The anti-equality movement is working to prevent a Human Rights Ordinance from passing in the city of Ferndale. It is imperative that you take a stand and vote! Your vote does count. Your democracy is depending on you!
The Ferndale community is based on a diverse community of singles, couples, gays, straights, same-sex and opposite-sex households, and yes, families of three, four and more. It is the responsibility of this city to provide a safe environment for all its citizens, regardless of the quantity of each household. It is also the responsibility of this city to provide family-friendly ordinances, as well as ordinances that equally treat all its citizens fairly. F-A-I-R-L-Y and E-Q-U-A-L-L-Y.
The city of Ferndale does attract families, maybe not by "their" definition, but it does attract families, both gay and straight. This city expects each and everyone who is a property owner, including businesses, to pay their fair share of city taxes, which includes school property taxes, regardless of their family status. The schools, parks and playground argument should be directed towards those who are in the school administration or the city departments, its not about sexual orientation, age, color or creed, etc.
Time and time again, throughout history, man has justified the killing, the slavery and the control of others because of their own dislike for difference. Respecting community means to respect your neighbor. In this day and age, we should be more concerned about respecting each other rather than defeating a H-U-M-A-N rights ordinance. It's about people.
As a member of the lgbt community I ask that we band together in getting this ordinance passed! If not for yourself, for those who believe in it! We are a diverse community and do not always agree on the platforms that are taken. However, it is a platform that is real and can open doors for a better tomorrow. Make it happen.
Michael C. Lary
Ferndale
