LGBTQ Rights
From Korean Resource Center
The Korean Resource Center has been working to protect the human rights of oppressed peoples, centered on the values of justice and equality. It was based on these principles that we have been taking positions on major propositions at each electoral cycle and have been recommending them to voters.
Throughout U.S. history, Asian American and Korean American immigrants were discriminated against based on our skin color. In the early 20th century, California enacted laws prohibiting the posession of property to Asian immigrants, and banned interracial marriages until the 1940s. These laws were enacted because people believed that Asians were inferior to whites, and that they did not deserve to be treated as humans.
As Korean Americans, we have witnessed first-hand society's discrimination towards Asian Americans, people of color, immigrants, and those who are not fluent in English. We ought not to reinvent this wheel of discrimination against those different from oneself.
The issue of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities could be an unfamiliar area for Korean Americans. However, what remains true is that queer communities are humans just like anyone else. It is only fair to provide queer couples with the same freedoms that everyone enjoys, such as the right to marry.
If we are to take away the queer community's basic rights just because they are a minority, or because they are different from the rest, our act will be no different from the banning of interracial marriage based on Asian immigrants' different color of skin.
As human beings, we have the responsibility to make sure no one else is unfairly discriminated.
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[edit] A Word to Fellow Christians
Some of us may think that homosexuality is a sin, while some of us may have a more tolerant view. Regardless of how you feel about the issue, I believe it is best for the church and the state to remain independent from each other.
As Christians, our role in this world is to realize God's righteousness. I believe righteousness includes love for all human beings and an end to all forms of discrimination.
[edit] Stories of Korean American Lesbians and Gays
Jeff Kim and Curtis Chin are a loving couple that have been living happily together for 14 years. Jeff, who turned 42 this year, works at the California Wellness Foundation, and Curtis is a writer and producer.
Jeff and Curtis are considering getting married to solve health insurance issues and to live equally. Read more about their story at KoreAm
Alma Soongi Beck is a second generation queer Korean American attorney doing pro bono work in San Francisco. Alma has to carry a power of attorney because hospitals in other states do not recognize domestic partnership.
[edit] Stories of other Lesbian and Gay Couples
These are ads from Let California Ring that tell the true stories of families strengthened by California’s newly married gay and lesbian couples. And what’s good for families is good for our communities. Click on the ads below for real stories from real families from all across California. (More is available at LetCaliforniaRing.org
[edit] What is Proposition 8?
Recently the California Supreme Court ruled that denying the right for same-sex couples to marry was unconstitutional and discriminatory. Prop. 8 would re-write the California Constitution so that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California – allowing discrimination against same-sex couples and denying them the respect, dignity and benefits that come with marriage. The current California Constitution promises the same basic rights and freedoms to everyone, and that no one group can be singled out for unfair treatment. Prop. 8 undermines that promise and singles out one group of people – same-sex couples -- for unequal treatment under the law.
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[edit] Proposition 8: Fact and Fiction
- Fiction
- Proponents claim that voting No on Prop 8 equals supporting queer practices.
- Fact
- Proposition 8 is an infringement upon the basic human rights of a minority group. Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for any Californians. Even if your religion may tell you that being gay is a sin, this does not mean that it must be prohibited by law. Many practices are that are considered sinful do not constitute illegal or criminal behavior. For example, Christians may think that following other religions is a sin, but they haven't attempted to ban the practice of other religions.
- Fiction
- Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless we pass Prop 8.
- Fact
- Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is "false and misleading." The Orange County Register, traditionally one of the most conservative newspapers in the state, says this claim is false. So do lawyers for the California Department of Education.
- Fiction
- Churches will be sued for not performing same-sex marriages
- Fact
- Our US Constitution guarantees us freedom of religion. No person of faith can be forced to go against their conscience. For example, in 1970, the state of California instituted no-fault divorce. No Roman Catholic church or clergy has ever been sued to re-marry divorced persons.
Find out more about Proposition 8 at http://apiequality.org/
