Family Values Demand That Kern Apologize
Every Oklahoman who believes in family values and the dignity of all our children should be concerned about recent remarks about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from Representative Sally Kern. Indeed, those of us who value every member of our family, and believe in our country’s promise of equality, deserve an explanation and apology from Kern.
Speaking recently to a group of constituents from her district, Kern described the gay community as “the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism” and compared lesbian and gay Americans to a “cancer” that will “destroy this nation.” She has thus far refused to apologize for her remarks, and has instead blamed the community for speaking out against her harmful rhetoric.
Representative Kern should not be surprised, however, to learn that families with lesbian and gay members make important contributions to our community. Indeed, the Urban Institute reports that nearly 10,000 gay Oklahomans have served in our armed forces, fighting terrorism and working to keep all of us – including Kern – safe and secure. Our lesbian and gay neighbors are members of our churches, parents in our PTA and the sons and daughters of loving families who expect their loved ones to be treated with the respect and compassion they deserve. None of them should be maligned for who they are, and no public servant should disdain and leave our families behind.
As a person of faith, and a member of the clergy, I am concerned that Representative Kern has forgotten the adage of “love thy neighbor as thyself.” As a citizen of Oklahoma, I am troubled that she has seemingly prioritized attacking our families over tackling the many challenges our state faces. Surely, Kern would be better served – as would her constituents – if she focused her energies on fighting crime, strengthening the economy and working to improve our schools. It is simply unacceptable that she has instead decided to fight families and perpetuate discrimination.
That is why, on Tuesday morning, families from across the state will gather at the Capitol Rotunda to request a meeting with Representative Kern and ask for an apology for her hurtful remarks. We are confident that, once she meets our children, grandchildren and neighbors who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, she will understand the impact of her words and the necessity of an apology. All of us – the parents, families and friends of lesbian and gay Oklahomans – will simply ask that Kern keep her oath to represent and speak for all of her constituents, regardless of their sexual orientation.
There are so many issues that challenge and concern our families. Our elected leaders should not try to divert attention from those important priorities by advancing prejudice in our community. As mothers, fathers and friends of loved ones who are lesbian and gay, we believe family values demand that Kern apologize. And as the people of Oklahoma, we send an unmistakable message that our communities deserve better from those elected to defend our freedoms.
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Rev. Loyce Newton-Edwards is the Oklahoma City chapter president of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and serves as assistant pastor at Church of the Open Arms, United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
