Call to boycott parade un-American

To The Eagle:

I am writing this in answer to Len Lindsley's letter of July 19, 2012.

Another Bald Eagle parade has come and gone and I believe it was a fun celebration and a good time in Cathlamet! Even better, it was a beautiful day. As a side-line to the season, it seems that we can also expect a yearly disapproving and hateful letter from Mr. Lindsley about the fact that gays and lesbians would be walking in the parade.

This is America, and it is a democracy. This is at least the second time he has called for blocking these people from the parade. What he is saying is that we should withhold the civil rights of a group of people he has singled out, to not be able to participate in our town's public parade. These are friends and neighbors of the community and their organization, PFLAG; they have every right to be in the parade. To do otherwise would be extremely un-American and also illegal. If, as he said, he decided not to take part in protest, that is of course his choice and his loss.

Regarding the statement, "the Bible is clear on this...sinful in all ways," regarding the issue of biological identity, specifically as to gays, lesbians and transgenders; be clear that the statement is only the view of some people. Biblical scholars of doctrine and people in general hold widely divergent views on this and it is open to interpretation.

I do find his statements both mean spirited and uninformed. I wish that, as he embraces his faith, he studies the humanity, compassion and kindness that he can find there. In addition, please read up on all the advances we've made on understanding the biological aspect of gender identity. There's a wealth of information available.

Finally, anyone who uses their faith to write words of hate and harm to others, who truthfully have done nothing to them, then they've missed the point of having that faith entirely and they work to hinder the best that is America, our quest for equality and justice for all.

Nell L. Coulson

Cathlamet