“We’re not protesting the Declaration of Independence, we’re demonstrating to remind people that there are still people who are not being treated in our nation.”

This is what was heard time and time again as people asked what a group of gay rights activists were doing with flags, signs, and flyers in front of the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. The group was organized by Virginia Beach Progressives, the Hampton Roads Outreach Center, and the Hampton Roads LGBTS Political Action Team, to demonstrate in front of the library to remind people that even though Thomas Jefferson penned “all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence 233 years ago, GLTB people are still treated as unequals under the law.

The group demonstrated outside as library visitors were treated to a rare opportunity to view a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, one of only 26 known printed copies, inside the library. The response of library visitors to the group was overwhelmingly positive, but that’s not to say that there weren’t a few negative comments and hecklers.

Pictures from the Declaration Demonstration

Flyers were passed out detailing the inequalities that GLBT peoples face under present laws and asking people to contact their congressional representatives to ask that they support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”,”The Defense of Marriage Act” and support the expansion of hate crimes legislation to protect GLBT people.

I spoke to two young women on tourist visas from Spain, and a US Citizen who originated from France. It was very interesting to hear their views on GLBT rights, and they were somewhat surprised that the United States would discriminate against people because of their sexuality. It is indeed sad that our nation, which is held up by so many as an example of Democracy and freedom, is so far behind so many countries when it comes to issues of equality.

Activists groups like Virginia Beach Progressives will continue to push for equality for all people. It is a foundational doctrine in the development of our nation, and it’s time that GLBT people stand up and demand that the promise of equality become a reality in their lives.

Side note: The Senate voted today to pass legislation including an extension of hate crimes protection to GLBT people! Check out that news over at the Human Rights Campaign.

Related posts:

1. Get Involved: Declaration of Independence GLBT Demonstration
2. Reflecting on the National Equality March