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PHOTO BY JOHN LARSON

SHOW OF SUPPORT. State Representative Jeannie Darneille, left, and Cheryl Reid-Simons, holding sign, joined other supporters of gay marriage in front of First United Methodist Church.

Local residents rally for gay marriage

By John Larson

About 150 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in downtown Tacoma and marched to Wright Park to show their support for gay marriage Nov. 15. The event was one of approximately 275 held around the nation to show opposition to the passage of Proposition 8 in California. The measure, passed by voters this month, defines marriage as between a man and woman. Activists on both sides of the issue consider Proposition 8 as a crucial battle in the ongoing culture war in the United States.

The event began with speakers addressing the audience gathered in the church sanctuary.

Pastor Melvin Woodworth said when he voiced his support for gay rights 30 years ago, some in his denomination voiced opposition to his serving as a minister. He described the passage of Proposition 8 as a pivotal moment and fitting reason “to express our outrage, to demand civil rights.” Woodworth told the gay and lesbian people in attendance that God’s love is extended to them. “I see you as a person of sacred worth.”

“I found my political roots in issues that related to humankind,” said State Representative Jeannie Darneille (D-Tacoma). “I did not know I was a gay rights advocate, then I became an honorary lesbian.”

Mike Collier is chair of the Micah Project, the church’s social justice ministry. He told the audience they have an obligation to fight for the civil rights of all people. “Things do not happen when we are quiet.”

Cheryl Reid-Simons said she and her partner have had two weddings, in Portland and Victoria. They pay taxes and raise their two young sons. She is a member of the Parent Teacher Association at their school. For her, having their marriage be legally recognized is not about tax breaks or insurance policies. “It is not about dollars for me. It is about something much more important. It is about love.”

Reid-Simons lashed out at the Mormon church, which provided considerable financial support to Proposition 8. “They ought to be embarrassed,” she said. “They ought to be ashamed.”

Gordy Hutchins said that the Tacoma event and others around the country should not be interpreted as the beginning of a feud between Methodists and Mormons. Hutchins serves as a pastor for several Methodist congregations in the area, including St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church in Tacoma.

He noted he has relatives who are Mormons. Gay marriage is simply an issue on which he has a difference of opinions with Mormons, Hutchins said.

“To me, this is not a political issue, it is a social justice issue.”

One Methodist minister he knows wanted to attend the event. The man stayed home because he is gay, but not openly, and feared attending because it might raise questions about his sexual orientation.

“This is an important issue for our gay and lesbian members,” Hutchins said. “They are a vital part of our community.”

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