Post by Saionji Shonagon on Jan 8, 2013 2:14:53 GMT -5
Cross posting because this is important, particularly to our female fighters!
I just sent my comments. If you believe we should not take a giant step backward as a Society, please add your voice.
Thank you,
Saionji no Hana, Order of the Laurel
Kingdom of the West
Unto the Populace of the Society does Mari, Princess of Cynagua send greetings,
As many of you may be aware, as of December, the BOD passed the Equal Inspiration Amendment Act allowing same sex couples to fight for one another in Crown and Coronet Lists. What you may not be aware of is that there is ADDITIONAL language buried within their revision that would restrict two fighters from fighting for each other in the same list.
This can be read for yourself at www.sca.org under board of directors:
Corpora IV.B.1 Revision- Samesex couples fighting in Crown/Coronet List (Dec 2012)
sca.org/BOD/announcements/SSCAnnouncement.pdf
"Two variants of proposed wording changes to provide the option to Crowns to allow same-sex couples to compete in Crown/Coronet Lists were sent out to the membership for commentary, the second commentary period ending Dec. 1, 2012. AN ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CHANGE TO RESTRICT EACH MEMBER OF AN ENTERING COUPLE TO BE EITHER FIGHTER OR CONSORT IS STILL OUT FOR COMMENTARY UNTIL MARCH 1st, 2013."
(Capitalized for emphasis by me)
Note that even though this is "out for commentary" it is not listed in the "request for comments" area. This should not deter you from sending your comments to comments@sca.org
My deep concern is what this simple statement does NOT say- it does not say how this proposal will effect the female fighting population of the Society. It does not say that in the majority of fighting relationships the fighters wishing to raise their Inspiration to the throne are not same sex couples, but heterosexual couples. It does not say that these couples will be denied the right to be equally represented on the field as they fight not only for the honor of winning Crown or Coronet but also to display their Prowess and Honor before their Kingdom and the Knights of that Kingdom who evaluate them in the crucible of Tournament. It does not say that in the arena of human nature, a Lady is more likely to make the sacrifice so that her Lord may succeed.
Female fighters make up only about 10% of the fighters in our society. In 47 years only 37 have been admitted to the Order of Chivalry. There are currently over 2000 male knights. I venture to say that the majority of female fighters are in relationships with other fighters- not all of us, but most of us. Often the decision that both members of a couple cannot take the field is determined by other duties such as keeping after a child, but this decision should not be legislated by the BOD! The BOD has just determined that same sex couples should not be denied the joy of fighting for the one who inspires them no matter their gender, but they would seek to deny my joy to fight for my beloved if he chose to also take the field that day.
Many couples fight for one another- some are in long established marriages, some fight for good friends. Duchess Rowan, our only Queen to date by right of arms fought her husband in finals! Just this year, Master Kaylah the Cheerful went to semi-finals in Ealdomere Crown that her husband went on to win! These couples are thrilled to take the field for one another.
If a couple seeks to abuse this privilege (it has been offered that Duke A may fight for Duke B who may then fight for Duke C), we have a method of control already in place-
The Crown's word is LAW.
And to second that - Rules of the List B.3 "All combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Sovereign or his or her representative."
Thank you for your time- the BOD has asked for commentary. Please take the time to write a polite, concise note of commentary so that our feelings on this matter are known.
Comments@sca.org -
Mari Alexander
Reigning Princess of Cynagua by Her own hand
30th Female Knight of the Society
OL, OP , Viscountess of Cynagua, Duchess of the West
member 33213
westernlioness yahoo.com
As many of you may be aware, as of December, the BOD passed the Equal Inspiration Amendment Act allowing same sex couples to fight for one another in Crown and Coronet Lists. What you may not be aware of is that there is ADDITIONAL language buried within their revision that would restrict two fighters from fighting for each other in the same list.
This can be read for yourself at www.sca.org under board of directors:
Corpora IV.B.1 Revision- Samesex couples fighting in Crown/Coronet List (Dec 2012)
sca.org/BOD/announcements/SSCAnnouncement.pdf
"Two variants of proposed wording changes to provide the option to Crowns to allow same-sex couples to compete in Crown/Coronet Lists were sent out to the membership for commentary, the second commentary period ending Dec. 1, 2012. AN ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CHANGE TO RESTRICT EACH MEMBER OF AN ENTERING COUPLE TO BE EITHER FIGHTER OR CONSORT IS STILL OUT FOR COMMENTARY UNTIL MARCH 1st, 2013."
(Capitalized for emphasis by me)
Note that even though this is "out for commentary" it is not listed in the "request for comments" area. This should not deter you from sending your comments to comments@sca.org
My deep concern is what this simple statement does NOT say- it does not say how this proposal will effect the female fighting population of the Society. It does not say that in the majority of fighting relationships the fighters wishing to raise their Inspiration to the throne are not same sex couples, but heterosexual couples. It does not say that these couples will be denied the right to be equally represented on the field as they fight not only for the honor of winning Crown or Coronet but also to display their Prowess and Honor before their Kingdom and the Knights of that Kingdom who evaluate them in the crucible of Tournament. It does not say that in the arena of human nature, a Lady is more likely to make the sacrifice so that her Lord may succeed.
Female fighters make up only about 10% of the fighters in our society. In 47 years only 37 have been admitted to the Order of Chivalry. There are currently over 2000 male knights. I venture to say that the majority of female fighters are in relationships with other fighters- not all of us, but most of us. Often the decision that both members of a couple cannot take the field is determined by other duties such as keeping after a child, but this decision should not be legislated by the BOD! The BOD has just determined that same sex couples should not be denied the joy of fighting for the one who inspires them no matter their gender, but they would seek to deny my joy to fight for my beloved if he chose to also take the field that day.
Many couples fight for one another- some are in long established marriages, some fight for good friends. Duchess Rowan, our only Queen to date by right of arms fought her husband in finals! Just this year, Master Kaylah the Cheerful went to semi-finals in Ealdomere Crown that her husband went on to win! These couples are thrilled to take the field for one another.
If a couple seeks to abuse this privilege (it has been offered that Duke A may fight for Duke B who may then fight for Duke C), we have a method of control already in place-
The Crown's word is LAW.
And to second that - Rules of the List B.3 "All combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Sovereign or his or her representative."
Thank you for your time- the BOD has asked for commentary. Please take the time to write a polite, concise note of commentary so that our feelings on this matter are known.
Comments@sca.org -
Mari Alexander
Reigning Princess of Cynagua by Her own hand
30th Female Knight of the Society
OL, OP , Viscountess of Cynagua, Duchess of the West
member 33213
westernlioness yahoo.com
I just sent my comments. If you believe we should not take a giant step backward as a Society, please add your voice.
Thank you,
Saionji no Hana, Order of the Laurel
Kingdom of the West
