The times are changing

It seems fitting that 50 years since major changes to the political and social landscape of our country, that this week we saw two other great changes to those same two landscapes. This blog is about Fridays event. LGBT folks have been around a very long time and in some places were very open about their sexuality. That was the case where I grew up, so I was always comfortable around them and never felt threatened by their lifestyle. That's not to say that everyone around me felt the same, but I always saw that as their problem.

I feel the same way today as I read the various stories about some peoples reactions to Fridays decision. That's their problem, deal with it. And just as many years ago, there are those who will continue to force their opinions and feelings on others through various laws designed to hinder peoples constitutional rights. They will continue to make outrageous claims about non-existent threats just as in the past. This time it will be over religious rights. Let's make one thing very clear, if people chose to open a business to the public at large, then they are bound by the same laws regarding discrimination as everyone else. I bring this up since I feel it will not be long before the LGBT community will be granted the same protections from discrimination as other protected groups.

Make no mistake, churches and ordained ministers will not be forced to perform marriages contrary to their religious beliefs or the beliefs of their church. Now if a minister wants to operated a commercial wedding chapel, then they will be held to the same standards as any other business. Churches that offer services to the general public, such as adoption agencies will also be held to the same standards as any other business.

To all those out there that feel that they absolutely can't adhere to non-discrimination laws because of their religious beliefs, then I suggest that you consider moving to a theocracy such as Iran.