Each guest received a raffle ticket that could be entered to win various prizes, including a bow-fishing trip in Ohio led by a guest pastor. The pastor made it clear that the fishing trip was exclusively for men, jokingly advising attendees to “leave the wives at home.” Thompson, surprised but undeterred, saw another woman enter the raffle and decided to follow suit. When the pastor drew the first name, it belonged to the other woman, who was then told she couldn’t go because the trip was men-only. When Mia’s name was drawn next, she faced the same disappointing fate. “I was told I couldn’t participate simply because I’m a woman,” she stated.
Having enjoyed outdoor activities with men in the past, Thompson expected better treatment, particularly from a church that promotes equality. Was this really 2021, where women are still being barred from such experiences? Bethel Baptist Church’s rationale was rooted in protecting its members from potential allegations. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Pastor Jake Lawson expressed that, given the climate of sexual misconduct accusations, they wanted to avoid any situations that could lead to misunderstandings.
Lawson claimed that the rules were clearly communicated during the raffle ticket collection, noting that two women still entered their names despite those announcements. “Unfortunately, at least two ladies for whatever reason put their cards in that container although the stipulations were given twice,” he explained. This reasoning implies that those women were at fault for misunderstanding the rules, rather than acknowledging a potential oversight in communication.
After learning about Thompson’s disappointment, Lawson expressed a desire to discuss the matter with her and her father, offering an apology. However, Thompson noted that no one had reached out to her directly, despite her availability on social media. “I haven’t received a single phone call, voicemail, or message,” she remarked.
While Lawson suggested hosting a future women-only fishing trip, Thompson emphasized that she wasn’t interested in token gestures. “Hunting and fishing require respect for the sport, the environment, and each other. Women should have equal opportunities in these activities. If we don’t advocate for equality, we won’t achieve it,” she asserted.
Despite this setback, Thompson remains undeterred. With Pennsylvania’s trout season opening on April 3, 2021, she plans to continue her passion for hunting and fishing. “I’ll keep pursuing my love for the outdoors until I can’t anymore,” she declared.
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, you can check out this related blog post. For an authoritative resource on pregnancy, visit CDC’s page.
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