When campaigning against legalizing same-sex marriage, one of the points the right wing likes to use is the fear that this legistlation would force churches whose doctrine does not believe in this right to perform these ceremonies anyway.
There is legislation under consideration in New Hampshire that takes just the opposite approach. According to this report in the Concord Monitor, this law would require wedding ceremonies within churches to comply with current state laws. In other words, until same-sex marriage would be legalized in the state, a church would not be allowed to hold a committment ceremony.
Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be a lot of support for this, but it just shows how far some people are willing to go to discriminate against GLBT people. Hopefully the legislators in New Hampshire won't let it happen.
January 27, 2007
January 26, 2007
Not a Redefinition, Just Equal Access
That's the arguement that Dan Furmansky, executive director of Equality Maryland, makes about same-sex marriage in an op-ed piece for The Gazette, a group of local weekly newspapers in the DC suburbs of Maryland.
One of the primary arguements used against this is the alleged redefinition of marriage this would cause. As Furmansky points out:
".....all gays and lesbians — simply seek access to a universally recognized legal institution that will create stability and peace of mind for our families. More importantly, we seek to share in the joy and commitment that should be the hallmark of any loving relationship.
Same-sex couples express love in the same ways straight couples do. We bring our loved ones chicken soup when they sneeze. We listen intently when they complain about work. We look for ways to make them happy, with a gesture, with a card, with a kiss. We let them have the remote control — sometimes. We try to make them laugh, and we cook their favorite foods for their birthdays. We make homes together, build families together, and keep each other warm at night.
Allowing us to marry legally is just plain fair. No one chooses to be gay or lesbian, and being gay or lesbian is not a moral deficiency. Now, as the dark cloud of the closet that steals our souls is lifted for more and more of us, more Americans are understanding that ending discrimination against gays and lesbians means ending discrimination in marriage."
It's important to emphasize that no straight people would be harmed in the passing of these laws.
One of the primary arguements used against this is the alleged redefinition of marriage this would cause. As Furmansky points out:
".....all gays and lesbians — simply seek access to a universally recognized legal institution that will create stability and peace of mind for our families. More importantly, we seek to share in the joy and commitment that should be the hallmark of any loving relationship.
Same-sex couples express love in the same ways straight couples do. We bring our loved ones chicken soup when they sneeze. We listen intently when they complain about work. We look for ways to make them happy, with a gesture, with a card, with a kiss. We let them have the remote control — sometimes. We try to make them laugh, and we cook their favorite foods for their birthdays. We make homes together, build families together, and keep each other warm at night.
Allowing us to marry legally is just plain fair. No one chooses to be gay or lesbian, and being gay or lesbian is not a moral deficiency. Now, as the dark cloud of the closet that steals our souls is lifted for more and more of us, more Americans are understanding that ending discrimination against gays and lesbians means ending discrimination in marriage."
It's important to emphasize that no straight people would be harmed in the passing of these laws.
January 25, 2007
Keeping Religion Out of Politics--On Both Sides of the Isle
I've frequently written here about why I believe the insertion of the religious right into the political arena has corrupted both parts of society. In this entry on the Washington Post blog "On Faith," writer Susan Jacoby points out the need for the emerging religous left not to follow the same path. I couldn't agree more.
I would be hypocrytical if I endorsed the idea of democrats inserting their religious views into policy making simply because I might agree with them. I have maintained my issue is as much with the blurring of the line between church and state as it is the specific policies the right wing has shoved down America's throats over the past few years.
Ms. Jacoby writes:
I believe, after years of nauseating sanctimony from Christian soldiers in government, that this nation is hungry for candidates who speak about morality in an inclusionary rather than an exclusionary way--who appeal to and for a public and a civic morality that can be subscribed to by Americans of any or no religious belief.
No group of people has been more victimized by this than the GLBT community. It clearly needs to stop, but this country desperately needs a balance to be struck and not for the pendulum to swing just as far the other way.
I would be hypocrytical if I endorsed the idea of democrats inserting their religious views into policy making simply because I might agree with them. I have maintained my issue is as much with the blurring of the line between church and state as it is the specific policies the right wing has shoved down America's throats over the past few years.
Ms. Jacoby writes:
I believe, after years of nauseating sanctimony from Christian soldiers in government, that this nation is hungry for candidates who speak about morality in an inclusionary rather than an exclusionary way--who appeal to and for a public and a civic morality that can be subscribed to by Americans of any or no religious belief.
No group of people has been more victimized by this than the GLBT community. It clearly needs to stop, but this country desperately needs a balance to be struck and not for the pendulum to swing just as far the other way.
January 24, 2007
Get Out and Lobby!
This is the time of year that state legislatures all across the nation are conveining and considering legislation. There are still states that are entertaining constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, while others are considering progressive initiatives that would insure equal rights in the workplace and other areas of society and establish harsher penalties for hate crimes committed against GLBT people.
