Religion's Need to Construct Enemies!!!

[Another informative and insightful guest post from Jerry Manker, and Jerry's words are right on point to everything I would say on how religion has it's picks on a certain group that's socially acceptable to torment. Enjoy this post, it's worth the read,-Justice MH]

There is an interesting article in the "Salt Lake Tribune" regarding Salt Lake City's newly elected mayor Ralph Becker's first official action as mayor to have a citywide registry of domestic partners, which would include same-sex couples.

Beyond the courageous action of Ralph Becker, and the indications that, relatively speaking, Salt Lake City is far more progressive, loving, and civilized regarding Gay people than is most, if not all, the rest of Utah, the following comment was made on the article that I think sums up a great deal of the reasons for the homophobia of many in churches of various religions, and of the many professing Christian people, churches, and denominations within the institutional Church. I'm reprinting the comment as it was written:

"Growing up in the South in the '50s taught allot 'bout Christianity. Seems that Christian tribes have to have devils to keep the members focused and together. Nothin like hav'in an evil outside enemies tryin to destroy tribe to spur unity and loyalty. Back then is was blacks, they didn't call 'em blacks but somethin much nastier, and the Jews and of course Catholics or anyone that wasn't white and protestant. I can't recollect ever hearin of Mormons back then. Yea, you could see the church members on Sunday and know they wore triple "K" on certain nights. Today is no different, religious tribes still need devils and evil to stir the troops, today its Mexicans, still blacks but not so much, and gays. Looks like things haven't changed much in the last 50 years. Nice to see there are still those brave folks still trying."

I disagree with this commentator on only one issue: Black people are still discriminated against in many subtle and not so subtle ways

The famous 19th Century Sociologist, Emile Durkheim, asserted that when there is a threatening out-group, the in-group untites to protect itself against it. Therefore, in order to cement in-group solidarity or cohesion, meeting the needs of people to have a sense of belonging, the in-group constructs "enemies" against which to identify, so that the out-group is not only fodder for the in-group's hate; serves as the target of that hate; enables the in-group leaders and their followers to materially and/or psychologically and/or socially and/or politically gain from demonizing their constructed enemies designated as the out-group.

They construct out-groups as "enemies" because to do so also serves to help make members of that in-group feel self-righteous, and appear to be more "moral," more "religious," more "superior" to the out-group they have constructed that is frequently depicted as being "diseased," "disordered," "evil," "destructive of the family, tradition, and all other institutions and values that all 'religious' and other 'good people' hold dear."

So, even when there is no enemy at the moment, the in-group must construct an enemy, an out-group, so as to meet these needs that they have in order to make and justify their claim to having moral hegemony, and depicting themselves as being on the "moral" high ground, even when, as in the RC Church, that group is rocked with sexual scandals involving children and subsequent coverups that amount to criminal facilitation that cry out to God for vengeance.

Therefore, regarding professing Christians creating "needed enemies," Gay people have served the same function in most of the institutional Church as have the Jews, the Afro-Americans (many of whom have now helped take the lead in the oppression of Gay people), the Catholics (who have now been among those in the forefront in the oppression of Gay people), women, and all other designated out-groups, so as to not only keep the money rolling in, but to keep people coming back to listen to fiery sermons that jack up their emotions to fever pitch, and affirming their "righteousness" and the "rightness of their cause," and giving the hate-filled clergy forums to express their hate in the context of usually overwhelming congregational approval.

Since appealing to the dark side of people's emotions is a sure winner, as it pays off in so many ways, and for so many people, professing Christians or not, there is no end to the "rewards" gained by homophobic clergy, Black or White, in continuing their rhetorical and discriminatory targeting of Gay people, viewed by them as being "safe" targets to persecute, in order to meet their own conscious and/or unconscious needs and agendas.

This need for out-groups by self-identified members of the in-group will never end, as it seems to be one of the many tragic parts of the human condition. However, targeting a given group will definitely end when there is no longer seen to be a payoff in so doing by the in-group, and that state of affairs will only occur when there is sufficient and continuous grassroots and organizational activism that presents the in-group with the realization that the costs of their creation of the "enemy" far exceeds what rewards they have been receiving from their creation.

That is one of the reasons I have been suggesting such activism as coordinated picketing of homophobic churches; boycotting homophobic churches; refusing to support any politician who is not unequivocally in favor of full and equal civil rights; taking to civil and, if appropriate, criminal court clergy (and others) who spew hateful rhetoric that slanders Gay people and/or may reasonably be expected to cause others to assault and murder Gay people. [For my most recent salvo in this area, please see my December 29th post.]

As I wrote in response to a comment made byDon Charles regarding my January 11th post:

"Homophobic pastors who spew hateful rhetoric must be held accountable for the ravages they cause, and the lies they tell about Gay people, and taking them to court is one of the best ways of holding them accountable.

"Rather than indulge in political expediency, and being anemic regarding meaningful activism, the Human Rights Campaign should be the one to file such suits (and they should be pressured to do so), as they undoubtedly have the funds and staff necessary to see these suits to completion."

