Gay Rights At the Expense of Religious Liberty? Part II
June 11, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Big Brother, Christianity, Church, Civil Rights, Culture War, Exodus, Homosexuality, Politics, Public Policy, Worldview
Seemingly, in Canada, not only can you be punished for speaking out about your religious convictions concerning sexuality, you can be banned from ever communicating about them ever again.
From the Exodus: Live Out Loud Blog:
“Mr. Boissoin and The Concerned Christian Coalition Inc. shall cease publishing in newspapers, by e-mail, on the radio, in public speeches, or on the Internet, in future, disparaging remarks about gays and homosexuals. Further, they shall not and are prohibited from making disparaging remarks in the future about … Lund or … Lund’s witnesses relating to their involvement in this complaint. Further, all disparaging remarks versus homosexuals are directed to be removed from current Web sites and publications of Mr. Boissoin and The Concerned Christian Coalition Inc…”
Read the whole article >>
[From Exodus: Live Out Loud: Canadian Pastor Fined; Christians Banned from Voicing Biblical Opposition]
It is wrong for any “state” to impose punishment on any communication of religious belief (wrong-headed or not). What I am addressing here isn’t about what exactly the man said, it’s about his freedom (and now lack thereof) to say it without being punished. They acknowledged that what he did wasn’t “criminal” and yet they fined him $5,000 and forbade him to ever speak on the subject again.
I am all for toning down hateful rhetoric and trying to have civil dialog but I am not for having the state impose silence on *any* viewpoint.
Aren’t we all adults quite capable of hearing what we might consider offensive, even deeply offensive, and move on? There isn’t an inalienable right to not be offended… for anyone. If you can’t remain a solid stable and secure person because someone is saying offensive things, then perhaps you need a counselor … not a nanny state with thought police disguised as Human Rights Tribunals.
For those gay activists who dismissed the warning bells of religious persecution and the undermining of freedom of speech … what do you say now?
Don’t forget, this is starting to happen here in the States ( on a state but soon to be federal level) as well.
ACLU Blog of Rights = Cheesy Mousepad
May 23, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Christianity, Civil Rights, Culture War, Current Affairs, People, Politics, Public Policy, Religion, War Against Whining
Is it me or is this … like … cheesy? I already view the ACLU as an opponent but “blog of rights?” I hate to say this but … I will. Their slogan is a lame opportunistic derivative of our hallowed Bill of Rights. And if you keep rebranding something so amazing as the Bill of Rights, the re-branding threatens to water down the importance of the original. Nowadays the Bill of Rights seem to have been co-opted to the point of any strong desire with the loudest voice is now becoming a “right.”
They are kind of acting like the guy who decided to make a buck by putting the grandeur of a Monet painting on a mouse pad.
Just throw $9.99 at the ACLU and they will attack any Christian you want … well except for Fred Phelps.
All that aside, I know true Freedom. He’s a great blogger in that He has millions of bloggers taking up His Cause.
Christian Photographer Fined for Refusing Gay Wedding
April 15, 2008 by Mike Ensley
Filed under Activism, Christianity, Civil Rights, Culture War, Gay, Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Photography, Politics, Religion, blogging, marriage
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—A professional photographer who refused to take pictures of a gay couple’s commitment ceremony because of her religious beliefs violated New Mexico discrimination law, a human rights panel ruled.Vanessa Willock filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission in 2006, contending that Albuquerque photographer Elaine Huguenin told her she photographed only traditional marriages. Huguenin and her husband, Jon, own Elane Photography.
The commission’s one-page ruling Wednesday said Elane Photography violated the state Human Rights Act by discriminating against Willock on the basis of sexual orientation, and should pay $6,637 for Willock’s attorney’s fees and costs.
Willock, through her attorney, said in an e-mail that she was pleased by the finding.
I agree with Pelosi: Boycott Olympics Opening Ceremony in China
April 2, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Christianity, Church, Civil Rights, Crime, Culture War, Current Affairs, Evil, Life, People, Politics, Prayer, Public Policy, Sports, War On TerrorI actually agree with something Nancy Pelosi is suggesting with regard to China. I don’t think I blogged about it but I was shocked to learn that the Olympics were going to be held in China.
Accountability: The Name of These Games (From FRC Action Email Update)
Adding her dissent to that of other world leaders, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is the latest to voice objections to the U.S.’s involvement in the upcoming Olympic Games. In a frank discussion on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Pelosi said, “I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table… I think the President might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do. …I don’t think China should have gotten the Olympic Games to begin with… They got [them] with the promise that they would… have better respect for human rights and freedom of expression. They have not honored that.” Pelosi’s objections put even more pressure on the Bush administration to reconsider its presence at the Olympics. While Pelosi is motivated by the host’s violent treatment of Tibetans, China’s religious hostility runs much deeper than the Dalai Lama. Christians are being imprisoned in record numbers, yet the White House refuses to weigh in on the growing persecution of the church. FRC has waited 111 days for a response from the State Department to our letter in behalf of the Chinese pastors. How many more will have to suffer before Secretary Rice takes our complaint seriously?
