|
The Standing on the Side of Love campaign touched each person
at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly in some unique way.
Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign,
sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association,
promoting respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
2011 Standing on the Side of Love Award
presented to...
Katie Miller
2008 Findlay High School Graduate
former West Point Cadet
A study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law found that
roughly 14,000 service members have been discharged
since the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy was implemented in 1993.
The study estimated that 66,000 other gay Americans served silently during that time.
Katie Miller’s resignation from West Point brought national attention
to the plight of gays and lesbians in the U.S. military,
and in December, by a vote of 65 to 31, the Senate voted to repeal the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy.
Our congregation believes that Katie Miller’s actions helped to bring about the end of DADT.
We applaud the courage of Katie and of others
who have harnessed love in defense of fairness and equality for all people.
Therefore, as part of the Unitarian Universalist Church’s Standing on the Side of Love campaign,
the Unitarian Universalist Church of Blanchard Valley is honored
to present this year’s “Love Award” to Katie Miller,
to highlight her efforts to confront identity-based discrimination in the U.S. Military,
and to honor her courage in Standing on the Side of Love in the national spotlight.
|
