Hatewatch Tweets
Hatewatch is managed by the staff of the Intelligence Report, an investigative magazine published by the Alabama-based civil rights group Southern Poverty Law Center.
Gays Should Face Legal Sanctions, Says American Family Association Radio Host
People in same-sex relationships should face the same penalties as heroin users.
Just ask Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association (AFA), an ultraconservative religious right group. In a Jan. 29 response to an E-mail from a listener to his “Focal Point” radio program, Fischer suggests that “we impose the same sanctions on those who engage in homosexual behavior as we do on those who engage in intravenous drug abuse, since both pose the same kind of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. If you believe that what drug abusers need is to go into an effective detox program, then we should likewise put active homosexuals through an effective reparative therapy program.”
Never mind that drug abuse is illegal, whereas the Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that states cannot ban private gay sex between consenting adults.
There’s nothing new about Fischer’s disregard for the Constitution. That much was apparent after the Fort Hood tragedy, when he asserted that Muslims should not be allowed to serve in the U.S. military. But his illogic is in this case is especially glaring. Fischer insists in a follow-up E-mail to an NBC reporter that “homosexual behavior represents and [sic] enormous threat to public health” and that banning it “is a simple matter of … sound public policy.” Why, then, does Fischer support outlawing all homosexual behavior, given that (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) there has never been a confirmed case of female-to-female HIV transmission in the United States? Fischer doesn’t say.
Fischer also quotes the Bible to support his contention that homosexuality should be opposed by civil law. (In another article, Fischer says the United States was “a much better, saner and healthier place” when the states had laws against homosexuality on the books.) After citing 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Fischer wrote to the radio listener, “The bottom line here is that, biblically, those ‘who practice homosexuality’ should come under the purview of the law just as much as those who take people captive in order to sell them into slavery.”
Not so, says conservative Christian psychology professor Warren Throckmorton. “Paul is giving Timothy religious instructions and not saying that the civil law is given to prosecute various actions at odds with Christian teaching,” Throckmorton wrote on his blog. “In fact, if anything, [the passage] argues that the proper role of the church is to proclaim redemption, rather than lobby for new laws against private conduct.”
on February 9th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I´m disgusted.
on February 9th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I am a straight (heterosexual), yet, I don’t care who dates who, or who marry who. Again, as I stated in the post about the “Guns Advocates….” it is always the RIGHT trying to tell people how to live.
A friend of mine sent me an email that I think should be passed on to these GOD-LOVING people- the title “Why Is There Much Animosity?” http://www.caycompass.com/cgi-.....D=10388609 This was a letter to the editor, and at the bottom of the letter the writers asks,”How can we say we love the Almighty God whom we cannot see when we show so much hatred and malice towards our fellow man whom we see each day.”
Maybe these so-called God Loving people can learn something from the writer of the letter, Glendon McFarlane!
on February 9th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Having just spent several days in an HIV/STD training with the Health Department this post sickens me. HIV and AIDS did transmit more quickly through homosexual males in the beginning of it’s conception, because a higher percentage of homosexual men did not use condoms/barriers during sex, then heterosexual couples. Heterosexual couples were more likely to use condemns and barriers because many couples wanted to prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy is however not an issue for homosexual couples so before STD’s and HIV education more couples believed that it was safe to have sex without a barrier. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, however It spreads through heterosexuals as easily as it does through homosexuals and the only way to prevent it’s spread is to get tested, know your status, and use barriers when you are having sex.
Illegal Drugs are illegal because it is debilitating to the user, and can cause serious health problems as well as death. Not because they spread HIV. HIV is something that is spread through drug use only when needles are shared, and in a few rare occasions when crack pipes are shared. However many states now offer Needle exchanges so that intervenes drug users can have access to clean needles and prevent the spread of disease.
on February 9th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Wow is this kind of nonsense still going on? This is so early 1980s.
Regarding Paul’s letters, the historical context is of an outsider with a strange dogma (Christianity) living in ultra-conservative Rome. Early Christians carried on the Hebrew tradition of kissing as a greeting that was viewed with extreme distaste in Rome. That, combined with secretive behavior aimed at keeping the Church alive, drew suspicion from Roman magistrates. Paul’s exhortations regarding sexual prudence were intended to preserve Christianity from open hostility. Some scholars have also suggested that Paul himself suffered from his own sexual identity crisis, and this was projected into his letters.
on February 10th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Good point, SkinnyMinny. Let’s not forget that the Holy Bible was frequently used in the South as justification for slavery and more generally the denial of women’s right to vote in America. The one big danger of faith in politics, as I see it, it can lead to a lack of critical thinking required to function as a secular society. This is not a condemnation of faith however, just a cautionary observation.
on February 10th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
OK….The Bible as we know of it today has some serious problems. One of which is TRANSLATION.