My point is that this is the time for the GLBT community and its allies to stand up and have their voices heard. There are many state and local organizations that adovcate for GLBT issues like the one in my home state, Equality Maryland, which will have their annual lobby day in the state capitol of Annapolis on February 12.
I participated in last year's event, the first time I had ever done anything like that. I was proud to represent a cause I deeply believe in and will do so again next month.
I believe you 'll feel the same way if you join the voices speaking out for equality.
My point is that this is the time for the GLBT community and its allies to stand up and have their voices heard. There are many state and local organizations that adovcate for GLBT issues like the one in my home state, Equality Maryland, which will have their annual lobby day in the state capitol of Annapolis on February 12.
I participated in last year's event, the first time I had ever done anything like that. I was proud to represent a cause I deeply believe in and will do so again next month.
I believe you 'll feel the same way if you join the voices speaking out for equality.
January 23, 2007
Connecticut Newspaper Comes Out For Same-Sex Marriage
The Hartford Courant, the most influential newspaper in Connecticut, has published an editorial taking a very strong stance in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. Here is an excerpt:
Connecticut can be proud that it took a step toward ending this discrimination by granting gay and lesbian couples the right to form civil unions, the first state to do so without pressure from the courts. Now, it is time to continue the conversation with a goal of making same-sex marriage a reality.
The editorial makes the case for the significance of the difference between a civil union and marriage. Mirroring the way a lot of folks in New Jersey felt following the recent legalization of civil unions in that state, the Courant points out how a civil union is somewhat of a second class version of marriage. The newspaper states, and I wholeheartedly agree, that GLBT people deserve to stand with their heterosexual counterparts and enjoy the fullness of marriage in every aspect.
Connecticut can be proud that it took a step toward ending this discrimination by granting gay and lesbian couples the right to form civil unions, the first state to do so without pressure from the courts. Now, it is time to continue the conversation with a goal of making same-sex marriage a reality.
The editorial makes the case for the significance of the difference between a civil union and marriage. Mirroring the way a lot of folks in New Jersey felt following the recent legalization of civil unions in that state, the Courant points out how a civil union is somewhat of a second class version of marriage. The newspaper states, and I wholeheartedly agree, that GLBT people deserve to stand with their heterosexual counterparts and enjoy the fullness of marriage in every aspect.
January 22, 2007
"Whose Side Is God On, Anyway?"
This is a theme I post on periodically, but I don't think it can be emphasized often enough. In recent years, the religious right has hammered home their version of what God wants our society and laws to be and condemning as ungodly any people who hold different views.
An editorial in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel written by O. Ricardo Pimentel questions that approach:
Let's see. When God is on your side, who precisely is on the other side? See what I mean?
Implicit in these circumstances is that the other side is anti-God, though there are thankfully those in the faith movements who have far more ecumenical views about this.
My own view is that the Bible is a handy tool if it is viewed in the context of what in it is contingent and what is coherent.
In other words, stoning adulterers and a host of other practices and beliefs were contingent on a set of circumstances in a distinct culture and historical period.
No one is advocating we do these things today.
But virtues like kindness, charity, peace and justice are coherent throughout the Bible, not limited to any particular culture or era.
There's more good stuff in the column, including the concept of making value decisions with an open mind.
Now there's an idea that is timeless.
An editorial in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel written by O. Ricardo Pimentel questions that approach:
Let's see. When God is on your side, who precisely is on the other side? See what I mean?
Implicit in these circumstances is that the other side is anti-God, though there are thankfully those in the faith movements who have far more ecumenical views about this.
My own view is that the Bible is a handy tool if it is viewed in the context of what in it is contingent and what is coherent.
In other words, stoning adulterers and a host of other practices and beliefs were contingent on a set of circumstances in a distinct culture and historical period.
No one is advocating we do these things today.
But virtues like kindness, charity, peace and justice are coherent throughout the Bible, not limited to any particular culture or era.
There's more good stuff in the column, including the concept of making value decisions with an open mind.
Now there's an idea that is timeless.
January 21, 2007
Same-Sex Unions NOT Destroying Marriage in Canada
Don't take my word for it, though. This report provided by Equal Marriage Canada has the statistics that show the institution of marriage is STRONGER, not weaker, since same-sex marriages were legalized in that nation. The conclusion is:
Rather than undermining marriage as opponents of equality make in their extreme and bizarre hysteria, the arrival of gays and lesbians, and their children, in the institute has given a new breath of life to what would have been an otherwise diminished year in Canada for marriage.
That's worth keeping in mind the next time you hear a dose of the right-wing hysteria in this nation about how same-sex marriage in the United States.
Rather than undermining marriage as opponents of equality make in their extreme and bizarre hysteria, the arrival of gays and lesbians, and their children, in the institute has given a new breath of life to what would have been an otherwise diminished year in Canada for marriage.
That's worth keeping in mind the next time you hear a dose of the right-wing hysteria in this nation about how same-sex marriage in the United States.
