MI Rep. Meltzer, a Gay Immigrant’s Worst Nightmare

June 02, 2010

MI Rep. Meltzer, a Gay Immigrant’s Worst Nightmare

The debate over immigration reform continues to roil across the nation. And it continues to make people’s blood boil: in this case, mine, because Michigan state Rep. Kim Meltzer, a Republican, may have offered one of the most offensively homophobic – and ironically anti-American – comments in recent memory.

While speaking at an immigration rally yesterday, Meltzer, who’s pushing for an Arizona-like law in her own state, offered her thoughts on gay Iranians, and other immigrants, who seek asylum over potential hate crimes. In short, Meltzer couldn’t give two shits. “Americans cannot be accountable for the type of government other countries have, nor should we be responsible for it. So the fact an individual comes here because they choose a specific lifestyle that is illegal in their own country doesn’t necessarily mean they should get amnesty here,” said Meltzer,according to journo Todd Heywood. “They have to go back to their country and fight for a democratic process — just like we in our country and we’ve fought for it and we’re fighting for it still.” Oh god, where do I begin?

I suppose I’ll start with the simplest offense: “lifestyle.” Really? Just stop, conservatives, because, first, there’s no definitive evidence gay people “choose” to be gay – on the contrary – and to call it lifestyle is not only scientifically erroneous, but dismissive of our humanity. Plus, it makes you sound like your from the 1990s, and people are laughing. Now, onto the real meat of my wrath.

Meltzer’s wildly off base to claim “Americans cannot be accountable for the type of government other countries have.” Sorry, Congresswoman, but America has a long history of meddling in other nations: in fact, your political party led the march in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where, to paraphrase George W. Bush, we’re shedding blood to bring Democracy to the Middle East.

In 2005, two years after the Iraq invasion, Bush insisted, “160,000 of America’s finest are putting their lives on the line so Iraqis can succeed. The American and Iraqi people share the same interests and the same enemies — and by helping democracy succeed in Iraq, we bring greater security to our citizens here at home.” So, Meltzer, not only have the States made it their mission to spread democracy, it’s in our best interest. To put the onus on one single refugee isn’t about to get the job done of spreading freedom in Iran, but nice try.

Finally, Rep. Meltzer, you act as if America’s some crystal castle, above the world’s problems. We’re nothing of the sort. Our nation is the proverbial house on the hill, a beacon of hope for people not lucky enough to live in such a just, free and democratic society. We were built by immigrants, have always praised our open doors and owe it to the world’s citizens to provide a safe, welcoming space, especially if they face violent – even fatal – discrimination abroad. To send a gay Iranian back to his or her homeland is tantamount to murder. So, tell me, Rep. Meltzer, are you comfortable having blood on your hands?

If you’re still unconvinced, why not watch this video put out by the NYCLU, the NYC Gay and Lesbian Center and Congressman Jerry Nadler.