It is important to recognize that religious homophobia has absolutely nothing to do with the things of God or of the Spirit! It has to do with the functions and perceived rewards to the in-group that hate produces! And never, never buy into the lie that they "hate the sin but love the sinner."

Beyond the fact that being Gay is not a sin, these wolves in sheep's clothing hate Gay people too, and to ignore that fact diminishes the realization of the tremendous harm that homophobic clergy and their followers have done to Gay people, their families, and to society at large as partly seen in our ever-increasing coarsening of the culture.

And when LGBT people and allies finally marshal enough strength of will to put pressure on such organizations as the Human Rights Campaign to become more aggressive, coordinate meaningful grassroots activism against homophobia whenever and wherever it occurs, Gay people will no longer be considered the "safe" targets the in-group can persecute.

Then, the in-group will hunt around and find another "enemy" to construct, another out-group, to continue to meet their perceived needs that discriminating against LGBT people have hitherto afforded them.

But, at least, when that day occurs, we can expect there to be far fewer Gay lives lived in desperation; far fewer Gay suicides; far fewer assaults against Gay people; far fewer murders of Gay people. And, Gay people will be afforded the same dignity and civil and sacramental rights afforded to all other citizens.

And if these goals are not worth meaningfully and aggressively fighting for, I don't know what is!


Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at California State University, Chico.

He can be reached at his informative website A Christian Voice for Gay, Lesbian,Bisexual, And Transgender Rights .

"CHRISTIAN" RHETORIC, ACTION, AND SILENCE ARE KILLING PEOPLE!

By: Jerry Manker

[I hope everyone enjoy Jerry's commentary on bigotry and hate from self-professed christians, and how silence of speaking truth and living in one's truth is killing others! News and story updates from me later today-Justice MH]


"'Whether their sexual preference is to be a homosexual or being gay, that's their problem,' Da' Priest says. 'I'm the street, I'm the street priest, and I have real good Christian values on what I believe in, and I am against homosexuality.'" from Npr.org

I never heard of Dooney Da Priest, a songwriter! However, his above statement is crucial for every single decent person, and for everyone who considers him/herself to be a Christian, to read and understand.

Christianity has become defined in the minds of most people as being not only a judgmental religion, but the rhetoric, actions and/or silence and inaction on the part of all too many professing Christians and clergy has had the effect of equating being "Gay" with being "immoral" in the minds of others, including many, if not most, LGBT people.

The mantra that being Gay is equivalent to being immoral, and is against the will of God, has been spewed so often in and from most churches, and is believed by most clergy and church-goers within the institutional Church, that one can not only believe that lie, but one can feel free to hawk his/her "Christian" credentials by affirming his/her disdain for homosexuality; so many professing Christians can justify to others their homophobia by appealing to the fact that they are "Bible-believing Christians."

As you well know, I lay the lion's share of the blame for homophobia and its destructive consequences at the feet of the institutional Church! It has been responsible for untold suicides, bashings, and murders; it has been responsible for lives lived in quiet and not so quiet desperation; it has been responsible for fracturing families as well as fracturing human beings within their families.

As I've written:

"Make no mistake, every drop of blood shed by GLBT people either through suicide, bashing, or murder, are on the hands of all those religious leaders, their followers, and their allies who spew forth their ignorance, prejudice, and hate against GLBT people and their relationships! These wolves in sheep’s clothing take the Bible, God’s love letter to His children, and selectively and perversely use it as a club to condemn others, and deny GLBT people full inclusion in the Church and in society.

"The tradition-bound parts of the Church have so indoctrinated people, many of whom have never even set foot in a house of worship, that many people even disown their own children when they 'come out' and divulge their sexual orientation to those whom they thought unconditionally loved and cherished them. There are many children living on the streets because their own parents trusted ignorant clergy and their followers over their God-given duty and privilege to nurture and embrace their own children!

The Church should concentrate on the real sins that deserve our attention and that cry out to God for redress, such as invading another country on false pretenses; the working poor who can't afford medical insurance; the Supreme Court ruling that people can't sue their insurance company in state court for denying needed medical services; many elderly people having to decide whether to buy food or medicine; the gigantic rip off perpetrated by drug companies, hospitals, and the medical establishment on sick and vulnerable people. Why not focus on and address issues such as these, instead of obsessing on who loves who and who sleeps with whom? Such obsession tells us much more about the pathetic and moribund state of much of the Church than it does about the reality of the lives of GLBT people".

To the degree that any professing Christian can keep silent in the face of the grinding oppression and destruction of others, it is to that degree that he/she had better examine his/her claim to being a "Christian!"

Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at California State University, Chico.He is an ordained priest in the Congregational Catholic Church, a division of the Independent Catholic Churches International (ICCI}

Visit his site christianlgbtrights.org/

U.S Senate passes Hate Crime Bill!!

