Regarding Senate Bill 147, Rep. Chris Fugate, R-Chavies, said it is not about taking away anyone’s freedom; rather, “freedom is the ability to act within the boundaries that are set for society – boundaries that we all have to live inside, and when you go outside the boundaries, what I believe God’s word teaches us, is that we’re not living in freedom.”

By Fugate’s definition, even the North Koreans live in freedom. Their boundaries may be more restrictive than any other society on earth, but as long as they act within those boundaries, they are free. Right, Rep. Fugate?

Supporters of the bill disguise their tyranny with the sheep’s clothing of righteousness, seizing the unassailable moral high ground by proclaiming “it’s child protection legislation.” After all, only a monster is opposed to protecting children. Ironically, if they were motivated by protecting children, they might rewrite the bill to identify houses of worship as adult-only establishments not allowed to operate within a block from where minors may be present. Thousands of children have been abused by people who, like Fugate, proclaim to be God’s representatives. Would that bill not be a more evidence-based child protection measure than the current version of SB 147?

What happens if the Christian culture warriors someday find themselves in the minority in Frankfort? When we use the state to enforce our religious views on others, we set the precedent for them to do the same to us. This letter is not about defending drag shows, it is about defending freedom – the ability to live our lives however we see fit while allowing others to do the same. That applies to drag queens as well as to Christian conservatives.

David Bell

Brownsville