Students voice opinions on gay marriage
Adam Olszeski
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: News
In the United States, everyone assumes that we live in absolute freedom - but do we? Is persecution or segregation still a major part of our society or do we accept everyone unconditionally?
In a recent survey given to Lewis students regarding gay rights, a majority felt that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender people) should have the same rights that all citizens do. But as a student body do we really accept homosexuals? Can we accept public displays of LGBT affection?
Dr. George Miller, head of the Philosophy department, feels that students have learned to accept LGBT individuals as long as they don't have to deal with it. "Students don't care what goes on in the bedroom, as long as they don't have to see it. This attitude is harmful, because it does damage just like those who vehemently oppose gay rights. Students have accepted homosexuality but they have not embraced it. Society has definitely grown," Miller said, "we still have a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction."
Miller recently started a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) group on campus, and student membership has skyrocketed. "We already have about 150 members and more are joining all the time," said Miller. "It's a step in the right direction. We are getting the message out there." On Wednesday April 18 there was a gay rights rally in the Old Chapel in De LaSalle hall.
"The rally was a great success. We had a lot of participation all day," said Miller. Throughout the day students participated in free speech, a moment of silence, and discussions about homosexuals and the problems facing the restrictions on their rights. "We need to make it acceptable to be gay," said one student speaker, who was met with applause.
Gay rights have come a long way in the past hundred years. Since the turn of the century people have secretly and publicly fought for the rights of LGBT people. Key lawsuits like Lawrence vs. Texas, the case that legalized gay sex, and the American Psychology Association declaration in 1972 that homosexuality was not a mental illness, have helped the rights of LGBT individuals living in America.
In a recent survey given to Lewis students regarding gay rights, a majority felt that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender people) should have the same rights that all citizens do. But as a student body do we really accept homosexuals? Can we accept public displays of LGBT affection?
Dr. George Miller, head of the Philosophy department, feels that students have learned to accept LGBT individuals as long as they don't have to deal with it. "Students don't care what goes on in the bedroom, as long as they don't have to see it. This attitude is harmful, because it does damage just like those who vehemently oppose gay rights. Students have accepted homosexuality but they have not embraced it. Society has definitely grown," Miller said, "we still have a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction."
Miller recently started a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) group on campus, and student membership has skyrocketed. "We already have about 150 members and more are joining all the time," said Miller. "It's a step in the right direction. We are getting the message out there." On Wednesday April 18 there was a gay rights rally in the Old Chapel in De LaSalle hall.
"The rally was a great success. We had a lot of participation all day," said Miller. Throughout the day students participated in free speech, a moment of silence, and discussions about homosexuals and the problems facing the restrictions on their rights. "We need to make it acceptable to be gay," said one student speaker, who was met with applause.
Gay rights have come a long way in the past hundred years. Since the turn of the century people have secretly and publicly fought for the rights of LGBT people. Key lawsuits like Lawrence vs. Texas, the case that legalized gay sex, and the American Psychology Association declaration in 1972 that homosexuality was not a mental illness, have helped the rights of LGBT individuals living in America.
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