Isn't it amazing the uproar that 15 gay students (and some straight friends) have caused by quietly and respectfully asking to form a club at East High? Apparently the editor of the Deseret News agrees with the loud and vocal segment of our population who demand that the effort by these kids to help themselves be quashed. I am at least pleased that your reporters are doing a much fairer job of covering the story than I had expected, given your official editorial position.
They really didn't have to have a school club to meet but wanted to feel a part of the school and wished to contribute to the community through service projects and wanted to have competent advisers and counselors. They acted maturely. Did you notice how courteously and thoughtfully Kelli Peterson approached the president of Eagle Forum, even graciously complimenting her on her ability to adhere to her beliefs. The woman was at a loss for words. These kids, who are demonstrably more mature than the adults in this controversy, are not vile, disgusting or rebellious. They are teenagers struggling for acceptance by our society. What is immoral about preventing such social tragedies as suicides, dropping out of school, depression and other emotional pain?I have been amazed at the stone-throwing going on. Have you promoted peace, acceptance, tolerance and unity, even love? Is it possible you have promoted hate crimes, intolerance, meanness of spirit, divisiveness and dissension? Where does that place one or one's organization in respect to the judge of all mankind?
Our state is willing to give up all extracurricular clubs along with the tens of thousands of hours of community service they perform, as well as the obvious and known positive effects on gang membership and crime rates in general, and, to top it off, the respect of many good, honest and thoughtful people internationally. Fear exacts a terrible price, doesn't it?
Some of the most talented, kind, caring and well-principled people I have had occasion to meet have been gay. They are just human beings like the rest of us.
Charles W. Walton
Salt Lake City