Analyzing and refuting the inaccuracies lodged against the lgbt community by religious conservative organizations. Lies in the name of God are still lies.
We now know that the National Organization for Marriage's plan to divide the black and gay communities didn't work because the group is now shifting gears:
The National Organization for Marriage has found the perfect spokespeople for its cause: gay people who oppose gay marriage. The only catch: They're French.
NOM has posted a couple videos on its website from a French group called Homovox which features gay men who are against a proposed marriage equality and adoption law introduced by President François Hollande. Other groups include "Plus Gay Sans Mariage" (Gayer Without Marriage), run by a young activist named Xavier Bongibault who also appears in one of Homovox's videos. The videos feature gay men talking about why they oppose gay marriage.
NOM doesn't identify where the videos came from on its blog, and they've been uploaded into NOM's YouTube account. Homovox didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sorry but this is just PATHETIC! There is just no other word to describe it.
Because of the controversy involving Obama's inauguration and the pastor (Louie Giglio) whose invitation was rescinded because of his anti-gay feelings, the religious right has a new victimhood spin. According to the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins:
What a difference four years makes! In 2009, when the Left was in an uproar about Pastor Rick Warren's prayer, the President was quick to come to his defense. "We have to disagree without being disagreeable and then focus on those things we hold in common as Americans." Now, having revealed his true position on same-sex "marriage," the President seems determined to create even more division. If anything, this pulls back the curtain on the Left's real agenda. And it's not about tolerance. It's about forced acceptance. Americans need to wake up and realize that the homosexual movement cannot be appeased--not by marriage, not by special benefits, not by anything but the sanitization of Christianity from the public square.
But believe it or not, Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association wins the award for the best hysterical spin:
Maybe I slept a bit during history class, but I don't recall Rosa Parks having her own radio show and a national audience where she whined about being victimized.
You see the spin here, don't you? If you don't, you will because I am guessing we will hear more about it. It goes like this:
Thanks to Obama, Christians are being discriminated against. They no longer are able to speak freely in the public square without some form of persecution.
Nonsense. Giglio got into trouble because of an anti-gay sermon. That's what Perkins and Fischer are missing. This has nothing to do with their religion, but their hate. When they use the phrase "public square," they seem to forget that the "public square" doesn't encompass them solely. Gays are a part of the public square and gays have every right to voice our opinion if we feel we are being disrespected. Although I did disagree with how some of us conducted ourselves (i.e. directing all sorts of unfair animus to Obama before we knew all of the facts), the fact of the matter is that tolerance for someone else's opinion is not the equivalent of being a doormat. We shouldn't sit with cracked smiles on our faces while credibility and honor is given to someone who attacks us because he sees us as commodities in his ridiculous game of "Who gets to go to Heaven" instead of human beings.
And if you want respect in the public square, you need to show respect. To wit, don't use your interpretation of your religion as an excuse to keep people who you attack and insult from giving you hell.
In other words, Giglio is not a victim and this situation has NOTHING to do with the so-called persecution of Christians. Lastly (yes this is a cheap plug), if you want an idea of just what type of Christianity Perkins and Fischer endorses, check out the booklet on the right - How They See Us.
My suggestion to both Perkins and Fischer is before whining about persecution, they need to work on how they conduct themselves as Christians because in that regard, they are both extremely lacking.
BREAKING: Anti-Gay Pastor Removed From Inaugural Program - A little commentary guaranteed to piss some people off. When this situation broke, I rolled my eyes because I knew what would happen before we knew the full story. Some gays went off half-cocked raising hell and calling Obama every name in the book. They also brought up the Rick Warren situation from the last inauguration. I said wait until we hear the entire story, but no. Some of us got into our "super activist" mode. That's when we yell and scream, even at those on our side who plead for rational thoughts. I'm not criticizing the anger, but the method and the lack of thought. I found it hard to believe that a president who had made so many pro-gay strides would make such a 180 degree turn and bring someone like this to his inauguration. As it was, Obama was not responsible. It was a bad decision by the inaugural committee which has now been rescinded. The point is not the fact that we didn't a right to be angry and demand answers. The point is some of us were so damn eager to start talking shit about Obama. And some of the same shit talkers were the same ones who literally declared him the best thing since sliced bread after lgbt-inclusive hate crimes legislation was passed, DADT was rescinded, and he went on record for marriage equality. Make up your minds, folks. When things like this happen, don't be so quick to shit on someone you lauded just a few months ago because mistakes are always made and always need to be corrected. The most important thing in a working relationship is trust. And while I am glad with the speed this was taken care of, some of my lgbt brothers and sisters demonstrated their lack of trust issues. But enough about that. I'm sure I will hear from you if you agree or disagree.
I've always believed the phrase 'religious liberty' was a useless buzzword when used by organizations like the National Organization for Marriage.
