Terence K. Leathers: Accept others for who they are
As one who believes that everyone is loved and accepted by God for who they are, I am opposing House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 550. Allowing business owners to turn people away simply because of who they are and whom they love is unwarranted, discriminatory and contrary to the grace and love of God.
As the noted church father, St. Augustine, reminds us, all interpretation of Scripture must adhere to the greatest commandment – love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor as ourself. When our interpretations fall short of this, we must reconsider.
Whether we agree or not, gay people are part of the fabric of this community that we proclaim the land of the free and home of the brave. When they walk into a government office or public business, they should be treated like anyone else.
My hope is that all people would be accepted just as they are, but regardless they are American citizens with the same rights that we all have.
We need to be careful whom we segregate, disenfranchise and turn away because they may one day be a family member or loved one. What will we do then?
Terence K. Leathers
Clayton
This story was originally published April 18, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Terence K. Leathers: Accept others for who they are."