How do we account for the virulent fear of and hatred for transgender people? They are an incredibly small percentage of the population, perhaps one to 1.5 percent. And yet persons who are struggling with their gender identity are not only treated as pariahs but as lepers who will spread a dreaded disease to the population.
Overriding the governor’s veto, the Republican majority in Kentucky passed a sweeping anti-trans bill, one which the state medical association opposed stating that it will reduce the willingness of medical personnel to even come and work in the state. The bill claims to protect parental rights, but will override parents who care for their trans children.
More than 190 anti-trans bills have been introduced in state houses. It makes one think of the Salem witch trials. The frenzy that engulfed Salem is engulfing our society. Even in the face of a legislator whose trans son committed suicide, the fear-mongers passed the bill – overwhelmingly. What creates such fear, such hatred?
Prayer for the Day
We come to you, O God, wanting visible symbols of your grace,
Looking for simple answers to our complex world;
Rather than relying on the strength that comes from you, O God,
We refuse to acknowledge our complicity in the evil around us.
Move us beyond our fears and give us the faith to overcome hatred,
So we can have the faith that shows us how to live in love,
In the name of the One who taught us how to love,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
My faith teaches me that all children are children of God, and Senate Bill 150 will endanger the children of Kentucky.
- Governor Andy Beshear, statement vetoing the bill
We are denying families, their physicians and their therapists their right to make medically informed decisions. To say this is a bill protecting children is completely disingenuous. And to call this a parents’ right bill is an absolutely despicable affront to me personally.
- State Senator Karen Berg, whose transgender son killed himself in fear of the bill
There is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction;
Their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues.
Make them bear their own guilt, O God, and fall by their own counsels;
Because of their many transgressions, cast them out, for they rebel against you.
Psalm 5: 9-10
- State Senator Karen Berg after the vote