Civil Rights Pioneer Joseph Lowery: Equal Rights For Some, Not All, Is “An Oxymoron”
Frankly, I couldn’t imagine myself denying a right to my neighbor, my fellow citizen, that I enjoy myself. I don’t think you can say we believe in equal rights for some people, but not for others. I think that’s a what they call an oxymoron. If you believe in equal rights, you help grant them to all of the people. I could not imagine myself saying to someone, I have a right, but not permit you to enjoy. I have to give it to everybody if i give it to anybody. That’s what Dr. King meant when he said, ‘Injustice breeds injustice everywhere.’
Basically it’s a civil-rights issue. It’s under the law that we have the right to affect a union, a covenant, a relationship, a marriage if you will, between two consenting people.”
—Civil-rights legend Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery, 90, discussing same-sex marriage with Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s Politics Nation. Lowery co-founded the Southern Leadership Conference with MLK, participated in freedom rides and the March on Washington, and delivered the benediction at President Obama’s inauguration.
Well said! Is that a recent pic? He does not look like he is 90 at all! He looks at least 20 years younger
·
Thank you Dr. Lowery.
I’m tired of people like that boxer guy who last week said he is for equal rights but not for gay marriage. I have no respect for him but I would have at least more respect if he recognized that he wasn’t for equal rights.
·
He misquoted MLK:
He said, “Injustice ANYWHERE breeds injustice everywhere.”
Or QUEERTY got it wrong. What else is new?
·
What a wonderful gentleman. Thank you, Rev. Lowery.
·
Thanks Rev. Lowery