The recent non-controversy regarding Washington's National Cathedral proves it. The Washington Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the country, the "seat of the Episcopal Church," and the host of this month's inaugural prayer service, has decided to host same-sex weddings. It didn't happen by a court order or protest. The Cathedral made the decision on its own.
The very definition of "religious liberty," right?
Wrong if you are a member of the National Organization for Marriage. Thomas Peters, NOM's Cultural Director, said the following:
Examples like this remind us that when you redefine "civil" marriage you create the new possibility of same-sex ceremonies in churches. Gay marriage advocates love to artificially split these two recognitions of marriage when they think it suits their purposes but the categories always re-collapse as soon as a liberal church like this one decides it wants to conduct ceremonies with same-sex partners.
The simplest way to prevent same-sex ceremonies in churches is to fight for the recognition of marriage in civil law.
In other words, NOM likes the idea of "religious liberty" when churches use it the way NOM wants them to. When the churches don't . . . then look out!
The most annoying thing about some religious right figures is that they think their religion gives them the right to determine how people can create families. Case in point, Jennifer Morse of NOM's Ruth Institute. Just listen to this tirade and wonder what was girlfriend smoking before she opened her mouth:
Editor's note - Due to its immense popularity, the booklet "How They See Us" will now be a permanent fixture on this blog for anyone to read, download, or link to.
Minnesota Vikings football player and lgbt ally Chris Kluwe makes the argument over gay equality so simple. No "ifs, ands, or buts." No "howevers." No "having said thats."
It's so damn refreshing.
You probably heard about this situation but allow me to put it in its right context.
On January 6th, the National Organization for Marriage posted the following on its blog:
Bishop Paprocki Mobilizes His Priests to Proclaim the Truth About Marriage
Bishop Thomas Paprocki is the bishop of Springfield, Illinois. Following the lead of Chicago's Archbishop, Cardinal George, he's
taking a bold stand to protect marriage, instructing his priests to
read this letter from the pulpit at Mass today in defense of marriage. As we've already reported, seventeen hundred faith communities have already spoken out in defense of marriage.
Then came January 7th, the day that we found out that one priest Paprocki won't be able to count on is Thomas Donovan:
The pastor of St. Aloysius church on Springfield’s north end has been granted a leave of absence after he called 911 from the rectory and told a dispatcher that he needed help getting out of handcuffs.
“I’m going to need help getting out before this becomes a medical emergency,”
Father Tom Donovan told a dispatcher who sounds a bit incredulous during the Nov. 28 call.
“You’re stuck in a pair of handcuffs?” the dispatcher asks.
“(I was) playing with them and I need help getting out,” Donovan responds.
Donovan told the dispatcher that he was alone in the rectory. It’s not clear exactly how he ended up in handcuffs or why he feared a medical emergency. His voice sounds garbled or muffled on the tape, and sources say that police discovered some sort of gag on the priest when they arrived.
The diocese has been tight-lipped about the matter, saying only that Bishop Thomas Paprocki granted Donovan’s request for a leave of absence at some point before Christmas. The diocese knows about the incident, given that Brad Huff, an attorney for the diocese, has been given a copy of the 911 tape by the Sangamon County Emergency Telephone System Department. Kathie Sass, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Springfield, said that the diocese also has a copy of a police report on the matter.
The irony of the entire thing is delicious and perhaps it should send Paprocki a message that he should tend to the business of his diocese before attempting to prevent loving couples from being married.
NOM, to the surprise of no one, has no comment on Donovan's controversy.
Due to the importance of this post, it will be the only one I write today.
I have said all that there needs to say and the only thing left now is the posting of How They See Us.
This booklet is free to anyone who wants to read, download, or link it to their blog. By all means, please do so. And above all, please "like " it on Facebook, twitter, and other forms of social media. In spite of the claims of the religious right, our goal is not to silence them, but to demand an answer from them regarding their tactics. Lies told in the name of God are still lies:
HowThey See Us
Tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., I will be publishing what I hope to be a definitive work analyzing religious right propaganda.
How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America pushes a simple premise - the claim by organizations like the Family Research Council, the National Organization for Marriage, Focus on the Family, etc. that they operate to preserve Judeo-Christian values is a lie. The truth is that through spreading anti-gay propaganda which has absolutely nothing to do with religious beliefs, these organizations stigmatize the gay community and falsely label homosexuality as a threat to societal order and wellness. And
what’s worse, they use the religious belief which designates homosexuality to
be a sin as a free license to sugarcoat their tactics as mere “expressions of
their personal religious beliefs” and labeling every question regarding these
tactics as an “attack on their religious liberty” or an attempt to "silence" them.
In reality, it's nothing new what they do and there is nothing nothing Christian or moral about it. When any group spreads propaganda, it’s always “in defense” of something and it usually scapegoats a group undeserving of such hostilities. Whether it be the defense of “Southern culture,” the “German homeland,” or “Judeo-Christian values,” it all adds up to the same thing - isolating an innocent group as the essence of evil and claiming that if only said group were put in its place, the world would be a better place.