January 20, 2007
Exodus Has a New Branch in Texas
B. Joe Cline, a 75-year old grandfather, has started Lighthouse Freedom Ministry in Waco Texas. He has announced the ministry with billboards near interestate highways in Waco and the Houston area that has messages like, "I questioned homosexuality. Change is possible. Discover how."
Sadly, there will be homosexuals who have been browbeaten by their churches and/or family and grown to hate themselves enough to drive them to Cline's "ministry." This from the report in the Waco Tribune:
The Rev. Charley Garrison, pastor of the gay-friendly Central Texas Metropolitan Community Church From the Heart, said he was relieved to hear from a reporter that Cline’s ministry is not geared toward those who are comfortable with their orientation, only those who want to change it.
“Because that means I won’t have to worry about him picketing my church or supporting others to do the same,” Garrison said. “You see, we worship a God who loves unconditionally, with no strings attached.”
Central Texas MCC is part of the almost 40-year-old gay-friendly Christian denomination founded because so many churches rejected homosexual worshippers.
“Unfortunately, there are people who claim to speak on behalf of Jesus Christ, when in fact, our Savior had nothing to say about homosexuality. However, Jesus did condemn those people who have a predisposition to point out the speck in other people’s eyes when there is a log in their own (Matthew 7:1-5) ,” Garrison said.
Very well stated Rev. Garrison.
Sadly, there will be homosexuals who have been browbeaten by their churches and/or family and grown to hate themselves enough to drive them to Cline's "ministry." This from the report in the Waco Tribune:
The Rev. Charley Garrison, pastor of the gay-friendly Central Texas Metropolitan Community Church From the Heart, said he was relieved to hear from a reporter that Cline’s ministry is not geared toward those who are comfortable with their orientation, only those who want to change it.
“Because that means I won’t have to worry about him picketing my church or supporting others to do the same,” Garrison said. “You see, we worship a God who loves unconditionally, with no strings attached.”
Central Texas MCC is part of the almost 40-year-old gay-friendly Christian denomination founded because so many churches rejected homosexual worshippers.
“Unfortunately, there are people who claim to speak on behalf of Jesus Christ, when in fact, our Savior had nothing to say about homosexuality. However, Jesus did condemn those people who have a predisposition to point out the speck in other people’s eyes when there is a log in their own (Matthew 7:1-5) ,” Garrison said.
Very well stated Rev. Garrison.
January 19, 2007
Seminary To Host Transgender Conference
From Beliefnet.com:
BERKELEY, Calif. (RNS) The first Transgender Religious Summit to be held at a Christian seminary will bring together 50 activists, transgender members of faith communities, academics and religious leaders this weekend (Jan. 19-21) at the Pacific School of Religion here.
"Transgender people are emerging from the spiritual closet," said Justin Tanis, program manager for the National Center for Transgender Equality, a Washington-based advocacy group that is co-sponsoring the summit with the seminary's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry.
The summit is designed to create dialogue among transgender people and their allies in faith communities who are concerned with human rights and social justice issues. Tanis said the program will empower people to speak about transgender matters in churches and the public sphere. Participants come from Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and pagan faith communities.
"Something like this conference would have been unheard of 12 years ago," said the Rev. Erin Swenson, a transgender Presbyterian pastoral counselor.
Organizers said the transgender community is gaining momentum and is organizing itself as a movement. In addition, more religious communities are realizing that transgender people are part of their congregations, Swenson said.
Response, however, has been mixed. In 2003, the Catholic Church banned transgender people from religious orders while Unitarian Universalists and the United Church of Christ have begun ordaining transgender ministers. Swenson said transgender people have many gifts to offer to their congregations and society at large. She said these gifts include having a deep sense of personal integrity and an ability to be honest about who they are.
Transgender people also can help faith communities emphasize love, self-respect and human dignity as "central core values."
While conservative religious groups have opposed steps to protect against gender discrimination, none were invited to the summit. Tanis, however, said dialogue between transgender people of faith and conservative groups is a "worthy goal."
BERKELEY, Calif. (RNS) The first Transgender Religious Summit to be held at a Christian seminary will bring together 50 activists, transgender members of faith communities, academics and religious leaders this weekend (Jan. 19-21) at the Pacific School of Religion here.
"Transgender people are emerging from the spiritual closet," said Justin Tanis, program manager for the National Center for Transgender Equality, a Washington-based advocacy group that is co-sponsoring the summit with the seminary's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry.
The summit is designed to create dialogue among transgender people and their allies in faith communities who are concerned with human rights and social justice issues. Tanis said the program will empower people to speak about transgender matters in churches and the public sphere. Participants come from Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and pagan faith communities.
"Something like this conference would have been unheard of 12 years ago," said the Rev. Erin Swenson, a transgender Presbyterian pastoral counselor.
Organizers said the transgender community is gaining momentum and is organizing itself as a movement. In addition, more religious communities are realizing that transgender people are part of their congregations, Swenson said.
