Update: BRO Stands With Immigrant Allies
Today, will be remembered as one of the largest grassroots efforts for human rights in recent memory--here in Oregon and across the country. Basic Rights Oregon was there with our allies lending our support to a cause just as important to the GLBT community as it is to the immigration community: equality under the law and freedom from scapegoating and attacks by extremists.
We jumped into the rally and march with our signs proclaiming “Immigrant Rights ARE Basic Rights” and "GLBT People Support Immigrant Rights" and helped make a statement with other supporters through the streets of downtown Portland.The campaign was peaceful and simple: “si se puede” (Yes, we can)—and we proved it by coming out in the thousands to show opposition to anti-immigrant rhetoric and legislation.
Immigrant and allied marchers glanced curiously at our signs before cheering us on and showing their gratitude with warm smiles and peace signs. We received knowing glances and kind words. "We're with you too," many said.
Ultimately, if we want to bring basic rights to the GLBT community, efforts such as the monumental march and boycott that occurred today, send a message that when united, we will not be defeated or made to be second classe citizens.For more information on the link between GLBT and immigrant rights or to see how recent anti-immigrant legislation hurts GLBT pople, check out our post below.
This entry was posted
on Monday, May 01, 2006 at 4:46 PM.
Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.
ByThe issue at hand is the fate of "illegal" immigrants. It irritates me that illegal aliens from Mexico are out in the streets demanding "rights" when gay American citizens aren't allowed the basic right of civil unions. Most Mexicans are Catholics and are not accepting of homosexuality, by the way. How can BRO stand with illegal immigrants and call them allies? Illegal immigrants don't have a vote in our Country unless they lied on the registration form. Many illegal immigrants have come to Oregon to work at jobs that American citizens previously held - like carpenters, painters, and other construction related work. How can BRO support taking away our jobs? The corporations appreciate your support but I don't. I am sorry that they continued to come here after 1986 when Amnesty was granted and now have American babies. Perhaps that law needs to change too. In some states,American gay couples can't adopt children or don't even have basic rights to their own children. Please BRO, fight for OUR rights as American citizens!
By
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere." Though some immigrants may be illegal (and there are many legal immigrants who get the shaft also) it does not make them any less human. As humans they need to be treated as such, not as 'less human' than people lucky enough to actually be born here. In addition, I have a feeling if you were born into the situations they were born into in Mexico, you would do everything you can to improve your lot in life. No one can fault them for wanting a better life. I commend BRO's belief in justice for ALL.
» Post a Comment