A 19-year-old gay man from Oklahoma has taken his own life, and his parents say a hate-filled recent City Council meeting he attended may have driven him over the edge.
Zach Harrington was a talented musician who’d endured years of struggles due to his sexual orientation in high school in conservative Norman, Okla.
On Sept. 28, Harrington attended a three-hour public hearing on a proposal to declare October gay history month in the city. Although the council ultimately approved the proposal, Harrington’s parents described the meeting as potentially “toxic” for their son, a private person who internalized his feelings.
From The Norman Transcript:
Nikki Harrington, Zach’s older sister, said her brother likely took all of the negative things said about members of the GLBT community straight to heart.
“When he was sitting there, I’m sure he was internalizing everything and analyzing everything … that’s the kind of person he was,” she said. “I’m sure he took it personally. Everything that was said.”
Harrington’s father, Van, said he wasn’t sure why his son went to the meeting, especially after his experiences in Norman once he revealed that he was gay as a teenager. He said he feels his son may have glimpsed a hard reality at the Sept. 28 council meeting, a place where the same sentiments that quietly tormented him in high school were being shouted out and applauded by adults the same age as his own parents.
“I don’t think it was a place where he would hear something to make him feel more accepted by the community,” he said. “For somebody like Zach, it (the meeting) was probably very hard to sit through.”
Zach Harrington committed suicide at his family’s home in Norman seven days after the meeting, yet another apparent victim of anti-gay hate. His parents say they hope the story of his death will make people think twice before they say certain things about their friends and neighbors in public. We’re hoping it will also prompt them to reflect upon the hatred in their hearts.
I’m very sorry to hear about your son ending his life. I to came from a small unfriendly town in up state New York, but moved to Rochester to escape some of the opression. I am comfortable here in the Dallas area where I know I am not alone in being out of the closet. A mutual face book friend and grand son of Oral Roberts know you need to be with people of the same out look on life to truly be strong. Not every one is ment to be the same, that is what keeps life interesting.
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss! Ga bashing is still too acceptable and tolerated. People should be held accountable. Gay people are born this way. There’s nothing wrong with it. Hate is deplorable and disgusting! Unlike homosexuality, it’s not innate but taught.
What a waste of a life. The people at the meeting all have blood on thier hands.
I would just like to say that Norman is not conservative at all compared to the rest of Oklahoma. Our mayor is a female political science prof if that says anything. The council voted in favor of supporting this proclamation and 24 out of 40 citizens stood up and spoke in favor.
Here is a link to the replay of the council meeting.
https://normanok.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=163
This is heartbreaking. These people simply don’t understand their own hate speech. Zach is in my prayers.
Look, glbtiq in the US, all of you, it is not necessary to kill yourselves. As much as I would like to see the process of changing people’s minds on this go a little bit faster, we value all of your lives too much to condone this. Stop it! I grew up during the 90s, with a pervasive developmental disorder and a bad stammer on top of it. I remember how it was: it was like there was a constant witch-hunt against the gays. Every day, people would say, “you aren’t one of those people who are pro-gay are you?” and they weren’t kidding. You could disappear in the night if you even said you thought gay people should be allowed to live unmolested by the police. It wasn’t until about the turn of the Millenium that we could, and that was a Supreme Court Ruling, not a legislative act like it should have been. I know it still looks very dark, but we have come so far. Please, don’t let people’s ignorance destroy you. Don’t believe for a minute that you have to do something extreme. Some of us remember the dark days too well, and we’re on this like deranged rottweillers. This is our fight. Our war. Just live with as much peace and dignity as you can, and fill your lives with love. That’s the best vengeance you can give us.
My thoughts a prayers are with his family. Yes gay’s pray! I don’t belong to any denomination because I refuse to allow there hatred around me. I know that he is in a better place and is at peace. When will people learn to mind their own business. We do nothing to harm you.
