RIGHTS: Protect all citizens equally

It was reported in the Friday edition of the Coeur d’Alene Press that I spoke at the Kootenai County Reagan Republican luncheon. That is true. However, it was also reported that my lecture was a call for the repeal of the city of Coeur d’Alene’s “anti-discrimination” ordinance — and that I had called it the “Homosexual Rights Ordinance.”

It is true that I would like the well-known “anti-discrimination” ordinance repealed or modified because it grants special rights and privileges to the LGBTQ community at the expense of other city residents.

During my lecture I did not address my desire for the repeal of the ordinance — and furthermore did not refer to the ordinance as stated by The Press via Duane Rasmussen. I did make clear my position during the follow-up question and answer session when asked by Duane himself.

Stop and listen for just a moment, please. While some may endorse the practices and/or lifestyle of the LGBTQ community — my contention is not their choices. I believe all people have been given the freedom to live their lives as they desire. My position is that I do believe all people have been given the freedom to live their lives as they desire. All people! The “anti-discrimination ordinance” in its present form does not protect the rights of all people. It protects the rights of one people group at the expense of another.

“Religious corporations, association, educational institutions, or societies” are presently protected by this ordinance. However, religious people are not protected at all! Additionally, non-religious people are not protected either. I find this to be in direct violation of the “liberty and justice for all” — all — granted us by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

I am suggesting we do all we can to have the city ordinance repealed, amended…something. I want you all protected; I want protection; and I want our future generations — for as long as is possible — protected.

PAUL D. VAN NOY

Coeur d’Alene