Family Research Council a hate group?

You betcha.

Well, the Southern Poverty Law Center declared them to be such and they took umbrage. Must have hurt their little feelings to think all they do for Jay-zuz could ever be characterized as hate speech. As one link at TMC says: "FRC's Tony Perkins Rips SPLC ... For 'Slanderous Attack And Attempted Character Assassination'."

Clutch the pearls, Tony. (And I would not be surprised if Mr. Perkins has some pearls to clutch.)

John Aravosis has a lengthy list of comments from them over the years that pretty well demonstrates what I consider hate speech against gays. If all you knew of homosexual persons came from the FRC you'd assume we all hate children (when we're not molesting them), family, and Jesus and are bent on destroying society. You would be convinced, despite all logic, that equal rights are "special rights."

Of course, if gays disappeared from the planet tomorrow FRC would go broke, losing the bogeyman they use to raise money. They need us like lung cancer needs a lung.

If you're one of the folks being talked about by the Family Research Council, you know hate when you hear it. Mr. Perkins can shove his indignation and his pearls somewhere quivering with guilty desire. And yes, that's hate speech. I am not about to play nice with those vile people.

--the BB

Smoke the Bigots Out of the Closet

That is the title of Frank Rich's column today in The New York Times.

A funny thing happened after Adm. Mike Mullen called for gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military: A curious silence befell much of the right. If this were a Sherlock Holmes story, it would be the case of the attack dogs that did not bark.

John McCain, commandeering the spotlight as usual, did fulminate against the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” But the press focus on McCain, the crazy man in Washington’s attic, was misleading. His yapping was an exception, not the rule.

Rich comes through again with a great column. Read it all here.

--the BB

Jesus wept

Exodus International (no, I'm not providing a link) Sends Letter Opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

While we do not believe that homosexual behavior is what God intended for individuals, we believe that deprivation of life and liberty is not an appropriate or helpful response to this issue.

While I disagree with a great deal of what they say in their letter, it is more of a protest than has been offered by any of the churches of the Anglican Communion except for the Anglican Church of Canada’s Council of General Synod (thank you), to our great Anglican shame.

You can read about this at Jake's place and Susan Russell's letter to the PB is here. I also commend to your attention another post by Susan about the study showing how U.S. conservatives have exported homophobia to Africa.

We can sign a petition here.

Civilized nations and churches should be rising up in united protest against the proposed law. Those who are being timid do have a point - protests may be deemed as one more example of Western interference in Africa. My response is "just what the hell do you call folks like Marty Minns and their money channels cozying up to Akinola and Orombi et al.?"

Feh.

--the BB

Breaking through denial - updated

It is time to acknowledge that the Catholic church hierarchy can no longer pretend that it isn't the active enemy of gay people and our families. That this church hierarchy - especially in its more conservative wing - is disproportionately gay itself and waging war against their fellow gays through the cowardly veil of the closet, is not new. But it is, as we flinch with the sting of defeat, harder to take than ever.
--Andrew Sullivan

UPDATE:
David Gibson writes at Politics Daily:

And truth be told, Christian groups that oppose gay marriage were certainly active in Maine. In addition to the National Organization for Marriage and the Family Research Council, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which covers the entire state, pumped resources and staff into promoting a "yes" vote. Bishop Richard Malone called for a special collection at Masses on behalf of Stand for Marriage Maine, the principal coalition fighting to repeal the gay marriage law. The diocese eventually channeled $550,000 to the campaign -- even as Malone announced the closing of five parishes which he said the diocese could no longer afford to operate. Videos denouncing gay marriage were also shown at Mass throughout the diocese.

Cf. Psalm 58

--the BB

Why preaching hate matters

Castor beans (from USDA via Wikipedia)

Dan Savage reports at the Stranger (Seattle):

Eleven gay bars in Seattle received letters today addressed to the "Owner/Manager" from someone claiming to be in the possession of ricin, a deadly poison. "Your establishment has been targeted," the letter begins. "I have in my possession approximately 67 grams of ricin with which I will indiscriminately target at least five of your clients."