I watched the council meeting and I have to say your Mayor seems to be a very compassionate and understanding person. I was impressed by the amount of support for tolerance and understanding in your community. Unfortunately the the person who stood out the most was Daina Jackson.. I’m not sure I have her name spelled right but she is a hateful, ignorant woman. She went on and on about her credentials, both social and educational, in an attempt to persuade us that she spoke whit authority. She just gave proof that wisdom is not a function of education. Madam you don’t have the courage it takes to be a Christian. So sit done and shut up.
Oh my goodnes this is so sad, Im very sorry for your loss. I know how harsh people can be. When I wanted to tell people I may be gay I was too scared of the kids at school, I did realize I am not gay. But I saw how mean and cruel people can be, So I feel for you. And it breaks my heart to see what people are. Im so sorry and I hope one day people change one day.
Dana Clark-Jackson seems to be the one
Sorry to hear of this suicide. I feel that our society needs more compassion and love for their neighbors regardless of life style (as long as is not criminal). Being in the health care industry, I’m pretty sure that this poor soul was depressed and suicidal as it was. This situation may have pushed him over the edge. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.
I agree with the simple wisdom of Rafael’s remarks.
In Hawaii during the 2009 legislative session a senatorial committee held a public hearing on a bill. It went on and on for over 18 hours, and I am truly grateful I chose to avoid being there in person. The things I heard in the five minutes I watched this hearing online and the things I heard from others who had been there made me feel horrible. And I am fifty years old.It’s very challenging, even for people who are strong in their courage and confidence, to be unsullied by these kinds of attacks. It’s one of the most prevalent forms of hate there is in the world today. Incongruously, these people worship a religious figure who admonished them to love one another. Wish they did…
I HOPE HIS DEATH GET NATIONAL NEWS CAUSE JUST AS BAD AS THE KID BEING VIDEO TAPE WHEN HAVING SEX. WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT IS VERY MESSED UP…
I could not agree more Matthew. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and see for yourself how it all played out. We are really trying to make a difference here in Norman but alas we are surrounded by a whole state of people that do not have much clue about the real world or current events.
I am so sorry. I have an openly gay son and worry about his safety. The hate filled stamp of approval by the Fox media / entertainment channel via Beck, Palin, Limbaugh, Hannity and O’Reilly ,sadly reinforces that gay and all hate bashing for “people not like us” is OK. It validates and legitimizes in the eyes of the ignorant the very depths of vile humanity. Stop watching Fox faux news … start standing up for decency. PS to the Catholic Church … you can have my card back. When as a supposed civilized society we casualy joke and then blame victims, we are in a very real way responsible.
America is doomed to ignorance unless we stop endorsing , Palin, Odonnel etc and the likes who tolerate and encourage hate and ignorance. The fact that they are ignorant and worse money hungry enough to promote it speaks volumes about those who listen to it.
One more thing … when you here a FUNNY GAY OR HATEFUL JOKE …. let the person gently know it is not OK . That simple action will go along way.
Zach’s death is a terrible TRAGEDY! I am from Norman (20+yrs) I was so proud of the signs that say “total inclusion in our community” as you go into the city…..apparently there are a handful of people who were at this meeting that should go and simply build their own isolated, narrow minded, self destructive town and LEAVE the wonderful people in Norman who have what it means to call themselves a community. My condolences to the Harrington’s and personally would like to invite the family and friends of Zach to our Suicide Remembrance on November 20, 2010 at Crossings Community Church.
Carol-
I just want to make clear to everyone that councilman Quinn voted no because he really did not have an opinion either way on the matter and so because more of his constituents contacted him in opposition he voted that way.
Dan is a very kind and well liked member of the Norman community having been the principal at both high schools and i know this vote was very hard for him and the rest of the council to make. I just wanted to point that out cause it was not covered very well at all in the news.
Also Carol I would like to thank you for taking the time to watch the meeting and see for yourself how it played out.
