Did Christians Lose a Round Today?

With the passage of the Matthew Shepard Bill (hate crimes legislation including sexual orientation as a protected minority), did Christians suffer a defeat today?

Right-wing extremists did, but from where I sit and worship God, it was a good day for Christianity. The scare tactics organizations like the Traditional Values Coalition, the Family Research Council, and the American Family Association used to try and sway votes failed. They wanted people to believe it would infringe on their right to worship (read: gay bash), touting it as a blow to religious freedom. The TVC went so far as to send around a tasteless picture of Jesus on a wanted poster, saying he would be subject to prosocution if this bill makes it into law.

A more reasoned, factual approach came from the ACLU:

"Prosecuting violent hate crimes is critically important. This bill will also protect due process and the Constitution, especially our First Amendment rights to speak freely and associate with whom we'd like," said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "When a person inflicts violence based on hate, it is important that they be punished. But defendants must have a fair trial, and should not be judged based on what they say and the company they keep, unless specifically related to the crime. While we may disagree with some people's speech, it must be protected or all of our speech is at risk. "

There it is right-wingers, your right to spew hatred and bigotry is still protected under the First Amendment and is NOT diminished by this law, unless it can be directly proven that your words contributed to a violent act being committed. If you are preaching the word of God, that shouldn't be a problem. When did Jesus incite anyone to violence? Not a single time. He even rebuked Peter when he slashed the ear off one of the guards who were arresting Jesus and went so far as to heal the soldier.

I called in and spoke on the air for a moment with Michelangelo Signorile, who hosts a program on Sirius OutQ Radio from 2-6PM Eastern Monday thru Friday. Understandably, Michelangelo and his callers had spent some time bashing "right-wing Christians" because of their over-the-top opposition to the Matthew Shepard Bill. I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone listening that there are straight Christians who have received the revalation of the GLBT community's place in God's kingdom, a place that is equal to the one I have. I emphasized how important it was for my fellow enlightened Christians to stand up and speak out for GLBT equality since the right-wing, although possibly diminishing in stature, is still a powerful, well-funded force. Michelangelo received what I said in a very positive way and expresseded his view that the majority of Christians share my beliefs. I think that might be somewhat optimistic, but if that's not the case now, I believe it is only a matter of time before it is.

The right-wing extremists will stop at nothing, including besmirching Christianity and God himself to enforce their bigoted, hateful views toward homosexuals. Affirming believers need to get angry about that, stay that way, and channel that anger positively in advocating for the GLBT community and spreading a clearer understanding of who God truly is. There are too many scripture references showing what a loving, accepting God we have to quote here--that's what most of the Bible is about because that's what God is about.

I believe He is happy with the way today's vote turned out and will be happier when more of His children have better legal protection against hatred and violence.