Miranda Heisler, Minot

I would like the chance to give a HUGE thank you to Mayor Sipma for making the decision to fly the LGBTQ+ flag over city hall. As mayor, it is your job to try to bring TOLERANCE, UNITY and EQUALITY to our citizens voices. It is to try to eliminate HATE and BIGOTRY as well as to show that the minorities in our city are CELEBRATED.

I have to say that I was absolutely disgusted with the individuals that chose to speak at the city council meeting on Tuesday, September 8th. Yes, those individuals certainly have a right to their opinion as well as to practice whichever religious beliefs they so choose; however, BIGOTRY, PREJUDICE and RELIGIOUS discussion have no place at a government meeting. There is a reason there is a separation of Church and State.

For those who chose to say they are not BIGOTS, I highly recommend that you read the definition of the word repeatedly and then tell me how this is not what you are doing? Let me assist you:

Bigotry: noun, intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself.

Prejudice: noun, preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. Dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior deriving from unfounded opinions.

Celebrating a minority and showing that they are welcome and equal in our community is not going to affect your life in any way, except to show that you have read your bible and understand that God is about LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. All those who chose to spout off about religion clearly need to re-read the very bible you claim to be representing. For your ONE verse in the bible that you claim to use against the LGBTQ+ community, I can gladly offer 40+ that show why they should be accepted per your same bible! It is not your place to judge ones lifestyle. That is ONLY GOD’s.

For those who argued that Mr. Sipma has opened doors, you are correct, and hallelujah to that!!! I more than welcome and support a Mayor who is willing to open doors that bring about equality for its citizens and community. I will also welcome other flags that celebrate other minorities as well, and before you ask, there is a big difference between what is a minority and what is a secular group such as ANTIFA.

I also would like to ask those of you who want to bring religion into the discussion, how many of you would have and issue if the Mayor were to ignore the separation of Church and State and put up a Baha’i (Nine Pointed Star), Christianity (Cross), Buddhism (Dharma Wheel), Earth Religions (Three Goddess symbol), Islam (Crescent and Star), Native Religions (Sweet Grass in a Smudge Bowl), Hinduism (Aum), Daoism (Tai symbol of Peace), Sikhism (Khanda), Judaism (Chai symbol within the Star of David)… I could go on… or is it only YOUR religion you would be tolerant of?

Mr. Mayor, you made the right decision and I want to again thank you for that. It is a shame that so much HATE and push for INDIFFERENCE still exists in our beautiful little community. I may not have any dog in this fight, as I myself am not LGBTQ+ nor is anyone in my immediate family that I am aware of, but I am happy to know that should anyone I know or love be born that way, that there are still those who stand up for what is right and let them know they are an EQUAL and RESPECTED part in our community.

Let me say this again for those who couldn’t even get the letters correct, it is LGBTQ+ yes +, this stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer and the + is for all others sexual preferences that fall in between. Meaning ALL EQUAL, ALL INCLUDED. STOP THE HATE.

Thank you.