I don’t agree that Norman or any city should proclaim a GLBT history month because that’s giving special treatment to the homosexual community over other minorities. I don’t have negative feelings towards homosexuality. I couldn’t care less, I have a cousin that is in a same sex relationship. It’s kind of awkward but do I care? No I do not. It’s not my life nor my business and I don’t hold it against someone if they are gay or whatever they are because I believe they are born with it. It’s a tragedy though that this kid committed suicide and I hope people in our society will eventually learn that it’s a waste of time and really morally wrong to go out of your way to bring down homosexuality when in reality it doesn’t affect you. I still don’t think there should be a GLBT history month though.
this travesty is becoming all too common in a society that allegedly embraces the differences between human beings! How on earth can anyone justify hating someone or a certain group to the point where some one would feel as if ending their life is the only form of relief! America the beautiful? Ha! some day the world will hold a mirror up to the face of America to let her know how absolutely ugly she’s become! My prayers and heart go out to the families of these young adults .
God bless and keep you all!!!!
Todd “Some of my ———- (fill in the blank) are gay” just doesn’t cut it. You don’t think LGBTQ folks should have a Month that focuses on their achievements because it singles them out over other minorities? Then Todd “Some of my ———- (fill in the blank) are gay” please shows us your posts objecting to DADT or The Defense of Marriage Act or any of the hundreds of laws that EXCLUED gays from protection in housing, Jobs or Civil Rights, because they single out LGBTQ over other minorities. My Guess… There aren’t any. Words Matter Todd “Some of my ———- (fill in the blank) are gay”. Let me say it again WORDS MATTER
Dana Clark Jackson – if you were the woman responsible for the hate speech at this meeting then you have blood on your hands and no amount of “forgiveness” (from yourself ) that you’ve convinced yourself is the “forgiveness from God” will ever change that.
America is obsessed with hatred of gay people. The bigots in this country will go to extreme lengths to deny us basic human rights. We either have to move to Canada or simply stay and be ourselves but bigots like Dana Jackson will always be around.
I came out as a gay man in Norman Oklahoma 39 years ago while attending college. It was a terrifying experience, but I did find acceptance from a small group of friends to get me through the terror. It saddens me to think that after all of these years, people still find it terrifying to be who they are and that other people can be so hateful.
I have to say, I’m glad no one has left negative comments for this article. I’ve seen so many articles like this where in the comment section there is so many hateful comments bashing gay men and women. So I want to say thank you to all who have posted because it does give me hope for the future.
As for the death of Zach, I am so sorry for the parents for their loss….
I watched the whole meeting.. and it yes their mayor is a very compassionate person. She made sure people understood the issue. I am also very sad to hear that yet another kid choose to end his life this way.. as a homosexual myself i know the hardships but i dont let it get to me.. if i were sitting with them i would have been escorted out of the building because of my anger towards simply ignorant people featured in this video. RIP Zach.
People don’t realize that their anti-gay hate speech can last for decades. I still remember several instances decades ago when I was a kid and people I looked up to made murderous statements about gays. Kids hear this stuff and it leaves a permanent scar.
We’ve been running for a long time…many years….but we found there’s no real place to hide in this world of hate and unacceptance. We have to take stands wherever we are, as we’ve discovered that bigots and homophobes are ubuiquous in most places. There are places usually larger cities that are more Gay friendly and accepting, but they are by no means sterile of hate and ignorance driven often by religious dogma. And those who ride on the ‘Free Speech” to justify their hate speech need to be reminded that real free speech comes with a responsibility they will be eventually held responsible for in the grand scheme of life! So many have the blood of our brothers on their hands and souls thinking there is no eventual accountability! I have a dream of a world void of hate and violence where all of mankind can finally live in harmoneous fellowship! Until that day we have a lot of work to do in our vigilence!
As many have already started, my heart is so sad for Zach’s death. I am also outraged, that even after all the news reports of 5 young people taking their lives over hateful words and deeds through-out their lives, this community CHOSE to further the HATE without concern of the cost. Zach’s death squarely rests on their words and life. I experienced this same hate as a youth over 40years ago for only looking gay, I was totally in the closet until I was an adult. Those words and beatings never leaves you. Rest Zach, I trust you are safe and at peace in the arms of one who loves you….
I would like to my condolences to the family and friends of Zach Harrington.
There is so much I want to say about these issues, but I am over whelmed with emotion every time I even think about it, so I guess I will start with questions.
How many people must take their own lives before this kind of hatred will stop.
