The Dennis Union Church tried to update their sign along the road, changing the wording from 'ALL ARE WELCOME' to 'OPEN & AFFIRMING'. This change was approved by the Town of Dennis and the Old King's Highway historical society, which means it meets all town code requirements. The Village Improvement Society (VIS) Board of Directors, the owners of the land the sign sits on, voted 6-5 against allowing the change to the signage. Their decision is discriminatory towards those of the LGBTQ community and completely subjective instead of objective. The proposed sign meets all town code requirements, which means that the VIS made this decision purely on personal opinion, not what the town code allows for. This tells us two things, the VIS BoD has no regard for town regulations and codes, and certain members are not accepting or welcoming of the LGBTQ members of the Dennis community. The VIS BoD has refused to comment on the details behind the decision, once again reaffirming that this was based totally on personal opinion.
This petition is intended to send a message to the VIS that their decision is unfounded, discriminatory, subjective, and down right shameful to all members of the Dennis community. We ask that the VIS BoD reconsider their decision, based on fact, town code and regulation, rather than their own personal opinions. Furthermore, we are asking for a formal apology to the LGBTQ Community for their blaten discriminatory decision against these members of the Dennis community and beyond. Refusing or ignoring our request will affirm that the VIS carries an anti-LGBTQ agenda which is unwelcomed by the residents, businesses, and visitors of the town of Dennis.
In signing this petition, you support the request to the VIS BoD to reconsider their decision.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
August 6, 2017
July 31, 2017
The refusal to explain this decision shows exactly what is at stake here. We are pressuring the board for a formal response.
July 31, 2017
100 signatures reached. It is time for the board to answer for their decision.
Reached 100 supporters
July 30, 2017
86 Comments
Having grown up around the corner from there, and (now) visiting there each year, I can't imagine what the issue is, save that some on the VIS are on the wrong side of history. I look forward to seeing "OPEN & AFFIRMING" next time I am in Dennis Village.
The kind of overkill is the sort of nonsense that makes people resist reasonable historic preservation measures. I'm fairly sure there's signs with brightly colored ice cream cones painted on them in historic Dennis. I don't think this subtle rainbow design is any more unsightly than that.
Dennis should be a welcoming and affirming community. I support the change to the sign at the UCC Church in Dennis Village. I have lived in this town for 28 years, having spent summers here in family owned homes since 1949. Please reconsider this and approve this sign. Thank you.
As the rabbi of the Cape Cod Synagogue, a community that values ALL of its members, including LGBTQ, I am horrified at this discriminatory decision. I stand with the Dennis Union Church in favor of openness to all of God's creation and against baseless and irrational hatred.
These guys are totally getting the puritanical shaft. This is not even about sign code. The sign codes here are all about size, materials of construction, and appearance, not what words are on the sign...... as long as the sign is not using offensive language. Apparently these folks feel that LBGTQ is offensive language?
Our Catholic churches say that ALL are welcome in this church. The priest of three churches in Gloucester states that straight, gay, any other, are welcome. ALL are welcome. ALL, also in neighboring towns. Please consider changing that sign. Shame on you in this day and age. The devil is working very hard to corrupt our people's today. Everyone should be welcomed in God's house.
What a lovely proposal for a sign. Given the discrimination present in our society still this ign sends a wonderful message of love and inclusion.
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The Dennis Union Church tried to update their sign along the road, changing the wording from 'ALL ARE WELCOME' to 'OPEN & AFFIRMING'. This change was approved by the Town of Dennis and the Old King's Highway historical society, which means it meets all town code requirements. The Village Improvement Society (VIS) Board of Directors, the owners of the land the sign sits on, voted 6-5 against allowing the change to the signage. Their decision is discriminatory towards those of the LGBTQ community and completely subjective instead of objective. The proposed sign meets all town code requirements, which means that the VIS made this decision purely on personal opinion, not what the town code allows for. This tells us two things, the VIS BoD has no regard for town regulations and codes, and certain members are not accepting or welcoming of the LGBTQ members of the Dennis community. The VIS BoD has refused to comment on the details behind the decision, once again reaffirming that this was based totally on personal opinion.
This petition is intended to send a message to the VIS that their decision is unfounded, discriminatory, subjective, and down right shameful to all members of the Dennis community. We ask that the VIS BoD reconsider their decision, based on fact, town code and regulation, rather than their own personal opinions. Furthermore, we are asking for a formal apology to the LGBTQ Community for their blaten discriminatory decision against these members of the Dennis community and beyond. Refusing or ignoring our request will affirm that the VIS carries an anti-LGBTQ agenda which is unwelcomed by the residents, businesses, and visitors of the town of Dennis.
In signing this petition, you support the request to the VIS BoD to reconsider their decision.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
August 6, 2017
July 31, 2017
The refusal to explain this decision shows exactly what is at stake here. We are pressuring the board for a formal response.
July 31, 2017
100 signatures reached. It is time for the board to answer for their decision.
Reached 100 supporters
July 30, 2017
86 Comments
No one is suggesting you invite people into your kitchen. This is a church saying that THEY are welcoming. Who are you to bend their policy to comply with your bias?
Having grown up around the corner from there, and (now) visiting there each year, I can't imagine what the issue is, save that some on the VIS are on the wrong side of history. I look forward to seeing "OPEN & AFFIRMING" next time I am in Dennis Village.
The kind of overkill is the sort of nonsense that makes people resist reasonable historic preservation measures. I'm fairly sure there's signs with brightly colored ice cream cones painted on them in historic Dennis. I don't think this subtle rainbow design is any more unsightly than that.
Dennis should be a welcoming and affirming community. I support the change to the sign at the UCC Church in Dennis Village. I have lived in this town for 28 years, having spent summers here in family owned homes since 1949. Please reconsider this and approve this sign. Thank you.
As the rabbi of the Cape Cod Synagogue, a community that values ALL of its members, including LGBTQ, I am horrified at this discriminatory decision. I stand with the Dennis Union Church in favor of openness to all of God's creation and against baseless and irrational hatred.
These guys are totally getting the puritanical shaft. This is not even about sign code. The sign codes here are all about size, materials of construction, and appearance, not what words are on the sign...... as long as the sign is not using offensive language. Apparently these folks feel that LBGTQ is offensive language?
Our Catholic churches say that ALL are welcome in this church. The priest of three churches in Gloucester states that straight, gay, any other, are welcome. ALL are welcome. ALL, also in neighboring towns. Please consider changing that sign. Shame on you in this day and age. The devil is working very hard to corrupt our people's today. Everyone should be welcomed in God's house.
What a lovely proposal for a sign. Given the discrimination present in our society still this ign sends a wonderful message of love and inclusion.
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No one is suggesting you invite people into your kitchen. This is a church saying that THEY are welcoming. Who are you to bend their policy to comply with your bias?