The last week or so my view of humanity world over has been severely soured. I’ve often expressed an attitude that Alberta is the ‘Texas of Canada’ when it comes to issues of equality and progressive society. Hidden in that stance is the inference that other places aren’t as backward, that in other civilized areas these issues are all but resolved. This inference, it turns out, is ill-founded. Hillbilly homophobia is running rampant even in “high culture” nations.
The French government in pushing through a bill that will legalize same sex marriage and allow same sex couples to adopt. It was one of the issues that got them voted in and, in a refreshing change of pace, they are taking steps to quickly make good on their campaign promise. Sounds great! Let’s celebr…what’s that going on outside?
On March 24th, hundreds of thousands of hateful French bigots (that’s pronounced bee-jo, the ‘t’ is silent) marched in protest of this bill. Police had to resort to using tear gas to keep the mob in control. Since then, things have not gotten better. Violence is rising. Notably a gay bar was attacked, windows smashed and patrons injured. Absolutely disgusting behaviour, a French red-neck horde branding monumental levels of idiocy and malevolence.
But surely, this is only the uneducated rabble, right? No such luck. In parliament, members of the opposition say this bill threatens children, one going so far as to say “You are assassinating children”. I would hope, even in our own ‘Texas of Canada’, such a disgustingly hateful statement would result in the immediate resignation/termination/ruination of any deplorable MLA that dared utter it.
Words failed me in the face of this level of soul crushing mindless hate. I was aghast. I started writing this article a week ago but could not finish.
The other day, however, I found a brilliant ray of hope from across the globe. On April 17th New Zealand passed a Marriage Amendment Bill which that defines marriage as a union between two people. This made New Zealand the thirteenth nation in the world to legalize same sex marriage. And how was this legislation toward equality met by onlookers? Unfounded hate, violent riots and tear gas? Nope. Instead the Parliament House erupted in applause. Then, in a fantastic display of humanity affirming beauty, the spectators in the house broke into song. A Maori song of love.
If you’ve ever witnessed the cut-throat farce that is question period in our own parliament, you may well appreciate my amazement that such a thing could happen. My heart swelled and my eyes got misty.
Props, respect, accolades, honour, acclaim and kudos to New Zealand for its monumental step forward and to New Zealanders for their wondrously appropriate reaction. May your shining example wake up a few French hate mongers to just how full of vile depravity their despicable conduct truly is.
bleatmop
Mystro
The Arbourist
Dead Wild Roses 
5 comments
April 26, 2013 at 7:44 am
Lavender Blume
I’d like to add one thing. I find it problematic when people use the terms “redneck” and “hillbilly” to describe a prejudiced mentality. These terms themselves are prejudiced. ‘Redneck’ is meant to refer to uneducated farmers or labourers and ‘hillbillies’ refers to people from the Appalachians, and these terms are no different than the sort of slurs applied to Roma Gypsies, Jews and other groups. We should use language that acknowledges that homophobia and other forms of discrimination are not exclusive to any particular group of people. If we’re in touch with this reality, it should come as no surprise that so many Parisians are protesting against equality.
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April 26, 2013 at 8:20 am
john zande
Have a look at this, also from NZ. It’s hilarious.
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April 26, 2013 at 8:32 am
heinrich
OT – It is horrifying to learn of the collapsed garment factory in Bangladesh. At least 300 dead.
No surprise, almost all of the workers (who toiled for 14 to 24 cents per hour, for 13.5-hour shifts, 7 days per week) are (or were) women.
Next time you see an item of clothing that seems too cheap to pass by, consider those who made it.
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April 27, 2013 at 5:12 am
bleatmop
I’m at least glad that these seem to be the death throws of the homophobia movement rather than them flexing their muscles at full strength. I know in a lot of places it getting worse for gay people, but at least in the west we seem to be moving forwards. That the French government in introducing this bill despite the mass protests is still a win and a move forward. I can’t see them backing down, since it was one of their election platforms. And as long as there are countries like Canada and New Zealand for people to point to and say “Hey, they’re doing better than ever and they have gay marriage”, the bigots will have less and less traction in their attacks.
On a personal note, I hope I live to see the day when opposition to gay marriage is looked at in the same light as those who currently oppose interracial marriage. Hopefully I won’t have to wait until I’m old and feeble before that happens.
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April 27, 2013 at 10:55 am
Mystro
@LB
This is the first I’ve ever heard of the connection between the term ‘hillbilly’ and the Appalachians. As far as I know, both terms refer to a set behaviour and belief patterns, particularly those I mentioned in the post, not to any race or profession. But then, I don’t know everything. If any slight beyond condemning homophobic ignorance was given, it was unintentional. Do you happen to have a replacement insult for those espousing hatred towards minorities? Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
@jz
That is a fantastic clip. Thanks so much for sharing. The world needs more politicians like that guy.
@bleatmop
Well put, as always.
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