Response, however, has been mixed. In 2003, the Catholic Church banned transgender people from religious orders while Unitarian Universalists and the United Church of Christ have begun ordaining transgender ministers. Swenson said transgender people have many gifts to offer to their congregations and society at large. She said these gifts include having a deep sense of personal integrity and an ability to be honest about who they are.
Transgender people also can help faith communities emphasize love, self-respect and human dignity as "central core values."
While conservative religious groups have opposed steps to protect against gender discrimination, none were invited to the summit. Tanis, however, said dialogue between transgender people of faith and conservative groups is a "worthy goal."
January 17, 2007
"A Dangerous Fraud"
Wayne Besen continues to reveal the manipulative lies so often propigated by "ex-gay ministries." His latest piece tells this story:
The anti-gay gro ups, the American Family Association and Americans for Truth should be immediately shut down for committing wanton and craven acts of fraud. They are unabashed con artists duping their own members by selling a product both groups have admitted was misleading.
The first question tactics like this bring to mind is, why do aleged Christain organizations, especially one with the word truth in its name, have to lie to influence people? I believe the answer is because what they are trying to sell is itself a lie.
What twisted version of Christianity do these folks subscribe to, then? Or is that description just another lie to gain influence and relieve people of their money?
How do you think God feels about that? I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that one--he's pissed!
The anti-gay gro ups, the American Family Association and Americans for Truth should be immediately shut down for committing wanton and craven acts of fraud. They are unabashed con artists duping their own members by selling a product both groups have admitted was misleading.
The first question tactics like this bring to mind is, why do aleged Christain organizations, especially one with the word truth in its name, have to lie to influence people? I believe the answer is because what they are trying to sell is itself a lie.
What twisted version of Christianity do these folks subscribe to, then? Or is that description just another lie to gain influence and relieve people of their money?
How do you think God feels about that? I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that one--he's pissed!
January 16, 2007
Seminars on Civil Unions in New Jersey
Garden State Equality, a GLBT advocacy group in New Jersey, is offering two seminars to help people understand all of the legal implications of the new legislation passed in the state legalizing same-sex civil unions.
The first one will be held on January 23 at 7:oo PM at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. The seminar is free, but you must call 1-800-FREE-LAW to register or ask any questions.
For those New Jersey citizens unable to attend the seminar on the 23rd, Lambada Legal is offering a conference call on February 6th at 7:00 PM.
Please check the Garden State Equality website for more information. Please remember the information pertains only to the state of New Jersey.
The first one will be held on January 23 at 7:oo PM at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. The seminar is free, but you must call 1-800-FREE-LAW to register or ask any questions.
For those New Jersey citizens unable to attend the seminar on the 23rd, Lambada Legal is offering a conference call on February 6th at 7:00 PM.
Please check the Garden State Equality website for more information. Please remember the information pertains only to the state of New Jersey.
"Wide Berth Allowed on Teaching About Homosexuality"
Montgomery County, Maryland (where I live) is moving forward this spring with field tests of a new sex education cirriculum that introduces students to sexual orientation and transgenderism in grade eight and ten. Since the teaching will not be an outright condemnation, there are legal challenges already in the works.
Congratulations to the school board for having the courage to take this step forward, and the activist group "Teach The Facts" that has tirelessly lobbied and made this progress forward. They still have a lot of work ahead of them as this cirriculum is rolled out, but I'm proud to live in one of the more progressive counties in the nation.
Here is the Washington Post article on this development.
Congratulations to the school board for having the courage to take this step forward, and the activist group "Teach The Facts" that has tirelessly lobbied and made this progress forward. They still have a lot of work ahead of them as this cirriculum is rolled out, but I'm proud to live in one of the more progressive counties in the nation.
Here is the Washington Post article on this development.
Former Marriage Equality Foe Now Lobbying For Civil Unions
From the Washington Blade:
A woman who once led the charge against gay unions in Hawaii is now lobbying for their passage.
Debi Hartmann is working with gay activists and Democratic leaders in Hawaii to enact civil unions that carry the same rights as traditional marriage. The move represents a stark change for Hartmann, who once led Hawaii’s Future Today, a conservative group of Mormons, Catholics and others who opposed gay unions. In that role, the married mother of three railed against gay marriage.
Hawaii’s Future Today dissolved after a 1998 vote granted state lawmakers the authority to ban gay marriage.
But in an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade, Hartmann said she now believes that Hawaii should enact civil unions to protect gay couples and their children.
See, some people DO eventually open their minds and allow a change of heart.
Click here to read the rest of the Blade articie.
A woman who once led the charge against gay unions in Hawaii is now lobbying for their passage.
Debi Hartmann is working with gay activists and Democratic leaders in Hawaii to enact civil unions that carry the same rights as traditional marriage. The move represents a stark change for Hartmann, who once led Hawaii’s Future Today, a conservative group of Mormons, Catholics and others who opposed gay unions. In that role, the married mother of three railed against gay marriage.
