Another assault on gay rights

My cousin posted something on his Facebook wall about how parts of an amendment that is being considered in a committee in the Indiana state legislature would strip away IYG and 21 other non-profits' license plates. These are speciality plates that people have to pay extra for to have and the proceeds go toward the organizations the plate represents. IYG is for Indiana Youth Group, a gay, lesbian and transgender group for people aged 12 to 21. The plate is currently available but this amendment would get rid of it. Click here to learn a little more about the plate.

Anyway, I wrote my state representative and senator urging them to vote against any legislation that contained the language to strip away these plates. After writing this e-mail, and thinking about the political climate of today and everything that Republicans are attacking and trying to roll back to the 1950s and sooner these days, I feel like it is my civic duty to start writing and even calling my representatives and senators more often. I'm surprised and a little disheartened I haven't done more already, but it is time for a change and it is time for me to speak up even more than what I do through social media and to friends and family.

The following is what I wrote:

Rep. Brown, Sen. Alting:


I am one of your constituents and I am against an amendment that would be added to SB0257 that would strip away IYG and 21 other non-profits' license plates. A vote in conference committee is expected tomorrow (Thursday) on the amendment and I strongly urge you to vote against any legislation that would attach this language. (I realize this is a Senate bill but eventually it will make its way to the House and at that time I implore you to vote against it.)

The money from the IYG plate and the other non-profit plates is a way to help a community and group of Hoosiers who might not have any other funding. While profits might not be high, who are you and other legislators to decide what I, or other voters, might want to support. Don't deny me my right to support these groups through the purchase of a license plate just because you don't agree.

By voting in favor of getting rid of these plates you essentially are voting in favor of discriminating against these causes, or these people. Just because the IYG plates' proceeds might go to a group of Hoosiers that might not make up the majority and might not even get a majority of the state population's approval, doesn't mean you should single them out and say they don't matter.

As a legislator you should be accepting of all types of people and causes. You might not personally agree with them, but you shouldn't discriminate against them and say they are less important than someone else just because they aren't as well-liked.

These plates are just one more method that these organizations can get proceeds to help with educational tools, learning opportunities, community events, etc. Imagine if the plates were for breast cancer or veterans. We wouldn't be having this conversation. It's only because these groups are easily politicized that they are attacked. That is wrong!!! These are people who have feelings and need help in various ways and for various reasons just as those with breast cancer or those who have served fighting for the rights and freedoms that those who would benefit from the IYG plate, for example, are hoping to one day achieve do.

Again, as one of your constituents I strongly urge you to vote against any legislation that would strip way IYG and 21 other non-profits' plates and I urge you to recommend to your colleagues that they do the same.