Flower power

This makes me think there are some very cool people living in this country. A nice way to show you care. And as a commenter on Metafilter noted, this would be a great way for a city to put itself in the news in a positive light.

In that vein, I just heard the Buffalo News will be publishing my open letter to our mayor:

Dear Mayor,

Several weeks ago, in your State of the City address, you said that Buffalo has “confronted the status quo” and “embraced change.” There is no better time than today to demonstrate that Buffalo is a forward-thinking city that cares about the happiness of its residents. The mayor of San Francisco has challenged the status quo on the issue of same-sex marriages, noting that it is his duty to provide city services in a non-discriminatory manner.

We are at a unique juncture in American history. Providing for gay marriage in the City of Buffalo would let the country know that we are a cosmopolitan and inviting city. As former UB Professor Richard Florida has noted, Buffalo has the makings of an ascendant city. To become the city we all know we can become, we must attract the arts and culture that only thrive in an environment that is open and accepting to difference and diversity. A declaration that the City of Buffalo would allow any couple a marriage license would place Buffalo in the national spotlight as an open and accepting place to live and work.

This is not a “gay issue.” I have been very happily married for more than ten years, and I want others to share in the institution and joy of marriage. If we are indeed a “city of neighbors” we should want all of our neighbors to be able to receive fair treatment from our city government. For our city and for our neighbors, issue marriage licenses to all loving couples regardless of race, age, or sexual orientation.

Your neighbor,

Alex Halavais

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2 Comments

  1. Jenny
    Posted 2/25/2004 at 2:13 am | Permalink

    I second that! =)

  2. david
    Posted 2/27/2004 at 3:37 am | Permalink

    i think you rule alex.

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