IF people had the original texts and read what the original texts were they would have to do some long, hard thinking.
In the original Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin (depending on version, and type (NOV, King James, etc) there simply is no question that the BIBLE & KORAN justifies a secondary position for women, slavery (not based on ethnicity either!)and polygamy. A quick look at the New Testament :
1 Corinthians 7:21
Ladd mentions the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:21, which we will examine now in some detail, because some recent Bible versions have paraphrased the verse in such a way that it appears to be telling slaves that they should seek emancipation. But this interpretation is anachronistic and does violence to the context. In fact the meaning is quite the opposite. It is an instruction to slaves that they should care so little for worldly freedom that they should not even take notice of any opportunities to become free, as in the following modern versions:
New English Bible (margin). Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let that trouble you; but even if a chance of liberty should come, choose rather to make good use of your servitude.
Revised English Bible (margin). Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let that trouble you; but even if a chance of freedom should come, choose rather to make good use of your servitude.
Today’s English Version (margin). Were you a slave when God called you? Well, never mind; but even if you have a chance to become a free man, choose rather to make the best of your condition as a slave.
New American Bible. Were you a slave when your call came? Give it no thought. Even supposing you could go free, you would be better off making the most of your slavery.
American Standard Version. Wast thou called being a bond-servant? care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.
Revised Standard Version (margin). Were you a slave when called? Never mind. But if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition instead.
New Revised Standard Version. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever.
My point is a simple one. IF you are to be “Literalistic” with Biblical verses, the position of slaves (now called servants in the KJB) & women is iron clad.
.
on February 10th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
It could be worse. Uganda wants to sentence all gays to life imprisonment or execution. And they got that loony idea from the same American Religious Reich Wingnuts who eliminated condom distribution in favor of “Abstinence Only” AIDS prevention efforts that doubled the AIDS rate in Uganda.
These Religious Reich Wingnuts are dangerous kooks. Dominionists, Identity Church racists, ad nauseum…
on February 10th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Beholder, thanks.
Although I am heterosexual, I have 2 gay cousins, and a few gay male friends, so this hits home for me. And for people to sit up and target gays is WRONG!
You are so right when you talk about the politics of it. I am waiting for the day when someone will put on the voting ballots to strip them of their tax-exempt status. I will gladly sign this petition and volunteer to help.
I am agnostic, yet, I see a number of people are atheist that were former church members. These churches breed bigotry, hatred, greed, discrimination, mind-control…..
For ministers preaching this, did they understand, “Thou shall not judge, come as you are (welcoming to church), love thy neighbor…”
I don’t recall hearing one word from these churches when Ted Haggard, Mark Foley…doing exactly what they claim they are against (oh, I forgot, they were not liberals!)
I consider these churches too big and they need to fail – they continue to enjoy the riches of others yet preach against riches. They fly around in their private jets, sail in their yachts, and live in their mansions – most of it either donated by someone or they have purchased it – no, they don’t give it to someone needy, they sell it or use it. IMO this is just another scheme!
on February 11th, 2010 at 3:13 am
It would seem that homophobia is more important to radical anti-gay activist Fisher than Christ. No where does Christ mention being gay and He certainly never condones homophobia. I think I’ll side with Christ on this issue rather than a large anti-gay advocacy group promoting the anti-gay agenda and intent on imposing their religious beliefs on the rest of us. As for unrepentant homophobe Fisher, he was not born homophobic, he chooses to be homophobic. Thousands and thousands have walked away from homophobia. The good news is that he can too, if he repents and is sincere in leaving this sinful behavior. Watching the movie “Tears For Bobby” could be a useful first step in his recovery.
on February 11th, 2010 at 11:03 am
The Bible says it is better to be a slave than a free man?
Of course, the Bible has thousands of documented contradictions, so I suppose you could search and find a Bible phrase that condemns slavery and says men should be free.
Anybody who tells me I’m better off as a slave is probably trying to enslave me. Let’s see how he likes my freedom to defend myself. Nazi scum.
on February 11th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Beholder,
There you have it! That’s why I am agnostic. Wasn’t the early European Settlers that came here to the “new world,” to get away from religion, or for people to have freedoms of religion?
I am agnostic also, because, if you read “Plato’s Republic,” you will see they were Greek Philosophers – Socrates, was mentioned in the bible, the bible warned against Socrates!
When I put all of this into context, I believe they were all philosophers, and it plays out much like modern day politics.
