LETTER: Embarressed at gay rally

Editor,

I am embarrassed at the manner in which demonstration against gay marriage took place. I don’t think I will offend any of the gay or lesbian students by simply stating that I oppose gay marriage. I don’t think my opinion will offend them because I think they can respect that I view this issue differently than they do as long as I do so respectfully. Even though I may oppose gay marriage, I refuse to support the way in which gay and lesbian students were disrespected.

I would rather live in a society where gays can be married legally than surrounded by judgmental, ignorant, rude people who share the same view on the topic as me. Within a minute at the rally, I was offended as I watched some of my fellow students, most of whom I associate with, disrespect a group of gay and lesbian students also listening to the demonstration. The most disturbing to me was that these comments came from people I knew to be “faithful” LDS students, probably just getting out of institute in time for the rally. It completely passes my understanding as to why people feel like they need to get on a microphone in front of a crowd of people and tear down their fellow students.

I understand that gay marriage is a touchy topic. But there is a right way to demonstrate your feelings, and an offensive, disrespectful way to do it.

I am LDS, not that that has anything to do with it. I’m not gay and I don’t support the idea of gay marriage. But, for me, to preach about how gays disrupt and corrupt our society is like someone who is not a Mormon getting up and saying that the Mormon religion is a cult and a plague to society.

I would like to call all students at USU to action to put an end to these ignorant and irresponsible displays of disrespect and prejudice. I just want the gay and lesbian students to know that not all of us are as judgmental as those conducting the rally. God help us all.

Devin Castleton