We realize it’s in Texas, but even by that standard, things are pretty ugly down in San Antonio, where the city council is considering a nondiscrimination ordinance. For example, take the case of Eric Alva. Alva is a gay Marine veteran who lost a leg while serving in Iraq. So when Alva testified in favor of San Antonio’s nondiscrimination audience, you’d think he’d at least get a respectful reception. Instead. Alva was booed by audience members who objected to his support for the measure.
In a Facebook post, Alva said that the response made him feel like crying. “I have never seen a city so divided and hateful towards each other,” Alva wrote. “All of mankind should be ashamed. I already spoke and even some of the religious groups even boo’ed me as I spoke. Such disrespect as they preach the word of God.”
Alva was the first American to be injured in the Iraq war, when he stepped on a landmine. He has been a leading proponent of the nondiscrimination ordinance, which the religious right equates with Armageddon. After his appearance, he did get words of support from author Anne Rice, who posted a comment on Facebook. “A soldier loses a leg in combat, and is later booed by his fellow Americans because he is gay,” Rice wrote. “I’m appalled.”
Of course, it’s no wonder the atmosphere is poisonous when you have folks like Councilwoman Elisa Chang caught on tape saying that LGBT people are “so disgusting.” Chan finally responded to the brouhaha her remarks set off by not apologizing. In essence, Chan paints herself of the victim and claims her First Amendment right to be a complete homophobic jerk in private.
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“The comments from the staff meeting on May 21st were and are my personal opinions and thoughts as guaranteed to me by the 1st amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” Chan said in a statement. “It is unfortunate that a former member of my D9 Council team betrayed the trust of my staff members and me. I will fight, I will always fight for our freedom of speech, especially in a private setting.”
In other words, she was quoted correctly.
erasure25
Elisa Chang is disgusting. People who boo war vets just because they are gay or support non-discrimination bills are disgusting. Elisa Chang and her kind are worse as they are supposed to work for the public. Civil servants should serve all people – that is what we pay them to do. It is clear Elisa Chang can’t serve the public good, so she needs to be recalled ASAP.
Kieran
It is amazing how gay Americans are still willing to fight to defend a country that denies them their full civil rights.
If gay men are good enough to risk life and limb defending and protecting the American people—including homophobes—they are good enough to receive full equality as US citizens.
Eiswirth
All those “good Christian bitches” down in Texas are the epitome of ignorance and hatred. This guy is good enough to fight your ex-governor’s filthy war, and lose a leg in the process, but God forbid he should have any rights upon his return. I will never set foot or spend a dime in that disgusting state until a Democrat is in the governor’s mansion and the Dems control their state legislature.
Looks like I may never get there.
startenout
How funny she cites her freedom of speech while being “betrayed” that someone let other people hear it. So she wants to say whatever she likes about us as long as we never know. Now, THAT is betrayal.
Geoff B
What the first 4 posters said. All spot on. How disgusting that a true hero would be hoped for speaking out for equality. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating. Most of these so called “Christians” wouldn’t know Christ if he punched them square in the throat (which is way better than what awaits them on Judgement Day).
Geoff B
*would be booed. Autocorrect sucks.
sfbeast
Very nice San Antonio, booing an injured Irag war veteran. Then they all went back to their christian homes to abuse their children.
2eo
@sfbeast: I think you missed the word sexually out your post.
Stache1
God I hate these cherry picking “Christians”. I’ve never seen such Un Christlike people in my life. With these people it’s hate first and then use religion to justify it.