Hog Wild Days no place for political messages

On June 23, I attended a parade at Hiawatha Hog Wild Days. I was appalled to see that one of the floats allowed to enter the parade was advocating against the legality of same-sex marriage.

Not only is the message of the float offensive, but a summer parade is neither the time nor the place to bring up a topic that hits home for so many Iowans.

Imagine that you, your spouse and your children go to what you assume will be a fun, lighthearted parade only to be confronted with a float essentially telling you that your entire family is immoral and should be outlawed.

The people behind this float do not know you, have nothing to do with you and are harmed in no way whatsoever by the fact that you are married. Yet they believe they should be allowed to decide the legality of your marriage.

They also believe it is acceptable to interrupt your day off with your family to tell you this, as if you did not already face enough discrimination simply because you love someone of the same sex.

There are places for advertising your opinions on this issue. A family-oriented parade is not one of them.

Hannah James

Cedar Rapids