I would add that it isn’t just religious issues and right about now I think the Chinese government hates the Dalai Lama just as deeply or deeper than the Christians. Either way, it doesn’t really matter, if you publicly disagree with the Chinese *communist* government… you have a very high probability of simply disappearing for a few days or more and coming home with a new or silent view of the government … that’s if you come home.
I am willing to boycott watching the opening ceremonies in honor of those persecuted and murdered in China and not honor the state of China. I have no doubt the ceremonies will be gorgeous and moving but I will never forget that day I saw Tiananmen Square’s “Tank Man.” It seems a lot of people have forgotten him and that awful series of events.
Please pray for a peaceful revolution of personal freedom in China.
Christian Couple in UK Declared “Unsuitable” to Foster Kids
February 27, 2008 by Mike Ensley
Filed under Christianity, Civil Rights, Culture War, Gay, Homosexuality, Worldview, familyFrom Daily Mail:
They are devoted foster parents with an unblemished record of caring for almost 20 vulnerable children.
But Eunice and Owen Johns have been forced to abandon their good work because they refuse to tell children as young as ten that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle.
Read moreRevolution in Iran
February 26, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Christianity, Church, Civil Rights, Crime, Culture War, Current Affairs, Evil, Gay, Gender, Homosexuality, Islam, Lesbianism, Life, Men, People, Politics, Public Policy, Religion, Sexuality, Tragedy, Video, War On Terror, Women, WorldviewSome brave people fought against the “modesty” police and kept them from abducting a young woman for not dressing appropriately. The following video is not great quality but Pajamas Media has a rundown of what you are seeing. The crowd is chanting “We don’t want Islamic Regime!” “We don’t want Dictatorship!” and “Death to the Police!”
It’s difficult to imagine that one of the officers was badly beaten but at the same time, how great is it that this young woman did not just disappear to who knows what kind of treatment? Lets not forget that among the many atrocities that go unreported about Iran, this regime routinely kills, rapes and tortures people who are or simply alleged as homosexual. Say what you will about Islam as a whole but from what I have seen, this Islamic regime is despicable and evil through and through. I am going to pray that a revolution in Iran gains footing, leadership and find tremendous success.Perhaps their plight and struggle for freedom should remind us to be grateful for what we take for granted here in the West.
Hutcherson Family Harassed
February 11, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Christianity, Church, Civil Rights, Culture War, Gay, Homosexuality, Politics, Prayer, Public Policy, Religion, Television, Worldview, Youngin'sETC initial post here. Thanks for the tip C!
Hutcherson’s Wife Says Family Is Being Harassed
www.komotv.com/news/local
/15436121.html KOMO TV
February 7, 2008
Feb 7, 2008 at 11:50 PM PST
SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — The family members of pastor Ken Hutcherson say they have been under attack ever since the pastor made controversial comments during a school assembly. Hutcherson’s wife addressed the school board on Thursday night.
“In the three weeks since the assembly, our life has been anything but back to normal,” said Pat Hutcherson. It was standing room only at the school board meeting as Pat discussed the harassment that has followed the couple and their four children since her husband spoke at an assembly at Mount Si High School on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
“My family is boldly called names like ‘bigot’, ‘homophobe’ and we’ve been permanently branded in the valley,” she said. The pastor, who is known for his anti-gay stance, was booed and publicly questioned by two teachers during the assembly. The incident has raised numerous concerns and issues, including bad manners and the acceptance of gays and lesbians. Some students are even concerned that teachers are imposing their personal beliefs on the students.
“I have six classes a day. I know the personal beliefs of all six of my teachers and I don’t want to,” one student said at the meeting. “I also think that to invite an anti-gay person was sending wrong message to students at Mount Si,” another said.
“We shouldn’t cast blame..but rather learn from this and accept diversity,” a third said.
Mount Si’s principal said the two teachers involved in the incident were dealt with appropriately, but refused to discuss the details of the school’s personnel matter.
# # #
Liberal Teachers Boo Hutch … at MLK Assembly
February 8, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Civil Rights, Culture War, Gay, Homosexuality, Politics, Public Policy, Worldview, Youngin's, marriageFrom CitizenLink:
Black Pastor Booed, Gay-Activist Group Welcomed
The Snoqualmie Valley (Wash.) School Board met Thursday night to try to overcome a controversy stemming from a Martin Luther King Day assembly in which a black pastor was booed — by teachers.
