News and my Views
MCC's Rev. Troy Perry Responds To Bush Amendment
A Public Statement
From Metropolitan Community Churches
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info@MCCchurch.org . www.MCCchurch.org
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February 24, 2004
Statement By Rev. Troy D. Perry
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
Today, the President of the United States endorsed a constitutional amendment barring the legal recognition of same-sex marriages -- a shameful stand that violates the president's pledge to be a "uniter, not a divider." History will record that President Bush has played to the worst of politics -- pitting one group of Americans against another. A constitutional amendment as proposed by President Bush would mark the first time in U.S. history an amendment has been used to deny legal rights to a minority group within this country.
The President has taken exactly the wrong stand. The promise of this nation is "liberty and justice for all." By his actions today, the President has squandered an opportunity to expand the rights of America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens in a regrettable effort to pander for re-election votes.
The reality is that same-sex marriage in no way threatens the marriages of our heterosexual friends and neighbors. Every year, Metropolitan Community Churches perform more than 6000 same-sex weddings which celebrate love, commitment and relationship. These are noble ideals which should be honored and celebrated -- not attacked and denigrated.
Our community must now face the very real threat of increased hostility because of the President has fanned the flames of divisiveness. That LGBT communities have long been targets of anti-gay hate crimes and violence, and the use of LGBT people as a wedge issue to gain votes will only feed hatred in this country.
The predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Churches know something about the effects of hate. As I reported to the White House Conference on Hate Crimes, 21 MCC churches have been the targets of firebombing and arson, and many more have been vandalized and desecrated in anti-gay hate crimes -- solely because of the sexual orientation of our members. The President's actions leave our people fearful, and subject to a new wave of anti-gay discrimination. Hatred, bigotry, and discrimination must not be enshrined in our nation's Constitution. Today I call upon all people of goodwill to reject the politics of divisiveness and to unequivocally oppose this proposed constitutional amendment.
/signed/
Rev. Troy D. Perry
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
Founded in 1968, Metropolitan Community Churches includes 43,000 members and adherents in 300 congregations in 22 countries. MCC churches provide positive, affirming Christian ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons, along with their friends and families. Rev. Troy Perry is the first openly gay member to serve on the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission and a past delegate to the White House Conference on Hate Crimes.
For Additional Information, Contact: Jim Birkitt MCC Communications Department 8704 Santa Monica Boulevard, Second Floor West Hollywood, CA 90069 Tel. (310) 360-8640, Ext. 226 E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.org Website: www.MCCchurch.org
