even try to find the logic in it.  Individuals with this belief system hold onto an ideology that has not changed much since the dark ages when anyone who differed from Christian teachings was beaten, tortured, and put to death.  Yet, these are the people who are holding our legislators back from voting on legislation that will provide full rights and benefits to all citizens of Illinois.  It won’t force a single priest, rabbi, minister, or preacher to perform a religious ceremony for anyone.  It won’t change a single religious practice or belief.  It won’t affect anyone else but those loving individuals who want to make a legal commitment to each other, for better or worse, in sickness and in health . . . just like any other loving couple.

So, it’s time for our legislators to stop being fearful of constituents full of false knowledge. It’s time for our legislators to vote with their consciences.  If it were them or someone they loved who was denied this fundamental right, they wouldn’t think twice about it.

It’s time for the State of Illinois to move forward, to embrace the future where ALL people are created equal. 

It’s time too for the people of Illinois to demand equality for ALL citizens.  So, call your Representative today and tell him or her to vote “Yes” to the Marriage Equality and Religious Fairness Act.  Do it today.  There is still time to be on the right side of history.

. . .  And I’m just a mom who loves her son . . .

* previously published in www.thequ.co