Moral rights

Morally wrong? As a moral, rational student of higher education, I have come to learn that I have no right to judge another person’s morality. I do not believe that anyone has the right to tell any person or group of people what is or is not morally right for them. This brings me to the topic at hand—homosexuality.

I believe that all people who are subject to discriminatory acts or practices deserve protection against such discrimination. No human being on this earth deserves to be killed, beaten, harassed, or denied a job because of their actual or alleged sexual orientation. I do not mean to imply that everyone can or must accept homosexuality (I personally do not know why anyone could not). The whole issue boils down to respect. As things stand now, people who are homosexuals are not respected by the government. People in same-sex relationships as of yet may not legally marry, and reap the monetary and social benefits of marriage. Homosexuals are also denied the right to openly fight for our country if they desire to do so. The list of rights denied homosexual people goes on and on, one atrocity after another.

The work of gay and lesbian activists and civil rights groups, local and national, are to be commended for their tireless efforts. Yet, I feel that change will not come about until we as individuals can find it in our hearts to respect all people as human beings regardless of their sexual orientation, race, nation of origin, sex, religion, or ability.

I would like to thank the friends, parents and allies who work toward creating a positive environment for lesbians, gays and bisexuals here at NIU. I also thank the lesbians, gays and bisexuals persons at NIU, whether they be students, faculty, staff, or community members, for working to gain the inalienable rights which we are being denied. Let us keep our chins up. Not everyone on this campus feels the need to be moral policepersons.

Karen Dilday

Senior

English