Dannemeyer’s Stance on Gays and Lesbians

It’s a sad day in America when a congressman who is sworn to uphold “equal justice for all” tries to obfuscate the issues and pass off bias and prejudice as virtues. I’m referring, of course, to Rep. William E. Dannemeyer (R-Fullerton), who has brought gay bashing out of the streets and into Congress, where he thinks it is more justified. His letter to The Times (Feb. 5) is filled with half-truths and some of the most un-Christian sentiments that I have ever heard from someone who considers himself pious and godly.

Let’s look at some of the outrageous claims that Dannemeyer makes:

Myth--”The goal of the homosexual movement is to hop from small city to small city and from town to town promoting ordinances of the type in Irvine.”

Fact--The truth is that all types of communities are passing anti-discrimination legislation to protect gay and lesbian people.

Myth--Homosexuals “terrorized the American Psychological Assn.” in 1973 to classify homosexuality as normal behavior.

Fact--The generally conservative leadership of the APA recommended the removal of the condition of homosexuality from the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, the book that defines who is mentally ill in America. The general membership voted 6 to 4 to follow the advice of its leadership. There was no “terrorization.” Dannemeyer’s claims that gays somehow “overwhelmed” the APA are historically inaccurate.

Dannemeyer wants us to feel good about the word “discrimination.” According to Dannemeyer, Americans are “discriminating people” and “have the right to discriminate.” Discrimination is a nice thing. As he says, we discriminate when we choose what to eat or wear or watch on TV. It seems Dannemeyer is intentionally misusing the word “discriminate” in an attempt to justify his prejudices toward gay people. I don’t believe for a minute that he doesn’t understand the distinction.

The good citizens of Orange County should recognize Dannemeyer’s hateful tirades and be suspicious of letters that say it’s OK to discriminate.

ED FEDORKO

Costa Mesa