Bob Hensley, disabled Vietnam veteran and gay. Don’t regress to the likes of Scopes. Unite and lead the world into next century inclusively. If gays weren’t a minority, this resolution wouldn’t exist. He fought for all Americans. Don’t condone by silence, fear or apathy a resolution that violates the ideals he served to protect.
QUOTES:
“I ask the Knox County Commission to consider the proposed resolution with great care and thought for the future. Let us not regress to the status of nearly 75 years ago, when a minority of one, John Scopes, became a celebrated cause for the nation and the world. Shall we stand together as one people, without prejudice, without rancor? Shall we not lead the world into the 21st Century, where someone who is different, whether by birth or by choice, is not targeted for brutality or harassment. If gays were not a minority, such a resolution would never have arisen, and I would not be here asking for fair treatment, protection and equality under the laws of our nation. By virtue of my service to my country, fighting for the principles of freedom, and equality, even for those not of my race, religion or personal beliefs, I beg of you not to condone by silence, fear or apathy, a resolution which violates those very ideals for which I honorably served my God and my country.”
Video produced by and used with permission from Community Television of Knoxville.
1993 Knox County Commission's anti-gay Resolution 121 (TN) 