When will this country ever write non discrimination into law that INCLUDES EVERYONE.
When will people stop judging other people.
I was raised a catholic, I do believe in god, I am gay and I do believe I will be judged BY MY MAKER when I die.
I know I have made mistakes though out my life and I`m pretty sure I will make more mistakes. But my maker is the ONLY BEING that can judge me and do with me as he sees fit.
My condolences to the family and friends of this young man!
After listening to the majority of that city council meeting, I was quite impressed with the mayor in sharing her understanding and compassion. It was sad to hear the ignorant and hateful comments, it is unfortunate that this is the way of our world for many people based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, etc. As they say…ignorance is bliss…
What a tragedy! I am so sorry for the Harrington’s loss, for Norman’s loss and for the world’s loss. Please speak up for your gay friends and family and do not let them be excluded or bullied. Reach out. Try to change the world to be a safer place for everyone! Say you are offended when someone uses “gay” or “faggot” or “dyke” in a derogatory way. it will make a difference.
I would not be so fast to defend the Council Member the voted against this. Each one of them were under pressure and threats, he simply choose to give into what he said he did not agree with. Perhaps he forgot Edmund Burke: For evil to succeed it is only required for good men to do nothing or his civics lesson about the role of an elected official in a republic.
It did not escape my attention that he was principle at the school at the time Zach’s sister described as having daily abuse of LGBT teens and nothing was being done.
Sorry to see a beautiful young man leave this earth so tragic. What is wrong with this world? What happened to civility and respect?
I would just like to add that I also watched the full meeting. Awful, awful things said. Really sad.
But I would encourage people to also listen to the comments of the council. Even the dissenter was compassionate, reasoned and caring. Several said that the ignorance of the debate had made them recognize the need for the proclamation, including at least one who said that it had changed his vote. Many other community members–including three pastors–spoke in favor.
When this nastiness happens, we have to make positive voices even louder so they aren’t drowned out by the ignorance.
You can listen to the council-members’ remarks after the 2:31 point the video: https://normanok.granicus.com/M…..lip_id=163
Dana Clark-Jackson is the Hateful Woman motivated by her misguided “Religion”. She is on Facebook if you happen to have any thoughts you want to pass along to her.
Ah, Yes: Good Old Christian Bigotry Strikes Again.
GOD said “Love they neighbor as thy self.” Will these “Religious” bigots be surprised when they die and do not meet St Peter at the pearly gates, but the Devil at the gates of Hell and is greeted with “Welcome, Brother”.
I feel so sad about Zach and being angry with the bigots will not help him but they need to answer for their hate or they will just keep going. It defines them.
Why is it in the Bible when its convenient,
Yes in Leviticus 18:22 it says “do not lie with a man as one
lies with a woman; that is detestable,” there translation Homosexuality
is an abomination. Ok what about Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that ye be not
judged.” or Exodus 35:2 “For six days, work is to be done, but the
seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD.
Whoever does any work on it must be put to death.” I am a nurse and
am required to work Sundays, should we send the sick home Saturday?
Oh but wait Saturday is the actual Sabbath that’s why the calander
starts Sunday thru Saturday. But in was not convenient for most so
we celebrate on Sunday. See here we go changing the things we don’t
like. Oh and hears one for you sports fans. Leviticus 11:7″ Ye shall not eat
of their flesh, and ye shall not touch their carcases; these are unclean
to you.” No more foot ball.
I am certainly sad at the loss of this young man and believe that parents should never have to bury their children. However, I believe to place blame on the city council meeting is ridiculous. Obviously this young man had some other issues going on in his life that contributed as well.
I believe there is plenty of fault on both sides of this argument. I was at the city council meeting and just sat at the back and watched the facial reactions from both sides. There was plenty of inappropriate behavior from both sides….including members of our city council….that is a sad day people! Below is a link to an article I was forwarded that shows the same “spewing” from the GLBT community that the “religious” community is accused of doing. This spewing in the comments following the article is degrading of Christians, racial slander, and just plain inappropriate language towards the other side of this argument.
