By Maurice Lacunza

No gays in this Hazard pool

dang nab it!





The city employee cited the Bible as the reason that he could bar them from using the facility. He told the case worker that "it was in the Bible." He said that "they" own the place and could do whatever they wanted. No amount of intelligent arguing would dissuade him. The worker told him that it was discrimination. He didn't care. The worker and two men eventually left the premises. No word was mentioned from the I call e d the city of Hazard and asked to speak with the City Manager, Carlos Combs. I was told that he was in a meeting and maybe I could call back tomorrow. The Advocate reports today that two gay men accompanied by a mental health case manager were blocked from entering a city owned swimming pool in Hazard, Kentucky.He said that "they" own the place and could do whatever they wanted. No amount of intelligent arguing would dissuade him. The worker told him that it was discrimination. He didn't care. The worker and two men eventually left the premises. No word was mentioned from the Public Recreation Director, Bill Morgan. Their website only lists a fax number. Therefore

Lady on the phone:

I just file paperwork here

I asked the lady on the phone if she was aware of this incident. She said that "they just heard

about this morning" and "didn't know anything." I was referred to the city manager, Carlos Combs, who was in a meeting all day and wouldn't be available until tomorrow. I asked if turning away gay people was normal. She said that she just "files paper work" and I would simply have to talk to the manager...who is in a meeting until tomorrow.





Chandler said he was aware of the incident. I asked him if this was normal; using the Bible to refuse access to city owned resources. He said, "I can't say anything about it. I didn't have anything to do with that. Ya gotta call city hall or one of those people down there." Not to be defeated, I called again and asked for Benny Chandler, the Hazard Director of Public Works . I was put through to his office and he spoke with me.

It says right here:

Thou Shalt Not Allow Gays

In Thy Swimming Pool





It is hard to believe that this kind of thing can still happen but it does. Perhaps these are the

dying gasps of a withering group of folks that refuse to embrace equality for all Americans. Perhaps it is the result of Christian pastors erroneously teaching church goers that God hates gays. Perhaps it is people like

who get up in front of 25,000 people and preach against gays. We know today that Eddie Long was self-loathing by his attack on gays. He was judging himself but in the process he hurt thousands of people and especially the four boys that

.





The two men who wanted to swim at the city owned pool were flat out told that gay people were

not allowed to swim there. It was in the Bible. A quick Google search of

What we do know is that for 100 years the town of Hazard was cut off from the rest of the country due to their isolation in the mountains. From the years 1795 to 1912, there was virtually no outside contact until the railroad came through. This is the same town that the show, Dukes of Hazzard was based on. reveals absolutely nothing.until the railroad came through. This is the same town that the show,was based on.

Oliver Hazard Perry

If this guy isn't gay then my middle

name isn't Blossom

It is easy to understand how a small isolated and perhaps a bit backwards town could allow city employees to mis-quote the Bible. It is their church inspired zeal to "obey God's Word" even if it is wrong. For a further discussion on the Bible and homosexuality

on CTP.

The 2000 census shows 4,806 people in Hazard. I reckon some of them are first cousins.

The town was named after an 1812 naval hero, Oliver Hazard Perry. My Gaydar went into the red zone when I saw this picture of Oliver.

Hazardous Health Risk:

Gay guy hurrying to gas up in Hazard





We all know from experience that bullys often times turn out to be gay themselves. Pastors are

no exception. The more they preach against something, the more likely they are working out some private sin or issue in their own life. In a small town like Hazard, it is no surprise to find blatant discrimination. However, it is not acceptable. My advice: for now, just drove through Hazard and don't even stop for gas. And god forbid you take a

Deliverance style vacation!















