A6 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, August 2, 2000 Letters to the editor Keep these Issues private Dear Sir: There is a major fallacy in your argument in your July 26 editorial. You state that members of city council who oppose the proclamation of a gay pride day should not have done so on the basis that they are mixing church and state by upholding their 'religious beliefs’ in a public forum. You also argue that they should take a stance against Sunday shopping, ban explicit videos, ban the sale of to- bacco and so on. I suppose your assumption is‘that all ~ these ‘vices’ you mentioned are ones that only people of religious persuasion, and Christians specifically, are op- posed to. This is simply not the case. Pushing aside the Biblical arguments against destruc- tive behaviour for a minute, may I paint out that many thousands of people in our city do not drink excessively, or smoke tobacco, or watch sexually explicit videas, not because of religious beleifs, but because such activities disgust them. Besides, just because something such as tobacco or pornography is legal, does not mean it is right. There is a huge difference between banning an activily or sub- stance, and simply refraining from endorsing it. This is a simple fact often averlooked by the media. No one is suggesting that homosexuality be banned; that would be like trying to force people to approve homosexuality. If, for example, the liquor contro! board asked city council to proclaim a 'Get Flaming Drunk and Beat Your Spouse Pride Day’, do you think it would be appropriate for them to do so? Or, how about a ‘Marital Aid Users Pride Day'? Sounds pretty silly, doesn't it? The whole point of the city issuing proclamations is to promote community spirit. Of course everyone is happy to support Scouts, or victims of MS, spousal as- sault, cancer, or AIDS, If the nea-nazis in our commun- ity asked for a proclamation of "White Pride Day’, would we expect our councillors to approve it? Not on your life, but why not? Because they are sim- ply the wrong ideals for our society to be endorsing. For that matter, il would be equally wrong for our council to issue a ‘Heterosexual Pride Day'. Sex, no matter what variety, belongs in private. That is why we have public nudity laws. That is why il is illegal to have sex down- town in broad daylight, or on an airplane. -No one should be saying sex is evil, but the entire ‘community: does not need to’ know aboul what goes on in - its bedrooms each night. I do not need my very young children asking me, “Daddy, what is a lesbian?” As a note to the so-called tolerance commitice, | would say that it is sad that you have allowed your sex- uality to define your person. One's sexual inclinations do . not make you the person you are, any more than the colour of your eyes, or your career, or whal brand of breakfast cereal you eat does. Who you are is defined by your heart. If you need municipal proclamations to feel pood about your choices, you are very pathetic indeed. You cannot proclaim or legislate tolerance, accep- tance, or approval, You may make a point by punishing the city for its refusal ta endorse your lifestyle, but it will only serve to hinder your struggle. It will make you a joke; and it's highly unlikely that very many closet homosexuals will be convinced ta come out into such an environment. To the Christians of Terrace, “Let him who is without sin throw the first stone.” Who of us has not violated at least one of God's commands? 1 dare anyone to tell me - why homosexuals are worthy of any more virulent disap- proval than the guy who cheats on his taxes, or lies on his time sheets. It is time to stop throwing Scriptures al our neighbours, and love them instead. Jj. Tayler, Terrace, B.C. 635-0083 _ We need this here Dear Sir: ve been biting my tongue over the articles, commentaries, and rebut- tals regarding the detox centre on Halliwell. Where in this world can you purchase property for a home or business and dic- tate who your neighbours are or what they do? Early comments from the protest group reeked highly of “not in neigh- borhood” and then their focus moved to “what’s best for the clients.” Ob- viously, heavy research was involved in gathering statistics and finding a more acceptable angle for their protest. Terrace has kids who are reaching out and we have the staff and facility to help them. ‘CANADA'S BEST-SELLING MINIVAN PURCHASE FOR OA LEASE FOR _ YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP» RETAILERS ANNOUNCE yy THEIR OLYMPIC. - - We're not rich city snobs and we're not third world. Most of us live : a month for 36 months. NE Ww $ t $ ul Plus $4328 downpayment 3. Or equivalant trade and ahesey $300 security dagasit , | $940 freight included, here because Terrace of- a 2000 Dodge Caravan fers the best of both cot Loaded 267 Package Includes: *30L V6 engine * 4-speed automatic transmission Tit steering *Speed control « Dual sliding doors worlds. - 7. «Power windows, locks, mirrars * Power rear window quarter vents + Air conditioning * 7 passenger seating We have a safe and * Easy Out Raliar Seats™ * AM/FM stereo cassette © Child-protection rear door locks * Sunscreen glass * Side-door impact baams Jeep The legendary off-road original. THERE'S ONLY ONE Li) with factory to (otoiler incentives on all 2000 Cher ches madals, . . ve *3 year or 60,000 km warranty « Next-Generation dual air bags » Complimentary tank of fuel” we cn commun witiee - No Charge: Security Package, Keyless Remote Entry and Second Sliding Door and know & enjoy our neighbors. We help all . ; . . causes great & small, we the glory of our accom- plishments made possible ; O/ Tt CWT FoR by virtue of our small town Neo Yo § ‘ structure. ae purchese financing up #0 60 315 Noten We have a need here. : ~ : , y months on all 2000 Noon models. No secuity depest Untike the skate park, : vo Laelia } 2000 Chevsler N Le funeing ates issue. Oto fe a ae : 1 tysier Neon nd unlike the secon 5 year/100 000 km exte sheet of ice, this is nol a powertrain warranty ee taxpayer issue. The detox center is an approved and needed facility which will benefit our community. The anti detox group is snuffing out an asset that most communities our size can only dream of. ° Please re-think the message you are sending. Don’t make us vote you off our small town island. C. Brown, Terrace, B.C, Street sense Dear Sir: At the time of the trial of playwright Oscar Wilde for homosexual practises, a lady of the aristocracy expressed her opinion of the case as follows: “] do not care what they do, so long as they don’t do it in the streets and frighten the horses!” Erik Brorup, Terrace, B.C. TEEN HOMES NEEDED Hinisiry for Children & Fomilies needs foster homes for teens in your rommunity. 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