The Right Wing Homophobes Lose One

This is an excerpt from a column written by Joe Murray for a publication in Philadelphia, The Evening Bulletin writtin in response to General Pace's recent "homosexuality is immoral" comments:

If troop safety is AFA's (American Family Association)primary concern, and not fear-mongering, why hasn't AFA demanded Bush bring these soldiers home? Does it really think the "political situation" of gays in the military presents a greater harm to soldiers than the bullets flying in Baghdad or are other motives being subtly conveyed to an America populace who are already fearful, thanks to past action alerts, of the "homosexual agenda?"

Conservative groups had an opportunity to bring a sense of Christian compassion to this debate, but opted instead to scare supporters into believing homosexuals were trying to raise the rainbow flag over the Pentagon. This is not political activism based upon Christian principle; it is fear mongering based on the politics of man.

Good stuff, and it gets better. Pace used to work for the AFA and was one of their propaganda writers. Over at Pam's House Blend, Pam Spaulding interviewed Murray about his change of heart. I recommend reading the entire interview, but here are a couple of highlights:

After adopting the AFA party line for some time, something in the back of my head kept tearing away at my conscience. How could AFA, an earthly organization, declare the divine intention of the God and condemn the souls of homosexuals? How was it that men could make the declaration of who was getting into Heaven and who was getting the one-way ticket to Hades?

That being said, the issue of gay rights has been weighing heavy on my mind for quite some time. The gay issue is a human issue, and thus I strongly believe that it must be approached with concern and compassion. Furthermore, the individuals engaging in the debate must recognized that behind the theories there are real life human beings that are made in the image of the Creator.

Gays and lesbians are "real life human beings made in the image of the Creator?" Boy, having a former employee say that must really grind the cookies of the AFA leadership.

Good.