free speech and free thought

[susanmcgee48176]

So, what's the deal here?

Yes, in America, one of the values that we think we believe in is 
free speech. Yet, there are limitations to free speech. This has come 
up in the case of families of soldiers who have died in Iraq whose 
funerals have been picketed by Rev. Phelps (God Hates Fags)....so our 
concept of free speech tends to be a little situational.

I think that some people on the list are not used to being challenged 
about their beliefs about lesbian and gay people, and about the 
immorality or abnormality of same gender partnerships.

I have curtailed no one's free speech or thought. I have told no one 
that they are not free to think what they please, post what they 
please, or believe what they please..what I have done, and will 
continue to do, is challenge those beliefs. That's my right.

I have exerted no force, nor have I suggested that someone leave the 
list (although someone just suggested that if I don't like the value 
of American free speech, I should "move out" of America.) Interesting.

I have named the fact that constant comments and statements about how 
being lesbian or gay hurts me, and hurts other lesbians and gays.

Why should JKR pander to beliefs (that "homosexuality" is wrong, or 
unnatural, or unGodlike) that don't match hers? She hasn't pandered 
to beliefs that everyone should be a Christian (despite the fact
that she herself is a Christian). She's said that it's no news to her 
that a brave and brilliant man could be gay. I think she's incredibly 
courageous, given the junk that has been thrown at her for that 
statement.

She's experiencing a little of what lesbians and gay men experience 
daily -- the barrage of hatred and ignorance and intolerance that 
lies just beneath the surface of our veneer of civilization.

Thank goodness most people believe that beliefs CAN be changed...and 
that we can learn and grow through experience, through understanding, 
through compassion and through love.

Some day we'll live in a world where who you love is not grounds for 
being hated or discriminated against.

Susan