After a five-and-a-half-hour city council meeting Monday night, officials were unable to answer the question theologians have been debating for decades: should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?
More than 200 people crowded into council chambers to share their views, not only on same-sex marriage, but also on the ethics of homosexuality.
“I know what a passionate issue this is,” said Councilman Steve Salvatori. “I think tonight shows its importance by how many people care about this issue.”
At the public testimony homosexuals said they were sick of feeling like second-class citizens and wanted equal rights. Those opposing the same-sex marriage resolution said gays shouldn’t be granted the same rights as straight couples because homosexuality is a sin.
“Either the holy Bible is the word of God or it’s a piece of crap,” one resident said. “What about Sodom and Gomorrah?”
Others compared homosexuality to incest, bestiality, drug addiction and at least three people said homosexuality is the gateway to communism, warning gay marriage would destroy families first, then society.
If Spokane welcomed gay marriage, some said, God would curse the city.
Challengers to the resolution also said God defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman with the purpose of procreation.
“The union of two females or two males isn’t marriage,” said resident Judy Luke.
Some from the LGBT community spoke about their relationships, arguing that the dedication they have with their partners is no different than marriage, except in the government's eyes.
“I would like to stop using words like 'partner' or 'domestic partner' to define my relationship. Language is important,” said Alli Kingfisher, noting 'wife' is an appropriate word to describe the commitment, love and respect she and her girlfriend share.
Several local clergy persons also spoke in support of gay rights, including the Rev. Tod Ekloff of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, who refuses to perform any weddings until all people are allowed to marry. The last time he officiated one was in 2004. He said because laws are in place that prohibit marriage equality, he’s not able to practice his faith to its full extent.
The Rev. Clare Austen of Unity Church of Truth said she’s officiated about 40 commitment ceremonies in her 25 years of ministry and has seen how painful it is on couples that are prevented from having “a real marriage ceremony.”
“They’ve admitted what it feels like to be a second-class citizen, to not be able to have their relationship celebrated and honored in a culture and a society that honors that as a life ritual,” she said. “We know in our hearts what’s right … love and commitment, I believe that’s the most important thing.”
Nick CastroLang, a 22-year-old resident, said gay rights is the Civil Rights Movement of his generation. Another speaker said “Gay is the new Jew,” adding that homosexuals are being discriminated against like previous groups have in history.
There was one thing a few people on both sides of the aisle could agree on at the meeting — gay marriage isn’t a city council issue.
“I don’t know how to interpret the Constitution but that every man was created equal,” said Councilman Mike Allan, “but I personally feel we should let the state government take this issue up.”
The council voted to table the resolution indefinitely.
Council President Ben Stuckart said he was disappointed the council wasted everyone’s time by tabling the issue after holding a 5-hour public hearing.
As people exited the chambers, several shouted, “Just wait until November!” That's when the issue is expected to go to voters statewide.
View our Flickr album of this event.
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