It’s a big lie and unfortunately, no one tells the lie better than religious right groups.
And it's high time that the gay community demand a public discussion on these lies. Let's hope that tomorrow will be the beginning.
Coming on this afternoon on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters - Tomorrow is the day in which history will be made!How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America will be published and posted on this blog. This afternoon will feature a blog post telling you what to expect tomorrow morning and maybe a preview of How They See Us. Look for it!
Just when you think you have heard it all from the American Association's Bryan Fischer, he comes up with another one. I swear someone should follow this man around with a tape recorder and instead of giving good points regarding the necessity of gay equality, just let the tape play.
Congressman Barney Frank has officially left office after serving over 30 years for the state of Massachusetts, the country, and the lgbt community.
Though he has now raised a desire to serve as an interim Senator until an election is held to officially replace outgoing Senator John Kerry, I seriously wonder if he was serious.
No matter though. There has never been, nor will there ever be another like Barney Frank. He was elected to office in 1981 and in 1987, he became the first member of Congress to come out as gay.
And it didn't hurt his career in the least. Until the time of his recent retirement, Frank always won his elections by wide margins (even after a ridiculous non-scandal involving a former partner who turned out to be escorting behind his back in 1987.)
But you know what we all miss now that Frank is gone from the House. The way he didn't take any nonsense from anyone regarding his policy decisions or his sexual orientation. The following clips are some of the best of his take downs:
Yesterday's news cycle was dominated by how Republicans in the House of Representatives didn't vote on a relief package for the states struck by Hurricane Sandy and how several folks - including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie - wasn't exactly happy about it.
The Hurricane Sandy controversy even got play with religious right groups, but not how you think it would. The American Family Association's radio program played host to Rep. Tim Huelskamp, (R-KS) who said he found no reason for a bill to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy:
And then the Family Research Council, in its recent Washington Update said the following about helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy:
While some Congresses have the luxury of easing into their new jobs,
this one does not. Thanks to all the unfinished business from the 112th,
these freshmen will be thrown into the deep end of America 's economic
crises before they can even unpack their boxes. The first test for
freshmen is the Sandy relief package, which the House postponed when it
realized that the package was as flooded with pork as New Jersey homes
were with water. Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) took a lot of heat, most
noticeably from Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.), for refusing to fast-track a bill that uses hurricane victims as an excuse to pass almost $40 billion in government waste.
Isn't it sad and fascinating that these organizations raise holy hell about something Jesus never mentioned (homosexuality) but becomes blase about something He heavily endorsed (helping those in need).
Such is the priorities of some tenets of American Christianity.
Today, Tammy Baldwin was sworn in officially, becoming the first openly gay United States Senator. Enjoy this bit of history and those who can remember as far back as I can - and even farther - we have certainly come a long way, haven't we? Simply another reminder of how far the lgbt community can go when we don't let ignorant people hold us back.
When I first saw the above video, I thought "ugh."
Don't get me wrong. On it's face, I see nothing wrong with this per se.
But the devil is always in the details, or in this case, the devil seems to be the one behind this mess.
In other words, I have a serious problem with the organization behind this idea of a pro-Christian rap video - the Liberty Counsel.
The Liberty Counsel is a venomous anti-gay organization which hides its bigotry behind a Christian cloak, vocally standing even against the simplest of pro-gay endeavors including gays serving openly in the military as well as anti-discrimination laws.
But the thing which worries me the most is that the the Liberty Counsel employs Matt Barber. Barber makes no secret how negatively he feels toward the gay community. However his past comments regarding our gay youth is a serious problem as far as I'm concerned.
Such as what he said about gay men and pedophilia:
Or what he said about gay teens who commit suicide:
Or how he defended ex-gay therapy for our youth:
One wonders if the rapper in the above video knows what he is getting himself into by joining such an organization which employs a man like Barber
Forgive the ridiculously hysterical headline. It's my way of pointing out something awesome which took place last weekend on ESPN:
ESPN set a new precedent over the weekend by airing what may be the
first professionally-shot footage of an openly gay athlete kissing his
husband after a victory
. As Outsports is reporting,
professional bowler Scott Norton smooched his husband Craig Woodward
after winning the 2012 PBA Chameleon Championship in Las Vegas.
Though the event was held in November, ESPN did not air the footage
until Dec. 30. During the telecast, ESPN’s announcers referred to
Woodward as Norton’s husband or spouse, Outsports also pointed out.
Norton tied the knot with Woodward, a United Healthcare executive, in October 2011.
The 30-year-old bowler came out to friends and family as a teenager,
though he didn't address his sexuality publicly until last year, the Windy City Times reports.
The kiss of victory comes at the end of the following clip at 2:09:
As you can see, it is a special moment. Don't get too hackneyed by it, brothers and sisters. Otherwise, I will be forced to share that Billy Dee Williams line from the Diana Ross movie "Mahogany:"
"Success means nothing unless you have someone to share it with."
