I'll preface this post by saying if you're easily offended then stop here and go do something else. I'm going to talk about the mess that has been the Miss California saga. The outrage surrounding this 23 year old is quite amazing.
Hilton, who is openly gay, asked: "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalise same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?"
"I think it's great Americans are able to choose one or the other," Prejean answered. "We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage.
"And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman.
"No offence to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
Miss California defends gay stance - stuff.co.nz
Carrie Prejean was asked the question. She didn't volunteer her opinions, didn't twist the question to make a point, she was asked very plainly. There are three possible answers: Yes, No and I haven't decided. The judge would have known ahead of asking this question that Carrie was a Christian and would most likely be answering No or I haven't decided - both of which are valid answers but I think she answered the question both honestly and reasonably.
Now, part of life is learning that everyone has an opinion. You might think her opinion is wrong, but it is her opinion, not yours. If you're willing to ask a question be willing to accept an answer you don't like. If you think that the answer will damage your competition then I suggest you don't ask it at all.
As a Christian I find myself in a position where people assume I'm closed minded and judgemental before they've even met me. I work hard to dispel this preconception, however I feel there's a double standard here. If someone demands the right to be themselves, to express their opinions and beliefs then why can't they offer that to others?
Does Perez Hilton have more rights than Carrie Prejean? Does being Miss USA mean you should give up your beliefs and wave the USA flag proudly in your dress while promoters and sponsors lead you the way they want? If the competition is a way to find a pretty puppet then why ask questions?
This post could be about a different topic, different issue. This isn't an isolated case or group, but it is one that's received a lot of media coverage. The bottom line is this woman is entitled to her opinion, they asked for her opinion and then when they didn't like it they stirred up a media storm against her. I think she's done very well to stick to her beliefs and not bow to peer pressure. I'm also pleased that Donald Trump let the result stand.
