"They aren't gay rights; they're human rights "

Laurie Friedman-Fannin column:

I can't believe it's 2011 and we're still debating gay rights. I can't believe we're still calling it "gay" rights.

The right to care for partners when they're ill, to have a say in their health care, to be by their side when they die, to make sure children have healthy parents — these are human rights, are they not? Basic human rights. Why are we still arguing about this?

To opponents, how does the mere existence of same-sex couples threaten to shred the moral fiber of anyone's life. What exactly is it that gets your dander up? Is it the lifestyle? Do you feel it's your duty to make sure everyone lives "correctly," which, of course means, just like you?

Is it the Bible, the zealot's permission slip, the manual that tells self-righteous, sanctimonious thumpers how to live and who to hate?

Is it the sex itself, the fact that two people who share gender dare to be intimate? What if I don't like what you do behind closed doors? Can I hate you with impunity?

And don't give me the "we hate the sin but not the sinner" garbage. That's akin to saying, "I don't hate black people. It's their skin color I object to." It's a colossal crock.

So what do we do when some of those who opposed the city of Appleton's plan to offer same-sex domestic-partner benefits to its employees dress their homophobia in budgetary concerns?

They drape a veil of political correctness over their prejudice, making it all the more insidious. They tell you they're trying to save the taxpayer $100,000 when, in reality, it's gay bashing at its most refined.

We should be applauding Appleton's giant step into the 21st century, giving domestic partners (some of whom have been together longer than many sacrament-approved one-man, one-woman unions) the right to be there for each other in the worst of times.

To those who disagree, is the quality of your life going to be diminished because my friend, Katie, would like benefits for her partner, Amy? Or because Ken and David want to be there, in good health, for their two sons?

Really, how does their desire for family, for security, and their love for each other mar your daily existence? Can you give me one example, one solid thing. No? I didn't think so.

No one is asking you to embrace the homosexual lifestyle, but it would be nice if you could accept the homosexual.

I'm still waiting for the day when "gay" is no longer an adjective — when we no longer place that word in front of "man," "woman" or "marriage."

It's coming. Perhaps not in my lifetime, but I believe my children will see a better world.

We, as a country, are so rigid, so unforgiving, so far behind the rest of the civilized society. I find it ironic that we're considered the great melting pot of the world and, at the same time, we're the least tolerant of diversity.

There is no homosexual agenda here. There is no "they," trying to shove anything down anyone's throats. There are just people who want a good life. Don't we all deserve that?

I want to recognize the Appleton Common Council members who voted to expand benefits. Thank you. It takes guts to fly in the face of discrimination.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."

Blaze away, people. Blaze away.