Churches wrong to exert pressure on organizer to cancel drag queen show

Editor:

It has come to my attention that the clergy of Orleans County and their houses of worship have decided to do their civic duty and begin paying taxes. It’s truly about time, and I am sure that the money will be well used for infrastructure and services to the people of  New York, Orleans County and the village of Albion. It’s all I can assume they mean when they call for a cancellation of an event at a tax-paying establishment, that they seem to have an issue with.

Specifically, I’m talking about the Drag Me to Brunch event being help at The Lockstone in Albion on October 1st. The red herring argument used by the writer is on its surface intolerant, but at its core is also bigoted. I am disappointed to find this still surviving in the same town where I was taught acceptance, understanding and tolerance.

I can almost see their issue, but not really. So, they believe that because some adults wish to get together and have some fun, and one of the participating Drag Queens has expressed her enjoyment of Drag Queen Story Hour, one leads directly to the other?

Do they perhaps expect that an army of Drag Queens (there are Drag Kings too, How do you like them?) Are going to march into the Hoag Library and force the village children to list to “Hansel and Gretel?” Or perhaps they envision “Hedwig and the Angry Inch?”

Either way, I don’t see that happening. Any event needs planning and nobody will be forced to participate, believe me, it’s strictly on a volunteer basis.  As with any cult, we must keep our supplicants under-educated and unquestioning. Heaven forbid they begin to think for themselves.

Since the attempted coup of January 6th, 2021 was thwarted, we still live in The United States of America, and as such still live under the U.S. Constitution. I’m sure you know the document, the 1st Amendment of which begins thus: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ….

It further continues, …or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance. This, I was taught in Albion High School in 1986 by Mr. Miller in 12th grade American History class. He was pretty adamant about our understanding of the Constitution.

So my understanding is this: The Government is not beholden to any religious group, ever. And furthermore, we can not be forced to do their bidding, ever.

We may exercise our freedom of assembly to enjoy whatever entertainment that we wish, so long as we maintain the peace as defined in the NY State penal code. Since this is an adults-only event, as defined by the NY State Liquor Authority, it seems that we are well within our rights to do as we shall do. I can imagine why this would scare you.

As a 56-year-old, hetero male, my wife and I will certainly have some fun at this event. We will enjoy the music, the food and the show. We can’t help it, we have open minds and open hearts. It’s all one needs to find joy in life.

Sincerely,

Karl White

Elba