I worked for a decade in biotechnology (as an accountant, not a scientist). We actually used ricin (the powerful toxin derived from castor beans) in attempts to create drugs that would target cancerous cells and kill them. A lethal dose of ricin is about the size of a grain of salt (Wikipedia). There is no antidote.

I have never forgotten the level of documentation involved in transporting or possessing something so dangerous. Some of that documentation passed through my hands when I worked in accounts payable.

Anyone who would even threaten this, much less act on it, has to be consumed with a festering hate. We learn hatred. So where would this domestic terrorist learn such hatred?

Anyone care to speculate?

I obviously have my own ideas.

[Caution: this is not a parody; it is the Westboro Baptist Church singing "God hates the world." Not for the squeamish. UPDATE: I should strengthen this warning. This can really sour your day; offered for informational purposes only. Have an antidote ready - a lovely walk outdoors if weather permits, or some time with a loved on, a purring cat or adoring dog, some time to bask in God's love.]



This is why Prop 8, its implications, and its sequelae are so important.

* * *

(Lest I be misunderstood, I do not think Rick Warren is even remotely as sick and hateful as this crowd. The world is repulsed by Phelps and his gang and does not take them seriously. But that makes Warren and those like him far more of a threat, because he is "likeable" - more so than the Bavarian troglodyte in the shoes of the fisherman - and still spreads the belief that same-sex affection is disordered and needs healing. Though I would, and do, vehemently disagree, I do not question his right to preach that in his church. I consider it bad theology and bad science and harmful to others - thus pretty much a combination of willful ignorance and immoral speech. But it's allowed. Taking it into the public forum to deny civil rights to a segment of the citizenry is also allowed, though an act of injustice and oppression which the citizenry has every right to denounce. We can certainly call bigotry and oppression what they are. He errs in labeling the protests as Christophobic. Jesus said nothing about sexual orientation - and had a lot of critical things to say about family, for that matter. Our argument is not with Jesus. It's not even with the Bible, but with certain interpretations of it, especially interpretations by folks who see nothing wrong with eating shellfish or wearing blended fabrics, or who don't consistently stone their teenage daughters when they get knocked up because their parents won't teach them contraception. There is way too much inconsistency in hermeneutics there. End of rantlet.)
--the BB

Let's paraphrase

John Aravosis calls the Los Angeles Times on its bullshit editorial of today by recasting it. What follows is from Americablog.

Here's what the Times wrote about gays:

As much as we abhorred Proposition 8, there's nothing to cheer about when private individuals are afraid to donate to the political campaigns of their choice because it may cost them their livelihood. In the case of Scott Eckern, who resigned from the California Musical Theatre in Sacramento, the future of the nonprofit company was at stake after some artists refused to work with him. But what if that situation were reversed and Eckern were targeted because he opposed Proposition 8? Or because he was gay? Professionals have to look past their personal and political differences or everyone with an opinion will be on an official list of undesirables.

And here is what the Times would never dare write:

As much as we abhorred slavery, there's nothing to cheer about when private individuals are afraid to donate to racist political campaigns of their choice because it may cost them their livelihood. In the case of Sam Eaton, who resigned from the California Black Musical Theatre in Sacramento, the future of the nonprofit company was at stake after some black artists refused to work with him. But what if that situation were reversed and Eaton were targeted because he opposed slavery? Or because he was black? Professionals have to look past their personal and political differences over slavery or everyone with an opinion will be on an official list of undesirables.

Gosh, I never thought of it that way. If blacks hate Klansmen, then Klansmen will hate blacks, and then where will we all be? Can't we all just get along with people who are beating the crap out of us?

[Emphasis mine]
--the BB

Get over it!

John Barrowman (Captain Jack on Torchwood) is a great guy (and a total dish). He's out, proud, partnered, and happy. He's also participating in a new campaign to combat homophobic bullying in schools. Good on him!

You can read about it at Andy Towle's place.
--the BB