The Rev. Ken Hutcherson spoke at Mount Si High School last month, sharing his own struggle for equality, as well as Dr. King’s struggle. Hutcherson is a strong advocate for the defense of marriage, but it’s a topic he never mentioned at the assembly.
Hundreds of parents and community members packed the board meeting, which became more about gay rights than apologies.
“Teachers — five or six — standing for the Gay-Straight Alliance blasted the board for inviting me,” Hutcherson told CitizenLink. The board was told to “stand up for gay students.”
One of the teachers — one who booed him, Hutcherson said — accused Hutcherson of taking away gay rights and suggested “a movement to bring back slavery.”
Hutcherson said, “It’s time for Christians to stand up. We have taken this for too long.”
TAKE ACTION
Let Mount Si High School know what you think of the case:Mount Si High School
Principal Randy Taylor
(425) 831-8205
taylorr@svsd410.orgFOR MORE INFORMATION
The Rev. Ken Hutcherson was booed at a Martin Luther King Jr. rally. In his Stoplight video commentary, Stuart Shepard delves into the exceptionally rude behavior.Watch the Stoplight video because it brings up the point that Hutch wasn’t even talking about homosexuality or marriage and yet because that was his belief he was treated badly. Hutch also asks what would have happened if it were a gay speaker and Christian teachers would have acted in a similar manner? He says that they would have been without a job by the end of the day.
Very interesting.
Responding To a Comment About “Heterophobic Tyrants”
January 24, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Civil Rights, Ex-Gay, Exodus, Gay, Homosexuality, People, PoliticsWe are smack in the middle of our Leadership conference but I wanted to try and get this post done before turning in for the evening.
David mentioned the following as the concluding paragraph of his comment:
Imagine the intolerance and bigotry that will manifest if these people gain more and more control of the seats of power. They will be like they are, tyrants ranting and raving about what blithering idiots we all are because we dont’t want this dictatorial heterophobie bunch ruling us.
Emily asked if I agreed with David’s thoughts. He has more to his comment than that paragraph and they are his personal opinion. I don’t feel compelled to chime in on those but as I have thought about that last paragraph I did decide to offer a couple of cents worth of feedback.
First of all David, thank you for coming forward and offering your opinion. I am going to disagree with you on some things but it is all offered as just simple opinion.
The use of the words “these people” is an automatic buzzword that causes immediate shutdown of dialog. It just sounds condescending. I am not saying that was your intent, but it is easy to take that away from reading it on a screen. The generalization of “they will be like they are, tyrants ranting and raving about what …” I would agree with you only in the context of the very rare gay activist. Even most gay activists aren’t like that. Most gay identified people I meet or know aren’t even activists and do not rant and rave. I even think that most of the gay community might believe we are wrong but I don’t think they would consider us “blithering idiots.” Some definitely do but even though they are loud…they are simply a vocal minority… a small part of the whole community.
The part about you claiming we do not want “dictatorial heterophobic bunch” ruling over us … The post I wrote that spun off this conversation was about what I believe to be the misappropriation of Civil Rights language on gay ideological/social issues. I *think* what you might be alluding to is the theory that gay “rights” come at the expense of religious liberty. I wasn’t addressing that issue in my post though. I am not sure that is what is going on in your head but if it was I wanted to just clarify that was not where I was going with that particular post. Does that make any sense at all?
Orlando has a lesbian identified city council member and she can’t stand what we at Exodus do. However, when we went to go testify on an issue, we got to say our mind in front of her and she didn’t cut us off. She might have rolled her eyes and crossed her arms but she didn’t try to stop us from testifying. On a couple of other issues I have seen her “rule” on… I actually agreed with her (just city business stuff … not a lot … but a couple of things.) Plus, she has never been “heterophobic” and honestly I don’t know any gay identified people who are (past and present.) Could other phobias be present? Sure… but *phobic is also another buzzword that has lost its true meaning in it’s use as a slur against people who challenge gay ideology. Turnabout in this situation doesn’t work in my opinion.
I think I might have used that word heterophobic once or twice but then realized it just didn’t describe reality. People may hate that I was once gay and now not but that doesn’t mean they are irrationally afraid of heterosexuals :).
David, and everyone, I can be very directive but I never intend to be prideful or arrogant. I only offer my opinions. I don’t want to leave an impression that I am trying to correct you. I appreciate your and everyone’s comments.
Martin Luther King Day 2008
January 21, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Activism, Civil Rights, Holiday
King is a hero of mine on many levels: as a statesman, as a leader, as a Believer, as a model of perseverance and humility. He was a great man and definitely a modern day inspiration for a generation in need of someone to look up to.
