Mrs. King was Pro Gay-Rights and Same-Sex Marriage

[Dunvegan]

In direct opposition to the homophobic stance of her daughter Bernice King, and the New Birth Church for which Bernice preaches, Mrs. King was firmly a defender of gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Even in March of 2004, Coretta Scott King spoke out elequently on the right of all citizens to marry.

Mrs. King was not a hyprocrite in her life's work of championing equal rights for ALL.

Which makes her a true hero of justice and equity.

Here are a few Coretta Scot King quotes on the topic:

* I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.
-- Reuters (31 March 1998)

* Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions.
-- Chicago Tribune (1 April 1998)

* Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood. This sets the stage for further repression and violence that spread all too easily to victimize the next minority group.
-- Chicago Defender (1 April 1998)

* I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy.
-- Chicago Sun Times (1 April 1998)

* Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union."A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages.
-- Speech at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (24 March 2004)

[Erika]

1. Coretta's message was Christ's love for all

and that all were loved equally. Why the right wingers, especially the Christian ones, think they are so superior to gays/lesbians that they will sit in judgment of them, is beyond us as it is not MLK or CSK beliefs.

[Dunvegan]

3. Amen, Sister Erika.

Equality = Equality.

Dunvegan: Stating the Obvious Since 1955.

[bliss_eternal]

2. I knew she supported gay rights, but had not

actually heard her speak on them. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

What a phenomenal woman!

[me b zola]

4. It is important to understand the person when considering their legacy

I think that you have made an important post because I think that many people do not understand the work of CSK. It is even more important because her daughter, Bernice, I believe is working to erase that part of her mother's work from history.

IMO, Bernice is a snake that is waiting to steal/twist the message of her parents. We have an obligation to keep history honnest.

[smartvoter]

5. Gay rights is a civil rights issue. nt

[Withywindle]

6. Thank you!

Timely and important.


I don't see where anybody gets off saying "Equal rights and justice for all -- except you."

[Dunvegan]

7. With all the squealing about what was said at the funeral...

...there's NO talk about the Administration trying to back-door co-opt the King legacy by holding out so very much money to the Bishop of New Birth and Bernice under the guise of "Faith-Based Initiative" money.

Somebody in the Administration may have studied who was the most vulnerable or coldly ambitious member of the family, zeroed in on Bernice (who seems under the thrall of the New Birth Bishop) and offered them a train-load of money for their mega-church under the guise of the faith-based undercutting strategy.

No wonder Bush was smirking. He's sitting in the house that his funding will partially build.

If you can't beat them...co-opt their legacy.

So who's fooling/dissin' who?