Hawaii’s Future Today dissolved after a 1998 vote granted state lawmakers the authority to ban gay marriage.
But in an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade, Hartmann said she now believes that Hawaii should enact civil unions to protect gay couples and their children.
See, some people DO eventually open their minds and allow a change of heart.
Click here to read the rest of the Blade articie.
January 15, 2007
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Honors Dr. King
This is a press release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 — Today is the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
“Today we honor and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Coretta Scott King, who died last January. In their lives, Dr. King and Mrs. King bent the arc of history toward racial and economic justice. In the years following her husband’s murder, Mrs. King became an unwavering supporter for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and she was a keynote speaker at our own Creating Change Conference in 2000.
“Those who walked beside them have continued their vision, including Mrs. King’s belief in justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. We hold up with gratitude the members of Dr. King’s family and those who fought beside Dr. King while he was alive:
‘Homophobia is hate, and hate has no place in the beloved community.’ --Martin Luther King III, August 2003, at the 40th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.
‘When I am asked, “Are gay rights civil rights?” my answer is always, “Of course they are.” Civil rights are positive legal prerogatives –– the right to equal treatment before the law. These rights are shared by all. There is no one in the United States who does not –– or should not — share in these rights.’ — Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 10th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, November 4, 2006
‘Rather than divide and discriminate, let us come together and create one nation. We are all one people. We all live in the American house. We are all the American family. Let us recognize that the gay people living in our house share the same hopes, troubles, and dreams. It’s time we treated them as equals, as family.’ — Representative John Lewis in the Boston Globe, October 25, 2003
“At the same time, we call upon all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to recommit ourselves to the Kings’ work of ending racial and economic injustice. That work is far from over; in fact, scant progress has been made in many areas. As reported by the NAACP, in 1958, the typical African-American family had 60 percent as much income as the typical white family; 46 years later in 2005, that figure was — shockingly — just 61 percent. At this slow rate it will take more than 100 years to close the black-white income disparity. Unemployment among African-Americans is more than twice the rate for whites — a greater gap than in 1972. One-third — more than 6 million — of working African-Americans lack health insurance coverage during all or part of the year. Educational opportunities remain vastly unequal, and the progress toward truly integrated schools has not only stalled, but is going backwards. Steps to remedy the legacy of slavery and racism remain under attack on many fronts, including voters in Michigan overwhelmingly approving a ban on affirmative action in November.
“Clearly, we can and must do better. For Dr. King and Mrs. King, for Bayard Rustin, for those in the broader civil rights movement who have stood beside us for so long, and for all of us and our nation, let us renew and redouble our work.”
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 — Today is the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
“Today we honor and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Coretta Scott King, who died last January. In their lives, Dr. King and Mrs. King bent the arc of history toward racial and economic justice. In the years following her husband’s murder, Mrs. King became an unwavering supporter for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and she was a keynote speaker at our own Creating Change Conference in 2000.
“Those who walked beside them have continued their vision, including Mrs. King’s belief in justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. We hold up with gratitude the members of Dr. King’s family and those who fought beside Dr. King while he was alive:
‘Homophobia is hate, and hate has no place in the beloved community.’ --Martin Luther King III, August 2003, at the 40th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.
‘When I am asked, “Are gay rights civil rights?” my answer is always, “Of course they are.” Civil rights are positive legal prerogatives –– the right to equal treatment before the law. These rights are shared by all. There is no one in the United States who does not –– or should not — share in these rights.’ — Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 10th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, November 4, 2006
‘Rather than divide and discriminate, let us come together and create one nation. We are all one people. We all live in the American house. We are all the American family. Let us recognize that the gay people living in our house share the same hopes, troubles, and dreams. It’s time we treated them as equals, as family.’ — Representative John Lewis in the Boston Globe, October 25, 2003
“At the same time, we call upon all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to recommit ourselves to the Kings’ work of ending racial and economic injustice. That work is far from over; in fact, scant progress has been made in many areas. As reported by the NAACP, in 1958, the typical African-American family had 60 percent as much income as the typical white family; 46 years later in 2005, that figure was — shockingly — just 61 percent. At this slow rate it will take more than 100 years to close the black-white income disparity. Unemployment among African-Americans is more than twice the rate for whites — a greater gap than in 1972. One-third — more than 6 million — of working African-Americans lack health insurance coverage during all or part of the year. Educational opportunities remain vastly unequal, and the progress toward truly integrated schools has not only stalled, but is going backwards. Steps to remedy the legacy of slavery and racism remain under attack on many fronts, including voters in Michigan overwhelmingly approving a ban on affirmative action in November.
“Clearly, we can and must do better. For Dr. King and Mrs. King, for Bayard Rustin, for those in the broader civil rights movement who have stood beside us for so long, and for all of us and our nation, let us renew and redouble our work.”
