Everyone is equal
Sean Gunderson, Minot
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBTs) should have the same social equality as everyone else in America. They are discriminated for being who they are, just like minorities were in America in the 20th century, but unlike then where minorities could still have the ability to marry and have families, LGBTs are pretty much entirely denied it.
America is lagging behind compared to its closest allies when comes to this issue. According to pewforum.com, sixteen of them, including Canada and the UK, have laws that protect marriage equality. The most common form of defense for why America doesn’t is to use the bible without any actual citation of any verses. But, it has a few verses that support rights for LGBTs, or at least verses against the discrimination of them. One example of this is Matthew 7:1-2 which says: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured against you.” Someone could counter by using Leviticus 18:22 or 20:13, but Leviticus is part of the Old Testament, which Christianity is more loosely based on compared to the New Testament in which Matthew is from.
America used to be the world’s greatest innovator and forward thinker, but that prestige can be stripped when this issue is brought up. Old traditions that America refuses to rethink has led to other countries leading us in equality for all. Why can’t America pull another great act like Civil Rights and give people the equality they are suppose to be born with?
Everyone is equal
Leah Helgeson, Minot
Not everyone looks or acts the same. So it is very important that we stop racism, because racism could hurt a human emotionally and it would lead to dangerous actions; everyone should be treated equally.
“Residents of Leith should feel at ease.”- Grant County Sheriff. The people that live in the town Leith should always feel safe to walk the streets no matter of what skin tone they are. They shouldn’t have to act scared or worried to be outside their homes or even inside. “Two men have said they moved to Leith to take over the town’s government. They posted new racial slurs and flew swastika flags.” Racial behavior should not be tolerated because it is wrong to judge someone by what they look like and it could put others in danger.
Judging someone by their skin tone is wrong. If everyone had the same religion, culture, or point of view the world would be very boring and would not have any diversity. Therefore, everyone should be treated and looked at the same.