BOTH SIDES have plenty faults and I don’t believe screaming and degrading the opposing sides of your argument is helping either side!
https://www.queerty.com/suicide-oklahomas-zach-harrington-19-kills-himself-after-hateful-town-meeting-20101010/
Bigotry uses the bible from convenience yes… Or men would not cut their beards, women wouldn’t cut their hair, wouldn’t eat shellfish, wouldn’t mix your fabrics, never drink any mixed drink…… and on and on. This hatred and bigotry is most certainly past down from fears within themselves, insecurities and deep hatred that fuel from one to another without a thought of what it does to those it is aimed. I once asked why would I want to go to heaven, thats where the bigots are… Then I realized THEY will burn it hell for the hatred in their hearts.
Why was my comment removed? I can see responses to it, but can’t see where I commented.
Just wondering….
And let’s not forget “Hate Makes Money”. Politicians and “Religious” leaders are well aware of that and either don’t think about the consequences of their fund raising tactics or more likely just don’t care.
And today there is an EARTHQUAKE 5 miles from Norman, Oklahoma! And this is an extremely rare occurrence in this location and of this magnitude (4.3).
https://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/13/oklahoma.earthquake/
Sounds like someone from up above is trying to send these people a message. Yes, I know it may be a coincidence. But a shocking coincidence to say the least.
Dana Clark Jackson is EVIL!
Hey Lil’ Carl… She likes to say she loves God so others will say Amen.. and she likes to make herself important at outers expense. As long as she can get away with it she will.
This event just devastates me. I’m a openly gay teenager in Canada and I have never really experienced bullying for being gay so when I head all these storied about all these boys in the US that are bullied to the point of suicide it hurts me and I feel so helpless! I want to do something! To help someone! At least one person but I don’t know how.
Kyle, you may want to join The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/. Have a look at the Suicide Resources Tab….. There are things you can do to help. Also if you can post a video on youtube for “It Gets Better” at https://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject. We need all that help we can get. Hugs Matthew
I am so sorry for the family and friends who knew this GREAT young man.
Rest in peace Zach. I am 19 years old I live in Santa Monica, California and I am also gay. I knew what it was like to want to commit suicide because of being gay and no one accepting it. I would usually say something cruel about the city council or something like that. But the problem is intolerance we need to accept people for who they are. whatever sexual orientation people are doesnt matter it doesnt affect you the only argument against that is, well i dont want another guy hitting on me, get over it thats just a compliment to a straight guy. Zach there was a time in my life that suicide seemed like the way out. maybe it was the right choice we never know until we die, but i feel you are in a wonderful place now. You were a cute kid R.I.P.
I agree Jordan…. My heart still aches over the bigotry and hateful words that go back to my Jr High and HS in NorCal to the point of being beat up while calling me Fag and Queer between kicks and I should die… all with an adult Mother watching 20ft away from her living room window with no help offered. It astounds me what others think the threat is, like you said if a Gay guy hits on a Str8 guy, take it as a complement and move on. Do they get this hateful if someone of the opposite sex that is not their “type” hits on them? Hate talk is hate talk no matter to whom it is directed… However, if you add that a young gay person is usually paranoid their deepest crushing secret may get out that may result in getting kicked out of their home, beaten, shunned by friends AND THEN get called names when its found out through the way we walk, our laugh, our hand gestures…. Zack I wish you could see and feel the love, support and those of us that would RUN to your defense, to hold you and let you cry, cry with you then tell you…. It Does get better!
You have a good heart Jordan…
Rest in peace brother Zach.. Many people may have not understood you and I am facing those problems myself in life now. It is a shame that others would treat us this way but I feel that everyone does have a right to their own opinion.. I would never hate others for who they are and what they do but there are some of us that do.. It is a shame that lives are slowly dying because of hate and I hope that this story does affect others in their everyday lives, but before the change they are likely to do it over and over, or even hear and watch it over again.. I pray for the Harrington’s for their loss, but know that Zach is in a better place living life in peace with no hate but love.