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
There is debate going on in the GLBT community and also among its allies on how closely the push for equality should mirror the civil rights movement of the 1960's, which advanced the cause of African-American equal rights. You've seen that debate featured on this blog periodically, but today is a good time to remember why both efforts unquestionably share some commonality. On this day as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King and his leadership in the fight for civil rights, I borrow this quote from David W. Shelton's piece, "Justice: A Message Fit For a King" from Dr. King's widow, the recently deceased Corretta Scott King:
According to Reuters, She said in 1998, “I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice.” But she didn’t stop there. “But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.”
This was not a popular stand she took, but like her late husband, she did so not to win friends but because she thought it was right.
GLBT activists aren't going to lose more friends than they make fighting for the cause of equality, but we need to keep our eyes on the prize because in our hearts we know it's the right thing to do.
I encourage you to read David Shelton's piece for more thoughts on the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. King and their application to the GLBT community.
According to Reuters, She said in 1998, “I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice.” But she didn’t stop there. “But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.”
This was not a popular stand she took, but like her late husband, she did so not to win friends but because she thought it was right.
GLBT activists aren't going to lose more friends than they make fighting for the cause of equality, but we need to keep our eyes on the prize because in our hearts we know it's the right thing to do.
I encourage you to read David Shelton's piece for more thoughts on the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. King and their application to the GLBT community.
January 14, 2007
Jim & Tammy Faye's Son A GLBT-Friendly Minister
Many of you probably remember Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, who led the PTL ministry and later fell HARD in disgrace. Their som Jay encountered his own hard times, having issues with drugs and alcohol after his parents suffered through their debacle. Jay has bounced back, however, and has a ministry of his own. A primary target of his outreach is to punk rockers. He is also reaching out to the GLBT community, which automatically makes him a target of those who have not received the enlightenment.
J. Lee Grady is one of those folks and has written a column for Charisma magazine (1/12/07 in archives) where he takes a very condescending and dismissive attitude torward Jay Bakker and gay affirming Christians in general. He writes:
Jay has made it clear that he embraces what he calls a “gay-affirming” gospel. He told Mother Jones magazine that he came to the conclusion that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle by “looking deeper in the Bible” and by visiting a gay-affirming church. He also admitted that one of his biggest ministry donors stopped supporting his work when he embraced this radical new theology.
I don’t mean to pick on Jay. As a child he was the innocent victim of appalling religious hypocrisy. But he’s a big boy now, 31 to be exact, and if he’s going to be in the game with the adults he needs to play by the rules.
I’m blowing the whistle. Consider this an official apostasy alert.
Grady added:
It (GLBT affirming doctrine) welcomes everyone with a polite “come as you are” mantra—but in the end is incapable of breaking the power of addiction or sexual dysfunction. It uses feel-good words such as “tolerance,” “acceptance” and “grace,” terms that sound hip and sexy in today’s permissive culture. It is a golden calf, shiny and seductive, forged by those who think they can rewrite God’s word and start a new religion.
This gay-affirming “gospel” is a toxic heresy that must be addressed boldly from our pulpits in 2007. I pray there is enough moral backbone left in the church to face the challenge.
When did words like acceptance and grace become "feel-good words?" God's grace is one of the main themes in the Bible, hardly some hip and sexy phrase symptomatic of a permissive culture. These are words of love, not intollerance like the Phairasees in Jesus' time displayed.
I pray there is enough moral backbone amongst GLBT Christians and their allies to stand up in the face of such intollerant ministers who think they have it all figured out but come up woefully short regarding the place of gay and lesbian people in God's kingdom.
J. Lee Grady is one of those folks and has written a column for Charisma magazine (1/12/07 in archives) where he takes a very condescending and dismissive attitude torward Jay Bakker and gay affirming Christians in general. He writes:
Jay has made it clear that he embraces what he calls a “gay-affirming” gospel. He told Mother Jones magazine that he came to the conclusion that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle by “looking deeper in the Bible” and by visiting a gay-affirming church. He also admitted that one of his biggest ministry donors stopped supporting his work when he embraced this radical new theology.
I don’t mean to pick on Jay. As a child he was the innocent victim of appalling religious hypocrisy. But he’s a big boy now, 31 to be exact, and if he’s going to be in the game with the adults he needs to play by the rules.
I’m blowing the whistle. Consider this an official apostasy alert.
Grady added:
It (GLBT affirming doctrine) welcomes everyone with a polite “come as you are” mantra—but in the end is incapable of breaking the power of addiction or sexual dysfunction. It uses feel-good words such as “tolerance,” “acceptance” and “grace,” terms that sound hip and sexy in today’s permissive culture. It is a golden calf, shiny and seductive, forged by those who think they can rewrite God’s word and start a new religion.
This gay-affirming “gospel” is a toxic heresy that must be addressed boldly from our pulpits in 2007. I pray there is enough moral backbone left in the church to face the challenge.
