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07/20/2007
Hey evangelicals, guess what? IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!!!!!!!
We're beginning to think our opposition has just completely given up on swimming in the waters of reality. For an example of why we say this, check out this excerpt from One News Now regarding the effects proposed federal hate crimes legislation would supposedly have on Christian religious leaders:
According to [Rev. Jesse Lee] Peterson, if S.B. 1105 ultimately passes, it would greatly affect Christians' free-speech rights. For example, Peterson contends that under the new provisions, Christian pastors could be forced to perform same-sex "marriages" -- and if they refuse, Petersen is convinced they will be criminalized and fined
"I can absolutely guarantee you that if this bill should pass, then it's over for Christians," he states. "We will not be able to speak out against homosexuality."
But here's the thing: PASTORS ARE NOT FORCED TO PERFORM MARRIAGES EVEN NOW!!!!!!!!! Religious leaders have never been required to perform a religious ceremony for any and every couple who walks through their door!
A Catholic priest doesn't wish to marry a pair of Orthodox Jews? Eh, whaddya gonna do?
A Christian preacher doesn't believe in marrying an atheistic couple? Fine, as the couple probably doesn't believe in Christians.
Mormons wish to keep temple weddings strictly LDS? Well, hold tight Baptists -- they changed that whole multiple partners thing, so maybe they'll ease up on this restriction as well!
There are a whole slew of faith-based reasons that they can use to deny the ceremony. And you know what? We (and most religious freedom-loving people) actually support this concept fully! Houses of worship are the places where religious leaders SHOULD be able to express their faith convictions (whatever they may be). While we wish all the world's religions would accept gays as part of the spectrum of human normalcy, we respect their right to not.
Besides the obvious flawed ideas contained in the above excerpt (i.e. that hate crimes legislation has even on thing to do with free speech), what it most effectively brings to light are the uber-muddied waters that surround the marriage debate in this country. What many people (including superstar presidential candidates) can't seem to comprehend is that gay right advocates are seeking CIVIL MARRIAGE! The religious component is still going to be left up to individual churches and sects, just as it currently is with heterosexual unions. A judge, mayor, or some other secular person who is afford the right to perform unions -- if gay marriage is legal in their area, then they will have to marry EVERYONE or nobody at all. Pastor Bias, however -- well, he's gonna be just as free to shun as he already is!
So stop your paranoia, Rev. Peterson (and One News Now). If you'd just open your ears and pipe down a bit, you might hear that those among us who most fully support your right to religious freedom are the ones at whom you cast the most stones!
Black conservative leader lobbies against 'hate crimes' legislation [ONN]
Your thoughts
I love how the fundamentalists are saying they'd be FORCED. We've been forced to listen to their shit for so long, it's about time the tables were turned.
The laws as written do not force them to do anything though.
I'm so sick and tired of the bullshit.
Posted by: Tony P | Jul 20, 2007 5:47:14 PM
I think no matter what anyone says we’ve all formed various types and levels of prejudice. We think the way we do because of our life experiences, and no one can change that. There’s this new online Zogby poll/survey on GSN.com to hype the new show, “Without Prejudice?” that basically measures the extent of your prejudices. It’s surprising what some of the panelists on the show say. They bash the others for being a certain race or things they’ve done. You should check it out; it’s pretty interesting. Check out the survey at gsn.com/withoutprejudice.
Posted by: Reginald | Jul 20, 2007 6:42:59 PM
It's a pretty sure bet that Rev. Peterson KNEW the extension wouldn't force churches to marry same-sex couples, but why would the faux "Christians" on the Right adhere to any Christian principles about bearing false witness?
I think it is pretty obvious these aren't Christians - they may be practicing a religion, but it sure ain't biblical. But they know that as well. . .they are just an extension of the Right Wing flirtation with fascism with a cross as a shield against criticism.
At least we know they surely aren't patriotic Americans. No responsible American who loves this country would deliberately manipulate information to the public - they would know how important it is for people to make their minds up based on facts. These people don't respect facts, and they search for the most vulnerable minds in a community to plant a seed of hatred and fuel their fire.
Posted by: Kevin | Jul 20, 2007 7:26:54 PM
Our Catholic church wouldn't perform the ceremony when my mom remarried because she was divorced. It hurt my mom, but hey, that's their choice. We had a very nice ceremony at the local Presbyterian church instead.
Posted by: Lisa | Jul 20, 2007 8:24:28 PM
I checked out that poll on gsn, it was suprising. It is amazing how some people think. I will totally tune in to that show, it should be good.
Posted by: sbeachbum573 | Jul 21, 2007 5:40:57 AM
The podcast for that without prejudice show just came out on itunes, but you've been able to find videos for a while on youtube. Check it out: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=260233972
Posted by: Reginald | Aug 2, 2007 2:40:11 AM
Reginald: We have written entire entires on the "Without Prejudice" show, and have been given screener copies of future episodes with LGBT contestants. You seem very keen on PRing the show, so I thought you'd be happy to hear.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Aug 2, 2007 8:58:29 AM
lol, sorry to sound spammish G-A-Y. I can be a bit of a net nerd at times. I didnt see that you had previously written articles, glad to hear it, its an interesting show.
Posted by: Reginald | Aug 4, 2007 7:52:23 AM
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