Open Letter To The President Of The SCLC

The Sounthern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization started by Martin Luther King to combat racism and injustice has threatened to fire the president of its Los Angeles chapter, Dr. Lee, because he supports same-sex marriage and opposed Proposition 8.

I could not sit still and not write them about this insanity. I thought I would share my letter with you and encourage you to write them as well. Their website form is here.

DR. BYRON C. CLAY, President & CEO
Ron Woods, Executive Director
SCLC Tel:404.522.1420 (Georgia)

Dr. Clay

Your recent threat of disciplinary action against Rev. Lee is unacceptable for a group founded by a man who is widely quoted as saying, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

To fail to speak out in favor of equal rights including marriage for LGBT Americans is an insult to the memory of Dr. King.

You forget that the man who orchestrated the March on Washington was Bayard Rustin, an openly gay African-American.

I have stood by the Civil Rights movement since the 1960's when my Father, a white Jewish professor joined the NAACP to show his support for justice. Today, I still support causes for any group who is oppressed in our society. Just because some gay and lesbian American's have a measure of affluence does not mean they have equal rights. Rights are not measured by the bank account but by freedom and equal protection.

I strongly suggest you reconsider and support the LGBT movement in the struggle to end inequality and bring justice to all.

If you really believe in the "beloved community" then there are no "others" only brothers and sisters, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sincerely,

Hardy Haberman