When did words like acceptance and grace become "feel-good words?" God's grace is one of the main themes in the Bible, hardly some hip and sexy phrase symptomatic of a permissive culture. These are words of love, not intollerance like the Phairasees in Jesus' time displayed.
I pray there is enough moral backbone amongst GLBT Christians and their allies to stand up in the face of such intollerant ministers who think they have it all figured out but come up woefully short regarding the place of gay and lesbian people in God's kingdom.
January 13, 2007
Concerns With Exodous' Youth Ministry
Peterson Toscano is a familiar name to many of the readers here. Peterson is what could be called an ex-ex gay, meaning he went through therapy to "cure" his homosexual orientation, then recanted that and went forward embracing life as a gay man. Peterson has stayed close to the "ex-gay" movement, and currently involved is working with the leading ex-gay organization, Exodus International, to resolve some concerns with their youth "ministry."
Here is an excerpt from Peterson's blog:
On June 26, 2006 I initially left voice messages for Alan Chambers of Exodus International and another national ex-gay leader about inappropriate incidents that affected youth at an Exodus member ministry. I will not go into the details at this time, but I shared three specific situations that happened within the previous year. The shocking details of the third situation compelled me to contact Alan and this other national leader. In my initial messages I said that I would rather discuss this privately, but if they did not wish to talk, then I would initiate a public discussion.
Peterson is at somewhat of an impasse with Alan Chambers and Exodos, so he has begun to go public with this issue. There will be some of you that will question Peterson's methods, wishing he directly and aggressively confronted them, but I appreciate the approach he has used here and pray that it is effective.
Click here to read more about concerns regarding Exodus' work with youth on his blog. There is also an update to this story.
Here is an excerpt from Peterson's blog:
On June 26, 2006 I initially left voice messages for Alan Chambers of Exodus International and another national ex-gay leader about inappropriate incidents that affected youth at an Exodus member ministry. I will not go into the details at this time, but I shared three specific situations that happened within the previous year. The shocking details of the third situation compelled me to contact Alan and this other national leader. In my initial messages I said that I would rather discuss this privately, but if they did not wish to talk, then I would initiate a public discussion.
Peterson is at somewhat of an impasse with Alan Chambers and Exodos, so he has begun to go public with this issue. There will be some of you that will question Peterson's methods, wishing he directly and aggressively confronted them, but I appreciate the approach he has used here and pray that it is effective.
Click here to read more about concerns regarding Exodus' work with youth on his blog. There is also an update to this story.
January 12, 2007
Supporting Religious Freedom
One of the alarmist tactics used by opponents of same-sex marriage is to claim that it is a threat to religious freedom. The line is that activists seek to force churches to perform these ceremonies even if it goes against their doctrine. This is a claim not based in fact, as illustrated by this press release from Garden State Equality, an organization that advocates for the GLBT community in New Jersey.
Statement from Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, cell (917) 449-8918:
Today New Jersey Attorney General Stuart Rabner issued written advice to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics concluding that, once a New Jersey law authorizing civil unions takes effect on February 19, members of the clergy may legally decline to perform civil union ceremonies if doing so would conflict with "sincerely held religious beliefs."
Though we at Garden State Equality have received many calls from journalists in the past hour, this is a nonstory. Garden State Equality agrees with the Attorney General's opinion.
National and statewide LGBTI rights organizations have always maintained -- even with regard to 100 percent marriage equality for same-sex couples, which we will achieve in New Jersey through by passing legislation within the next two years or less -- that clergy have the option not to perform whatever ceremonies they don't wish to perform.
In fact, the Garden State Equality-supported bill introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), which would establish 100 percent marriage equality instead of civil unions that are separate, unequal and discriminatory, specifically states that clergy do not have to perform ceremonies they don't wish to. This has always been a tenet of the national marriage equality movement.
All that said, allowing clergy not to perform same-sex ceremonies is entirely different from allowing government officials from refraining to perform same-sex ceremonies if they do perform opposite-sex ceremonies.
Government officiants like mayors do not have any right to discriminate against same-sex couples under both the New Jersey Constitution and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. We're pleased that Attorney General Rabner's opinion today reiterates this strongly.
Some mayors in New Jersey are now opting not to perform any ceremonies because of their opposition to same-sex marriage. That is their legal right. Discrimination, at least in New Jersey marriages, are not.
Statement from Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, cell (917) 449-8918:
Today New Jersey Attorney General Stuart Rabner issued written advice to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics concluding that, once a New Jersey law authorizing civil unions takes effect on February 19, members of the clergy may legally decline to perform civil union ceremonies if doing so would conflict with "sincerely held religious beliefs."
Though we at Garden State Equality have received many calls from journalists in the past hour, this is a nonstory. Garden State Equality agrees with the Attorney General's opinion.
