James mistaken on state law and homosexuality
The story about Mecklenburg County’s consideration of domestic partner benefits (Jan. 30) is much appreciated.
Unfortunately, the article contains two totally erroneous statements from Commissioner Bill James, without bothering to state the truth.
James is quoted as saying, “State laws make homosexual relationships illegal.” Untrue. Gay and lesbian relationships, or love between two people of the same sex, are legal in North Carolina and every other state in the union.
James further said: “You cannot offer health benefits for people engaging in behavior that the law says is a criminal offense.” Again, untrue. The behavior he speaks of, sodomy, when done in private is legal in North Carolina and every other state in the union. When done in public, even by a man and a woman, it is illegal.
Simple fairness requires that employees who are gay and lesbian couples be entitled to the same benefits for their partners as are heterosexual couples. That is why cities (including Greensboro), counties, towns, states, almost all of the Fortune 500 companies, and many, many businesses, large and small, now offer domestic partner benefits. It is time for Commissioner James and others like him to stop demonizing gays and lesbians.
Ellen Gerber
High Point
Comments (5)
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What a disgusting mental image -
Posted on February 5, 2009 5:11 AM
Ned Beatty's needlepoint gallery is doing well in Aintry.
Posted on February 5, 2009 8:32 AM
. . . Well . . . bend over ya'll . . . here it comes
Posted on February 5, 2009 8:59 AM
no.
Posted on February 5, 2009 9:16 AM
Am I wrong to have complete ambivalence on this issue? It doesn't even register on my give-a-darn meter.
Posted on February 5, 2009 9:36 AM