COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR EQUALITY
For meeting times and
more information:
Community Alliance For Equality (CAFE) c/o Linda
cafe@siouxlandpride.net
Why does Sioux City need the Community
Alliance For Equality?
The struggle for justice and equality involves us all. Did you know that
the Sioux City Council voted against an ordinance that would have
protected people of all sexual orientations from discrimination in
housing, public accommodations, and in the work place? It may surprise
some people to know a person can be fired from their job, evicted from
their home, or denied access to public places just because of their
sexual orientation. CAFE is a grass roots group made up of straight and
gay people from Sioux City who wish to help our community become more
informed on this important issue.
Why does Sioux City need the Community Alliance For Equality?
The struggle for justice and equality involves us all. Did you know that the Sioux City Council voted against an ordinance that would have protected people of all sexual orientations from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and in the work place? It may surprise some people to know a person can be fired from their job, evicted from their home, or denied access to public places just because of their sexual orientation. CAFE is a grass roots group made up of straight and gay people from Sioux City who wish to help our community become more informed on this important issue.
Why should I support a person’s “choice” to be a homosexual?
A person is not gay because they choose any sort of particular behavior. A person is gay if they have a homosexual orientation. Most modern medical professionals and scientists will tell you that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Homosexuals, like heterosexuals, grow up naturally discovering their sexuality. You may disagree with modern science and medicine about whether homosexuality is a choice. But as Lillian Hellman once said, “Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?”
If I believe in traditional family values, how can I support a law that would help lesbians, gays, or transgender people?
Perhaps the most outstanding family values are love, honesty, justice, compassion, and equality. Protecting fellow citizens in matters of public accommodations, employment, and housing in no way challenges these traditional values. The only “tradition” we want to challenge is the one that allows for the unfair treatment of a minority group.
Why do homosexuals always seem to flaunt their sexuality?
Can’t they just keep their private lives to themselves?Heterosexuals often hold hands, kiss, and hug in public places. They often speak openly about their social lives and their relationships. People are not flaunting their sexuality when they do these things, they are just living their lives. Gay people also just want to live their lives.
Being honest with people about who you are and who you love doesn’t mean you are flaunting anything. But if the laws don’t change, being honest in Sioux City can cost you your home or your job if your sexuality doesn’t match what your employer or landlord expects it to be.
Aren’t gay people already protected from discrimination?
Why should they be given special rights?There is no law that protects anyone from discrimination based on sexual orientation at the federal or state level. And although some progressive cities (including five in the state of Iowa) do protect people from this type of injustice, the Sioux City Council has consistently voted against an ordinance that would protect people of all sexual orientations. No special rights for gays are being suggested here. The ordinance in question would protect straight people as well.
My religion teaches me that homosexuality is immoral so why should I want to grant lesbian, gay, or transgender people any rights at all?
Even if your religion does teach that being gay, lesbian, or transgender is wrong, it surely does not teach that we as a community should treat anyone unfairly. No one is asking for a law that would force you to abandon your religion. It is possible for you to hold on to your personal belief and at the same time be tolerant and respectful to those who hold a different view.
Regardless of our diverse religious beliefs, no one should have to endure discrimination when it comes to housing, employment, and public accommodations.
When faced with the responsibility to speak up for justice and equality
what will you do?Remember the quote from Pastor Martin Niemoller,
“In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”
What can I do to show my support for equality in Sioux City?
You can educate yourself on these important issues by checking out the websites listed at the end of this brochure. You can speak to your family and friends to help educate them as well. And last, but not least, tell the Sioux City Council your opinion. Take the good advice found on the City Council page of the website www.sioux-city.org which says, “We invite and encourage you to attend City Council meetings and participate… As always, we welcome your phone calls and written correspondence. You may send letters by e-mail to ccouncil@sioux-city.org or mail to City Hall, PO Box 447, 51102, or call 279-6102.”
Want to learn more?
The American Psychological Association paper “Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality” can be found online: www.apa.org; just click on Sexuality and then look under Miscellaneous for the above title.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender political organization working for equality.
Website: www.hrc.orgThe National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is the oldest national organization working to eliminate prejudice, violence, and injustice against the LGBT community.
Website: www.thetaskforce.org
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays or PFLAG is a nationwide organization with local chapters in Iowa including Sioux City. Their mission includes the goals of ending discrimination and securing equal civil rights.
Website: www.PFLAG.org
The Siouxland PFLAG e-mail address: SiouxlandPFLAG@aol.com
If you have any questions or would like to help in our efforts for equality
please contact CAFE.
E-mail address: CAFE@Siouxlandpride.net
The Right Place,
All The Right Pets,
Always The Right
Thing To Do!
1015 Tri-View Avenue
Sioux City, Iowa
(712) 252-2614, ext. 7
Tuesday – Saturday
10am to 5pm
Sun. noon to 5pm
