"One thing I'm pretty consistent on is I do not like hypocrites. If you can explain your position and you hold yourself to the same standard you want to hold me to, then fine. But you cannot go out there and smear my community by condemning us and somehow making us feel less than, and expect me to be quiet."- Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham)
As Alabama looks to become the 37th state to legalize marriage equality, Democratic lawmaker, Patricia Todd, has had enough of her colleague's legislative double-talk regarding LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/BiSexual/Transgender) rights.
A federal judge, on Friday, ruled Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage - 'unconstitutional'. The ruling was followed by some pretty hateful pushback by Alabama state officials on social media, over the weekend.
One remark, in particular, was made by the state's anti-LGBT House Speaker, Mike Hubbard, who stated:
"It is outrageous when a single unelected and unaccountable federal judge can overturn the will of millions of Alabamians who stand in firm support of the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment. The Legislature will encourage a vigorous appeals process, and we will continue defending the Christian conservative values that make Alabama a special place to live."
This from a House Speaker that has 23 felony corruption indictments.
According to Huffington Post, Rep. Todd responded with the quote at the top of this page, and this:
"If certain people come out and start espousing this rhetoric about family values, then I will say, 'Let's talk about family values, because here's what I heard.'
This is what we need more of in this country - fearless truth-seekers. Thank you, Patricia Todd for having the courage to serve as an openly LGBT lawmaker, and for having the guts to stand up to the many 'pseudo-Christian' Republican bigots.
Additional source: Times Daily:
Note from the writer: This story was also covered by new Daily Kos diarist, Aware63 on Monday. Thank you, Aware63. We hope to read more from you.