Not addressing discrimination equates to endorsing it.

Sarah Dailey Brabson
Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pa

I am writing in support of maintaining the Lancaster Counter Commission on Human Relations. This Commission is needed at the county level, as it is at the state level, as a forum for resolution of conflicts related to misunderstandings and mistreatment of people related to differences, including race, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation. Having such a forum is in keeping with Christianity, the dominant religion in our county -- practiced at least in name, if not in substance.

Not addressing discrimination equates to endorsing it. Should we cross to the other side of the road, or take a risk and get involved, as the Good Samaritan did? An even more encompassing teaching by Jesus is "Love thy neighbor as thyself". I do not believe the teachings of Jesus, as described in the New Testament, support judging people based on their appearance (race), or how they were born (male or female, heterosexual or homosexual). Rather, judgment should be based on people's behavior. Not treating individuals or groups with love or respect is un-Christian behavior, as respect is an integral part of mature love.

I want to focus for a minute on the LGBTG component of this issue, as it appears to be the catalyst for the movement to close the Commission. Some might say that they could still justifiably judge gay or lesbians' behavior, while still loving and respecting them. But why is such behavior wrong, if a gay or lesbian person is treating his/her partner with love and respect? Who then is being harmed? It comes down again to these people being perceived as different from us, and thus the conclusion must be that they/their behavior is bad.

I am especially appalled to find that there are actual active chapters of the Ku Klux Klan in Pennsylvania, the state in which my mother grew up as a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). I had naively thought, as a child, that Pennsylvania was composed of loving, peaceable people! I am disillusioned, but not disheartened.

Comment on this Commentary - Comments should be directed to Ken Ralph, Editor of LCDC Media at his email address. Comments will be posted here.

Sarah Dailey Brabson

The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and are not the official position of the
Lancaster County Democratic Committee.