Dear Editor:
RE: Rainbow criticism, June 9.
My first response to Diane Breukelman’a letter was anger and disappointment. My next one was resignation. I won’t change her mind. Why speak up? I ended up with the thought – if not me, who; if not now, when?
I ask, is painting the steps of the Wellington Country Museum and Archives really going to lead your children “astray?” The premise is ridiculous and intolerant. I am always amazed at the rationalization of some people who complain of cancel culture when there are critiques of their positions (including Christian ones) but are quick to cancel those things they don’t like.
Pride is not about conversion (or leading your children astray). It’s about communities saying we are accepting of everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. It’s about saying we won’t accept intolerance and hate. We clearly need it here.
Whatever happened to “judge not lest ye be judged?” What happened to “love thy neighbour as thyself?” You can’t pick and choose the scripture for your specific needs. There are many more things in the Bible that are ignored while condemnation of homosexuality is highlighted.
There are those that say its inappropriate to celebrate specific groups, but we do it all the time.
If it makes sense to get rid of visible expressions of gay pride, perhaps we should remove visible expression of Christian pride. Crosses on churches and other things (I expect the museum puts up Christmas lights) may lead our children astray. They can at least be painful reminders of the legacy of residential schools and abuse of many churches, but are at minimum a celebration of the belief of specific elements of our population.
I get mandatory days off for Christian holidays. We have separate schools for Christians. We even give tax deductions for payments to Christian churches. If you get a tax deduction that means my tax dollars are supporting the church.
To quote Ms. Breukelman’s statement, is reducing tax dollars to support this sort of intolerance “a good use of tax dollars, my tax dollars?” Christianity is a choice, as opposed to homosexuality. Who is leading who astray?
I am not advocating for an end to the measures for Christians. I respect everyone’s right to believe what they want to believe. I am just highlighting that you can’t ask for benefits for yourself but deny them for others. That is the definition of privilege.
You can’t have your cake and cancel too.
Michael von Massow,
Centre Wellington