National and statewide LGBTI rights organizations have always maintained -- even with regard to 100 percent marriage equality for same-sex couples, which we will achieve in New Jersey through by passing legislation within the next two years or less -- that clergy have the option not to perform whatever ceremonies they don't wish to perform.
In fact, the Garden State Equality-supported bill introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), which would establish 100 percent marriage equality instead of civil unions that are separate, unequal and discriminatory, specifically states that clergy do not have to perform ceremonies they don't wish to. This has always been a tenet of the national marriage equality movement.
All that said, allowing clergy not to perform same-sex ceremonies is entirely different from allowing government officials from refraining to perform same-sex ceremonies if they do perform opposite-sex ceremonies.
Government officiants like mayors do not have any right to discriminate against same-sex couples under both the New Jersey Constitution and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. We're pleased that Attorney General Rabner's opinion today reiterates this strongly.
Some mayors in New Jersey are now opting not to perform any ceremonies because of their opposition to same-sex marriage. That is their legal right. Discrimination, at least in New Jersey marriages, are not.
January 11, 2007
"Why We Left the Episcopal Church"
Today's Washington Post featured an op-ed piece co-authored by the rector of one of the churches that recently severed ties with the Episcopal Church.
Here are a couple of excerpts followed by my comments:
The core issue in why we left is not women's leadership. It is not "Episcopalians against equality," as the headline on a recent Post op-ed by Harold Meyerson put it. It is not a "leftward" drift in the church. It is not even primarily ethical -- though the ordination of a practicing homosexual as bishop was the flash point that showed how far the repudiation of Christian orthodoxy had gone.
Episcopal revisionism obliterates the very identity of faith. When the great truths of the Bible and the creeds are abandoned and there is no limit to what can be believed in their place, then the point is reached when there is little identifiably Christian in Episcopal revisionism. Would that Episcopal leaders showed the same zeal for their faith that they do for their property. If the present decline continues, all that will remain of a once strong church will be empty buildings, kept going by the finances, though not the faith, of the fathers.
In the disagreement, and in some cases full-blown war, over the place of homosexuals in God's kingdom going on in some major religious denominations, variations of the arguement in the last paragraph often surface. I have come to learn, however, that God is NOT limited to what's written in the Bible, and certainly not to any one person's interpretation of it.
God's revalation is a gradual one. Look at how knowledge of Him grew from the beginning of the Old Testament to the New Testament. Do you really think that all of God's wisdom can be contained in any book? The Bible is a guide to God, not the literal answer to every question. The writers of the op-ed piece in the Post appear to be limiting themselves to the written word, lacking the courage to seek understanding beyond it.
There is sooooooo much God wants to show us and teach us. We simply have to listen and be willing to learn.
Here are a couple of excerpts followed by my comments:
The core issue in why we left is not women's leadership. It is not "Episcopalians against equality," as the headline on a recent Post op-ed by Harold Meyerson put it. It is not a "leftward" drift in the church. It is not even primarily ethical -- though the ordination of a practicing homosexual as bishop was the flash point that showed how far the repudiation of Christian orthodoxy had gone.
Episcopal revisionism obliterates the very identity of faith. When the great truths of the Bible and the creeds are abandoned and there is no limit to what can be believed in their place, then the point is reached when there is little identifiably Christian in Episcopal revisionism. Would that Episcopal leaders showed the same zeal for their faith that they do for their property. If the present decline continues, all that will remain of a once strong church will be empty buildings, kept going by the finances, though not the faith, of the fathers.
In the disagreement, and in some cases full-blown war, over the place of homosexuals in God's kingdom going on in some major religious denominations, variations of the arguement in the last paragraph often surface. I have come to learn, however, that God is NOT limited to what's written in the Bible, and certainly not to any one person's interpretation of it.
God's revalation is a gradual one. Look at how knowledge of Him grew from the beginning of the Old Testament to the New Testament. Do you really think that all of God's wisdom can be contained in any book? The Bible is a guide to God, not the literal answer to every question. The writers of the op-ed piece in the Post appear to be limiting themselves to the written word, lacking the courage to seek understanding beyond it.
There is sooooooo much God wants to show us and teach us. We simply have to listen and be willing to learn.
January 10, 2007
"Can You See the Kingdom"
David Shelton from the wonderful blog "Skipping to the Piccolo" alerted me to this piece he posted yesterday. I thought is was an excellent post and want to share it with the readers here.
One of the greatest struggles a person can have in their Christian walk is with themselves. Whether I’m counseling someone or just providing an ear, the daily struggles we all face over our own actions, attractions, or distractions, seem to be paramount. These struggles consume us. Sometimes, they even define us.
Click here to read the rest of "Can You See the Kingdom"
One of the greatest struggles a person can have in their Christian walk is with themselves. Whether I’m counseling someone or just providing an ear, the daily struggles we all face over our own actions, attractions, or distractions, seem to be paramount. These struggles consume us. Sometimes, they even define us.
Click here to read the rest of "Can You See the Kingdom"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
