This wonderful letter appeared in the local Burlington Free Press a few days ago. We are working on getting a Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Bill passed here in Vermont. Last year the Governor vetoed it and the backlash was really intense, making for more publicity in support of the bill than we had all year before the veto. This year, things are looking good. The Senate voted 27-1 in favor.
Here’s the letter from a minister in Hinesbug:
Letter to the Editor: Jesus loves unconditionally
Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I almost never turn immediately from the front page teaser to the page 8 follow up. I did on March 2. I couldn’t wait to find out what Jesus would say or do in response to Steve Stanton’s request to have a sex change operation and keep his job as city manager in Largo, Fla.
I have dedicated the past 32 years to Christian ministry in a variety of places. I am currently pastor of the United Church of Hinesburg. I completely disagree with Pastor Saunders of Largo’s Lighthouse Baptist.
The Jesus who loves me unconditionally also loves Steve or Susan Stanton, with or without surgery. God’s work is about compassionate justice, not hateful discrimination. The transgendered persons of Vermont deserve full and equal protection by law so we can avoid such an injustice here.
William R. Neil
Hinesburg