Phillip and everyone else;
I wish that more would speak up and out for support instead of the ignorance and foolish that do speak of hate and disrespect. I just wanted to say that I appreciate you all so much for being YOU and that God is the one who loves ALL of us – the people who open their mouths and say otherwise have a LOT to learn.
Please remember as wecome to the National Suicide Awareness day November 20,2011 We will have you and your families in our hearts praying for healing.
Jean
People that make fun of gay people are UNSURE of their own sexuality. Period, The End, I have spoken!!
I KNOW what I am talking about, because I’m 60 years old. 40% of gay men get married. I am gay. Nobody wakes up one day and becomes gay. We ARE born that way! Why was it that Jesus only asked men to go with him? And, the only woman to be with ‘the men’ was a whore. So, Jesus was gay? Probably.
I want all Gay people to adopt a ‘Non-Victim’ mentality in this world! It’s through strength and wisdom we survive. When I cam out many years ago, there weren’t any support groups, it was a trecherous path we had to travel to socialize with others like ourselves. What I discovered was that I could use whatever instruments of defense that were at my disposal keep me safe and sane. Obviously it wasn’t easy to be ‘Out’, and most of us didn’t flaunt our sexuality, but we didn’t run like cowards from the bullies either. There is strength in numbers, and in numbers most of the time we did operate. There are no guarantees in this life, but we were determined to live it to the fullest and not allow any bigots to dictate our destiny or control our lives. From Stonewall in 1968 to the present day, our struggles continue. Suicide, no way….we were determined that if a life was to be given up because we were Gay, it would be the bigot who decided we weren’t fit to live that would pay the ultimate price. We did survive and we did thrive. The place we all are today was fought by the blood, tears, and timeless efforts of so many to right the wrongs of history and the misguidances of religious intolerance.
It has been 6 months and one week since my son Zack (Zach) took his life. We are now able to plan a memorial tree planting and a bench in his name at a local Norman City Park. We as a family hope to bring some meaning to his passing. Thanks for all those who have supported us through this time of need.
I hope you rest in peace and find love where every you go. Who know we mite have been family and one day we mite get to meat where every we end up.
These comments are so true, but to be honest if everyone in society was gay a million years ago, we would not be here anyways. There’s nothing wrong with Gay people it just stops the birth rate.
Zack has been gone a year now. We planted his tree (Oklahoma White Bud) on his 20th birthday last April 29th, placed 19 stones around the tree (representing his years with us), had ZACK’S BENCH installed and brass plaque placed on the foundation in his memory. Next year on his 21st birthday we will plant another OK White Bud 19 feet from the first at the opposite end of Zack’s bench. His bench is located in the Kevin Lee Gotshall III city park near our home in Norman OK. All who knew or loved him are welcome to remember him there.
John Smith.. If you are struggling with your acceptance of Gay people then you are on the right path but you still have a ways to go. Humans have only been around for about 200,000 years so we are a relatively new species. And it’s certainly true that if we had all been Homosexual we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But if all humans were Bisexual we would. A major characteristic of Humans, and for that matter all species is variety. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some are unbelievably smart and some unbelievably stupid. We have people who excel in sports and those who would trip over linoleum. That variety is also expressed in our sexuality. It makes no more sense that all of the people on earth would have the same sexual attractions than if we had 10,000 different plants and only one color. One last thought: If you are a religious person might I suggest that “God works in mysterious ways”.. That’s why there are Gay people..
Van & Kelly I still morn your loss.. Hugs Matthew
I, too have a very,very special grandson who is gay. He is now forty, leading successful life in business, has a beautiful home, Tulsa, OK. Oh Yes, he has traveled a long and hard road to get to where he is today. He live with me through highschool and Cameron University, in Lawton. I think I probably knew he was different from a small child. He would sit on my lap and just drink in the love from me and him to me. He had an older brother who was everthing a young boy usually is. very athletic and busy in sports. Jeff didnt like sports so he spent his time with mom and nonny. The pain Jef must hace suffered all those years is unbearable to think about but now has a great job, wonderful partner and a beautiful home plus a wonderful family. I think he has made his place in this world in spite of all obstackles. So I would say to any and all of these young people to walk forward with all the pride yu can muster and NEVER< NEVER let anyone tell you that you are less a person because of your choices. I truly believe they a God-Given and in that he will never let you down. Just keep your chins UP GM Jo in Oklahoma
Zach,
We still miss you so much DAILY!! Jade and I talk about you all the time, and how wonderful you were! She is in college in Nashville. I wish you were here, and we would go visit her, and check out Music Row, and all the other sights in Nashville….I KNOW you would love it so much, and they would LOVE YOU! I am so sad that you aren’t here, I cannot believe it has been over a year since you left us! WE MISS YOU! You were so amazing, and we feel your presence all around us here in Norman! Godspeed dear friend!
