Post by Joe K on Mar 16, 2014 9:13:46 GMT
Worth noting that this is what Robin Agascar had to say about the letter, so I don't have to keep going back to the GB page, which is the only evidence of his words, now TiG has scraped its archives...
Mr Atcha calls for religious leaders to speak out (The Citizen, August 9). We at GAY-GLOS too would call for religious leaders to speak out - AGAINST the bigotry, small mindedness and homophobic attitudes expressed by Mr Atcha and others in the community. Mr Atcha, as a former Race Equality Officer should know better than to promote hatred. What message does he give to the young men involved in the Gymnation project with which he is involved, some of whom may be gay?
May we remind Mr Atcha that we have laws in this country which promote inclusiveness and legislate against discrimination on the grounds of, amongst other strands of diversity: race, religion and sexual orientation. Mr Atcha is entitled to believe what he wishes, but his actions (and that includes his statements) cannot infringe the human rights of other individuals or break the law of the land.
Using religious scripture is no basis to challenge the due legislative process. Mr Atcha may believe the contents of scripture to be 'true' but he cannot prove them. The ancient (and not so ancient) writings of men, have been used through history to control men and women. But they have also been re-addressed throughout history to reflect changes in society. How many people today would agree with the ban on eating shellfish? or the wearing of clothing of mixed fibres? Many religious tracts support the taking of slaves - not acceptable in this country for nearly two centuries!
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) is not a choice - it is a fact. For a person to accept that they do not fit the label of 'straight' can still be hard for individuals brought up against a background of prejudice that exists for many in their family and community. GAY-GLOS supports anyone coming to terms with and wanting to feel proud of who they are and help them to face and overcome their fears. GAY-GLOS also aims to educate the wider population as it has been doing throughout its 16 year existence.
Saturday's march in Gloucester city centre marked a huge step for the community - not just the LGBT community but the wider community. Many on the streets supported the event and have called for it to be bigger next year.
If Gloucester and its Shire are to be safe and welcoming places for all to live and to visit, the Community Cohesion agenda being championed by the government at both national, regional and local levels must include ALL members of the community.
Mr Atcha would be well advised to reconsider his stance on LGBT issues. There cannot be one level of Inclusion for him and another level for those he considers to be so abhorrent.
Gloucester, its citizens and statutory authorities (city and county councils and police) should be proud of the city's first ever Rainbow Day. It is Mr Atcha's letter which is the Act of Shame in this matter - hiding behind 'religion' to justify and promote prejudice, discrimination and bigotry.
ROBIN AGASCAR
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of GAY-GLOS
May we remind Mr Atcha that we have laws in this country which promote inclusiveness and legislate against discrimination on the grounds of, amongst other strands of diversity: race, religion and sexual orientation. Mr Atcha is entitled to believe what he wishes, but his actions (and that includes his statements) cannot infringe the human rights of other individuals or break the law of the land.
Using religious scripture is no basis to challenge the due legislative process. Mr Atcha may believe the contents of scripture to be 'true' but he cannot prove them. The ancient (and not so ancient) writings of men, have been used through history to control men and women. But they have also been re-addressed throughout history to reflect changes in society. How many people today would agree with the ban on eating shellfish? or the wearing of clothing of mixed fibres? Many religious tracts support the taking of slaves - not acceptable in this country for nearly two centuries!
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) is not a choice - it is a fact. For a person to accept that they do not fit the label of 'straight' can still be hard for individuals brought up against a background of prejudice that exists for many in their family and community. GAY-GLOS supports anyone coming to terms with and wanting to feel proud of who they are and help them to face and overcome their fears. GAY-GLOS also aims to educate the wider population as it has been doing throughout its 16 year existence.
Saturday's march in Gloucester city centre marked a huge step for the community - not just the LGBT community but the wider community. Many on the streets supported the event and have called for it to be bigger next year.
If Gloucester and its Shire are to be safe and welcoming places for all to live and to visit, the Community Cohesion agenda being championed by the government at both national, regional and local levels must include ALL members of the community.
Mr Atcha would be well advised to reconsider his stance on LGBT issues. There cannot be one level of Inclusion for him and another level for those he considers to be so abhorrent.
Gloucester, its citizens and statutory authorities (city and county councils and police) should be proud of the city's first ever Rainbow Day. It is Mr Atcha's letter which is the Act of Shame in this matter - hiding behind 'religion' to justify and promote prejudice, discrimination and bigotry.
ROBIN AGASCAR
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of GAY-GLOS
