It is my belief that as a society we continue to apply a separate-but-equal and second-class-citizen status to homosexuals. Domestic partnership was established, thus adding to the already created second-class-citizen status of homosexuals.

Our dictionary defines separate but equal as a set phrase denoting the system of segregation that justifies giving different groups of people separate facilities or services with the declaration that the quality of each group's public facilities remain equal.

Our dictionary also defines second class citizen as an informal term used to describe a person who is systematically discriminated against within a state or other political jurisdiction, despite their nominal status as a citizen or legal resident there.

While not necessarily slaves, outlaws or criminals, second class citizens have limited legal rights, civil rights and economic opportunities, and are often subject to mistreatment or neglect at the hands of their putative superiors. Instead of being protected by the law, the law disregards a second class citizen, or it may actually be used to harass them.

Second class citizenry is generally regarded as a violation of human rights. Typical impediments facing second class citizens include, but are not limited to, disenfranchisement (a lack or loss of voting rights), limitations on civil or military service, as well as restrictions on language, religion, education, freedom of movement and association, weapons ownership, marriage, housing and property ownership. Governments will typically deny the existence of a second class within the polity. As an informal term, second class citizenship is not objectively measured.

I submit to you that homosexuals have been and continue to be treated in a separate but equal status as second class citizens.

As a lesbian, I’m over it!!

Lenny Matthews lives in Lucerne.

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