Much love!! <3 Kimmie
As a British gay guy, i’m am truly truly shocked to hear of these senseless suicides in the United States. These things do happen in the UK also, but i do feel that the US is being left far behind the rest of the western world in terms of gay rights. Absolutely no local authority here in the UK would air such views, it would instantly become national headlines. It would result in their immediate removal from public office or strong national demands for there resignations. Here in the UK things aren’t perfect. We all have a long way to go and a big fight on our hands. We now have had legal civil partnerships for gay couple all over the UK for several years now, with the Scottish arm of the UK government now pushing for full marriage status and church service for those who wish to do so. I really feel that here in Britain we are finally making the last stand for equality. Lets hope our American cousins are not far behind.
America has been in the grips of the radical religious right for centuries! Even when the prilgrams came here from England and the rest of Europe they brought their regressive enslaving religious practices to force upon the masses in law and practice. Slowly America is slipping the bounds of this form of slavery.
I think it’s fine for anyone to practice their religion anyway they choose, but when it spills over into civil areas of the governed and governments it has to be stopped. Obviously all politicians bring with them their prejudices and practices, but this must be tempered by law to prevent such influences from denying others civil and human rights enjoyed by the masses. How many more young lives do we see wasted by suicide until brave caring people stand up and demand…’ENOUGH’! Unfortunately the only cure for some of the old bigots is their own demise as they will carry their hate and prejudices to their graves which is a good place to bury it! We must all be vigilant to expose those bigots and hatemongers, make sure they never get into positions of power, and help remove them and their regressive laws to guarantee all Americans of real life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness1
I think it is important to make clear that the City Council passed a proclamation recognizing GLBT history month. The hate came from extremists in the crowd that were opposed to the measure. The Council passed the proclamation 7-1 making Norman the only City in Oklahoma that openly recognizes GLBT.
Stephen as you noted Norman City Council did pass the proclamation, but it was ONLY for October 2010 not an annual recognition. Making Norman the only city in Oklahoma to recognize GLBT one year and not the next. As an added note the addition of “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” as a protected class in the City of Norman Personnel Manual, has been stalled in the Human Rights Commission for 18 months, without going forward to the City Council. In fact at the last HRC meeting an assistant City attorney spoke in length why it was not needed or necessary to add this, next meeting in Nov, many supporters will attend again.
You are definitely right on all those points Mr. Harrington. I was sure the new council would certainly choose not to recognize it this year considering who is now up there. I also do not see there being enough votes to make the manager add those to the personnel manual either. I was glad to see you come, and speak out against the “In God We Trust” stunt the gang of three pulled.
I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
Best,
Stephen Tyler Holman.
I’m a gay grandmother. I know what the loss of a child feels like. I know also, what it feels like to want to die and get the pain all over with. I extend my heartfelt grief to the parents of this young man. It’s so sad, that some young people, gay, or straight, can find no other outlet for their pain, than suicide.
Maybe if I say this, some young person will see it, and think again before ending it all. You want to end the pain? You want to send a message to your tormentors? You want to go on to whatever awaits you but think. Aren’t you tormenting those in your life who DO love you, your friends, siblings, parents, ministers, teachers… even the buddies on FaceBook or similar chat groups. We love each other, and the loss of one of our own is devastating. How many will cry for years, at the loss of you? Think about it. Then call one person who loves you and fight for THEIR happiness.
God Bless and keep you all! Kathy