Then take that with Religion courses – overview of religions of the world. It makes you wonder, especially when you see things happening to people – yet, the bible says God will punish evildoers – but, IMO, it seems some people that are ‘evil’ tend to outlive the good people. The bible says don’t lie – yet, the people that lie gets away with every time. Then I see the people suffering over the world, and I often ask “where is God?”
Being agnostic doesn’t mean you don’t believe, it means you’re not sure and need more proof, and that’s where I stand!
on February 11th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Bryan Fischer is well-known in Idaho. To some he is a hero of “family values,” but to many he is a living, breathing example of what is wrong with America. Fischer is the pitchman for contempt and the poster boy for intolerance. The man’s obsession with and hatred of homosexuals is well documented, but recently he has been gaining national attention.
How did he get there?
Reporters and editors in Idaho rolled over and let Fischer state his contempt for gays on a regular basis without a single hard question or investigation into his motives or “facts.” The Idaho news media was essentially his personal public relations firm.
If Fischer’s profile had not been so elevated by Idaho media, perhaps he would not now be the national poster boy for anti-Muslim racism, criminalizing gays and an embarrassment to Idahoans.
Get the full in-depth story here: http://may-chang.com/?p=1168
on February 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
This discussion about homo&lesbian sexual behaviors becomes rather old. Now people will live their sex lives as they see fit, but I don’t regard homosexual activities as a virtue regardless of what causes it.
It’s noteworthy that the same people who are hostile to the idea of repair therapy to cure or @least better treat homosexuality are apologists for sex change mutilations. I see something wrong with sex changes for the same reason that I oppose Whitening Blacks who think they’re White instead of Black. Sex changes sadly happen because science knows how to do it.
Homosexuality is a topic I’ve thought about & the views against repair therapy are worthless. Most homosexual groups oppose repair therapy but think it’s Ok to surgically mutilate men & women to make them artificial members of the opposite sex. They must cure GID, not surgically maim people. Finally, if same sex behaviors were cured & if the only sexual behavior left is straight sexual behavior between a man & a woman, then I won’t lose sleep over it.
on February 22nd, 2010 at 8:52 pm
No, the APA & AMA don’t classify same sex behaviors (homo&lesbian) as a disease or disorder, but my view is that if a cure for homosexuality is eventually found, then go for it-though they say it’s not a disease. Homosexuality isn’t defined as a disease or disorder, but that copathologies are higher among people who engage in homo&lesbian activities.-esp. homosmen. Here’s the irony- most homosexual groups, along with the AMA & APA are hostile to repair therapy to cure or better treat homosexuality for those who want to be straight.
Yet most of them think it’s Ok to surgically mutilate a man to make him an artificial woman (sometimes women want to be mutilated). Because most homosexual groups along with the AMA & APA support sex change mutilations, their views don’t interest me as they only agree with science when science fits their views-I see something wrong with sex changes. In 2005, my neutral view on homosexuality changed to hostile, because of the fact most homo groups are apologists for sex changes. In some cases, kids (esp. boys) who have GID have been given puberty delaying drugs before surgical mutilation.
Yes, GID & homosexuality are different topics, but in the 2000s, the term LBGT became popularized. To most homosexual groups & the American Medical Association (AMA), it’s wrong for a homoesexual to seek repair therapy to change to straight activities, but it’s Ok to surgically maim men & women to make them artficial members of the opposite sex. This position that the AMA has is rubbish.
No, the existence of homo&lesbian sexual behaviors has no positive nor negative impact on my life. Same sex behaviors have been around since time started. & will be around for some time to come. But if same sex behaviors & sex changes eventually disappear, then you should not lose sleep over it. Again, this isn’t based on any religious thinking, as I ‘m not a religious person though not an atheist. It’s based on why should you care if homosexuality were cured Repair therapy exists because there are homosexuals who want to be straight. If same sex behaviors disappeared because science discovers how to cure them, then why
is it controversial if the only sexual behavior left among people is men having sex with women ?
on April 13th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Being homosexual is a choice that you or anyone else can’t decide for someone so for you to say you want to put them in therapy I think you need therapy. I’m a lesbian and I think I’m doing great for myself! I m 19 and a Christen I don’t have any kids, but one day when I find the right WOMAN I will adopt at least 3. My mother is a Lesbian and she raised me just fine I m a freshmen in a privet catholic school studying Psychology and my mother also adopted two drug addicted babies(that came as a result of a heterosexual junky). HIV/AIDS is not just contracted because someone is homosexual! Straight people have HIV and AIDS to! So before you try to place your ignorance on everyone please look at all the good Homosexuals do. There are so many children that need to be adopted but what are you straight people doing about it? Think if it wasn’t for homosexuals the orphanages would be over stocked with innocent children that need a loving home. Now before you go bashing those who do good in the society look at yourself and ask what you have done to change the world.