In what's being seen as yet another effort to discriminate against gay and lesbian relationships in our state, Republican lawmakers introduced a tax cut for married couples two weeks ago. Although the bill will only provide a one percent tax cut, which isn't too beneficial to those covered, it seems that the political statement behind the action is what's sending waves of anti-gay hate through the region.
South Carolina has already barred gays and lesbians from marrying by making a constitutional amendment last year. According to a press release by The S.C. Republican Caucus, Rep. Bob Leach, R-Greenville, says "South Carolina defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and we believe a strong family unit is important to our state." S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston-Dorchester, continues with the anti-gay rhetoric in a press release put out by his office. "We show our beliefs in the bills we pass. While other states have marriage tax penalties, we are showing our support of families by giving married couples a tax break. This tax cut applies to all married couples and" (here it comes again) "defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman."
We get it. It's quite obvious that the leaders in our state house are not supportive of same-sex relationships. Here's another quote for you. Rep. Gloria Haskins, R-Greenville, said, "Today's culture too often trivializes the act of marriage, we should be taking steps that support and strengthen this crucial family bond. This tax cut is a positive step in the right direction." Trivializes? Family bond? If you talk to any one of the gay and lesbian families in our state you will quickly find that there is nothing trivial about their love or relationship. What is trivializing the act of marriage in America? The divorce rate among our straight counterparts is 40-50 percent. Furthermore, I will personally give gay and lesbian families the credit for having some of the strongest bonds out there, considering the mass of anti-gay family legislation that exists. They are fighting the test of time, while being constantly barraged with hate messages.
In an effort to send a message to both the people of our state and its leaders, South Carolina Gay & Lesbian Pride Movement (SCGLPM) will hold its 4th Annual Marriage Equality Day in Columbia at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the Freedom to Marry Week, which runs from February 10 - 16. The group plans to meet outside the Richland County Judicial Center at 1701 Main Street in Columbia and then go inside as a group. The purpose each year is for same-sex couples to attempt to register for marriage licenses. According to a recent press release, Ryan Wilson, SCGLPM President says "Unfortunately, they (same-sex couples) will be turned away. It is a sign of our desire to have the same rights as our heterosexual neighbors." In response to the recently introduced marriage tax cut bill, Ryan continues "This type of discrimination against our community has to stop and we hope our Marriage Equality Day will send a clear message to the legislature that South Carolinians do not support their discrimination."
For more information visit www.freedomtomarry.org or www.scglpm.org.
OUT & ABOUT
Monday, Feb. 11 - Careteam at TCP. Courtney Van Ness of Careteam will be at The Center Project, 307 Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach, from 2 - 5 p.m. Mondays offering free HIV counseling, testing, information and registration. Following, Careteam presents "Monday Movie Night" featuring films that deal directly or indirectly with HIV/AIDS followed by an open discussion. For more information visit www.thecenterproject.com or call 626-4953.
Thursday, Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance. Rainbow Beach Youth Group will host a Valentine's Day party at The Center Project, 307 Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach, beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner will feature barbecue ribs, baked potatoes, rice, rolls and choice of beverage. The event will also feature DJ Lance, games such as "The Dating Game," free Valentine's Day photos, a coffee bar, door prizes, silent auction and more. Admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit TCP. For more information call 626-4953 or visit www.myspace.com/rainbow_beach.
Saturday, Feb. 16 - Meet author and activistKevinJennings.Jennings,a Winston-Salem, N.C. native is the founder and director of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). The Alliance for Full Acceptance along with Charleston's Unitarian Church will host Jennings at the Spoleto Center, 14 George Street in Charleston at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. After leading GLSEN for 13 years, Jennings has recently announced that he will be stepping down from the organization this year. Under his leadership GLSEN grew from an all-volunteer group of Massachusetts teachers in 1990 to a national organization in 1994 and then as a recognized leader in the effort to secure safer K-12 schools, regardless of students' sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Today, with more than 3,700 Gay Straight Alliance groups registered with GLSEN, it is the largest LGBT-focused educational organization in the country.
Saturday, Feb. 16 - 2008 HRC Carolinas Gala. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Carolinas Gala is held every year to support its mission of building an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. This year's event will feature keynote speaker Kathy Najimy and entertainment by "American Idol" finalist Frenchie Davis. HRC hosts annual galas throughout the country. The Carolinas Gala will take place on Feb. 16 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. Tickets are $225 each. For more information visit www.hrccarolinas.org.
Until next week, have fun and be safe.
-Chris Rudisill, Weekly Surge