Marching!? (12 Oct 08)
My mom has just informed me that she’s signed me and my sister up for our church’s pro-Proposition 8 march next week. Basically, it’s a protest against legalizing gay marriage in California.
I’m really upset about this. I don’t believe in gay marriage, but I also don’t believe in walking around with a sign that says “Yes on Prop 8″ in the middle of a park. True, it’s not as bad as waving around a sign that reads “God hates gays” (which isn’t true), but I can’t find a way to participate in this march while showing God’s love at the same time.
I guess the reason my mom didn’t ask for permission to sign me up was because I have participated in a march before — about four years ago. The difference between now and then is this: four years ago, I went because I was twelve years old and my parents told me to. Now, I am almost seventeen, and even though my parents are telling me to, I don’t want to go.
The thing is, I want to honor my parents. Part of my mind is reminding me of how many sacrifices they’ve made for me, asking me why I can’t just make this one little sacrifice for them. And I want to believe that voice. But I can’t. Because this kind of march is not for me.
There are other ways that you can honor your parents without denying basic rights to others.
Amanda · 12 October 2008 · #
Hmm. Talk to your parents about it.
Lucy · 12 October 2008 · #
You should tell them that then. When I was seventeen my mom wanted me to participate in a lot of little things that I had beforehand participated in when I was younger. But as you grow older, you should be able to make your own decisions. I don’t think you not wanting to be involved shows any sign of disrespect towards your parents.
Kiera · 13 October 2008 · #
yeah, I definitely think you should talk to them too.. Not supporting this protest kind of defeats the purpose of being there.. But maybe I am coloured by the fact that I am 100% pro gay marriage and cannot understand how you can be against it ;)
Cecelia · 14 October 2008 · #
that sounds like a tough decision but yeah like the other commentors said, you should try to talk to your parents about it. i so totally am not against gay marriage, being a catholic myself, i know its against the catholic rules but being a country that isnt 100% catholic, why ban it when there are non catholics that support gay marriage
Aichee · 14 October 2008 · #
I know this post is pretty old, and the march has probably been by now, but I’m still curious, did you go?
If I’d been you, I wouldn’t have gone. I agree with Cecelia that if you’re there when you don’t really want to be (for whatever reason) it defeats the entire purpose of the rally to begin with. :)
Holly · 30 October 2008 · #