Dear Editor,
As a heterosexual man I am proud that the Cottage Grove City Council majority (5-2) recently voted in favor of the first Pride Month Proclamation. Those opposed were Mayor Solesbee and Councilor Erwin.
Mayor Solesbee called it “tribalism” and “identity politics” and that “we speak for all citizens.” All citizens? Really? These are terms used by majorities to dismiss minorities. We all belong to a tribe and we all have an identity, be it familial, social, political or otherwise. Councilor Erwin stated, “I don’t celebrate things that I think are sinful.” Sexual differentiation is not a choice. It is biological (read Not A Choice by PJ Paulson). I assume Mr. Erwin is a man of religious faith. Does he believe that people were brought into being to suffer stigma, prejudice, indignity, intolerance, and violence, including murder?
As one of all the citizens of Cottage Grove, I am proud of those on the council who voted in favor of the proclamation and defended it in their eloquent statements.
May freedom ring.
Duane Raley
Cottage Grove
