In response to Hans Kusche’s letter Don’t ignore God’s law that appeared in last week’s Eagle, I cannot help but feel astounded and a little sad as to how someone can view our wonderfully varied and colourful world as just black and white.
Although the author never mentioned by name the LGBTQ community, it is clear that his words are addressed to them. Mr. Kusche takes exception to the “special rights” everybody is claiming for themselves since the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (which superseded the Bill of Rights) came into effect in 1982.
I believe it is not a special right wishing to live a life without fear of rejection, ridicule or violence. “Coming out” is not a public confession as Mr. Kusche laments, rather a justifiable claim to a life of honesty after being condemned by society to exist in the shadows.
I applaud those who have the courage to leave the darkness of depression and the feelings of inferiority in order to claim their share of light, which incidentally, does not reduce anybody else’s share. I think the term phobia, as in homophobia in this case, is completely accurate.
Maybe Mr. Kusche wrote his letter for purely altruistic motives, simply wanting to warn the LGBTQ community by pointing out, “Ignoring God’s law and advice is risky business and not recommended.” I think the risks are not so much coming from God but from unenlightened people whose rights and freedoms, by the way are equally protected by the Charter.
Were I religious, my god would most certainly not exclude a single one of the children he or she created. But then, of course, my god would be a loving one.
I would like to encourage the LGBTQ community with a quote by Dag Hammarskjřld, a Swedish diplomat and author:
“Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions.”
Marlis McDouall
