The most recent decision, that city clerks will stop performing marriage ceremonies, a clear indication of the stance of the Jacksonville city government as to how gay citizens are treated. I lost my job for being gay. There is no legal recourse for gay people to defend themselves. The city government uses their positions to force their take on what is moral on the citizens. I am gay but that does not define who I am. I am a father, a grandfather, a uncle, a cousin, and a Christian. I am human, I laugh, I cry, I hurt, above all I have love and compassion for all people. I don’t judge. I never assume that because you don’t fit the mold as what I consider to be normal, that you are bad, I see you as different. Our country was founded on the rights of people to be different, we are afforded the right in our constitution to pursue happiness, my idea of happiness does not require anyone’s approval. I would never be so arrogant as to think that I know what is right for anyone, other than myself. The city of Jacksonville has many problems, real problems, the homeless, the blatant inequality for minorities. and the corruption that exists in the city government. The city officials and the wealthy in Jacksonville have a preconceived notion that their beliefs, and lives have a greater value than others, this is far from the truth, all people are created equal. The government is charged with protecting our rights, not dictating who deserves their protection, based on religious beliefs, skin color, sexual preference, or anything that is different from what they consider to be normal. We need to love one another, look for the good in all people. There are many people who have beliefs that I don’t agree with, I don’t judge them, they have the right to pursue those beliefs, I defend them, and I hope they would do the same for me. I believe that your relationship with god is a very personal. The city officials have appointed themselves as religious leaders. Religion and government are to be separated, the constitution states that there is a separation of church and state. I believe that many people are going to be shocked when they come before god and have to defend their actions.
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