The Democratic-Control Senate passed the hate crimes bill as an amendment to the Defense bill for the Iraq War. In a 60-39 vote to proceed to adoption, the Senate approved Senator Kennedy's amendment which adds sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the existing hate crimes legislation.

Democrats in their 51 majority supported the bill. Only 9 Republicans move across the line to support the amendment.

John Warner
Richard Lugar
Susan Collins
Olympia Snowe
George Voinovich
Arlen Specter
Judd Gregg
Norm Coleman
Gordon Smith (co-sponsor)

Also the two hypocritical GOP who didn't vote are:Toe Tapping Sen. Larry Craig, and Adulter Sen. Dave Vitter.

HRC's President Joe Solmonese said the following:

For over a decade our community has worked tirelessly to ensure protections to combat violence motivated by hate and today we are the closest we have ever been to seeing that become a reality. Congress has taken an historic step forward and moved our country closer to the realization that all Americans, including the GLBT community, are part of the fabric of our nation. The new leadership in Congress fully understands that for too long our community has been terrorized by hate violence. And today, the US Senate has sent a clear message to every corner of our country that we will no longer turn a blind eye to anti-gay violence in America.

Justice MH: Bush may veto this bill. However, we'll just keeping trying again, again, and again. Eventually it will become law! You have lose some to win some!

U.S Senate expected to vote on Hate Crimes Bill this Thursday!!!

The time is here. The slim Democratic-control Senate is expected to vote on S. 1105-Matthew Shepard Act. Chris Johnson at HRC Back Story reports that Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) filed a cloture motion to force a vote on S. 1105.We need 60 votes in order to override the objection filed by Sen.John MCcain.The hate crimes bill was tacked onto the defense authorization bill to get it pass our misguided controlled President Bush.

Lead sponsor of the Senate bill, Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) released a statement of his floor speech urging passage of S. 1105. I would like to note here that there are Republicans supporting this bill, not just Democrats.

As we prepare for a showdown over this bill, expect the scare tactics and nonsense from the so-called oppress Christians, who fear their rights are being taken aways.
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is at it again with the nonsense (where was he and his black bigoted Friends at on free Jena 6 march?). Read his latest quotes on the hate crimes bill in a bearing false witness tone/words:

A black conservative leader is calling on Christians to contact their U.S. senators and ask them to vote against a bill that would give special rights to homosexuals and take away the rights of Christians.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is founder and president of the Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND). Peterson was recently in Washington, DC, to lobby senators to vote against Senate Bill 1105 -- a bill that would provide federal assistance for the prosecution of any crime that is "motivated by prejudice based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of the victim." The legislation is sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts).

According to Peterson, if S.B. 1105 ultimately passes, it would greatly affect Christians' free-speech rights. For example, Peterson contends that under the new provisions, Christian pastors could be forced to perform same-sex "marriages" -- and if they refuse, Petersen is convinced they will be criminalized and fined.

Now he know he sound like a drama queen, and a lieing one at that. There many racist christian groups and white supremacist groups that still have their free speech and rights. They march in parades, and register their groups. So where is he getting this from? He has presented no where in the bill where their rights's of speech is objected.

Justice MH: These are the type of blacks, white Evangelical conservative Christians love to use for their agenda. Sylvia Rhue of the National Black Justice Coalition and Cornel West have a piece in the Boston Globe that shows how hate can be disguise in a religious sheet of hypocrisy and lies:

Unfortunately, some clergy across the nation have joined together to oppose this bill in an aggressive and divisive manner. For instance, conservative African-American leaders - most notably Bishop Harry Jackson of Maryland's Hope Christian Church - have been inundating the media and faith communities with the message that this legislation will allow police to storm into worship services and arrest clergy if they speak against being gay. They make the incendiary allegation that the bill will create "thought crimes" by punishing people for thinking ill of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

The truth is that the Matthew Shepard Act protects all First Amendment rights. And, although that is a given, this bill goes out of its way to protect the free speech of ministers. Those pastors who wish to continue condemning and dehumanizing the gay community will be free to do so.

The hate crimes bill provides resources for the investigation of violent actions - not beliefs, thoughts, or words. The proposed federal statute does not punish nor prohibit free expression of one's religious beliefs. As University of Chicago law professor Geoffrey R. Stone recently concluded, "The argument of the pastors that the proposed legislation in any way threatens their right to preach their version of the Gospel is, to be frank, ridiculous."

...These preachers don't care to hear the thousands of stories of lives and communities scarred by antigay violence. And, conveniently, those who bring up the reality that the Matthew Shepard Act is a constitutional and important means to prevent antigay violence are labeled by these clergy as "anti-Christian." The good intentions of this legislation have been greeted by malice by these manipulators of fact.
The efforts of antigay preachers and their supporters is not the way to create the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a "Beloved Community" - where we all strive to treat each other with respect and compassion.

Justice MH: If they can e-mail, and fax their Senators up to the nose, then so can we.Call the Capital switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and tell your Senator to help pass this important bill. Final Note: If we don't get the bill pass in the Senate, then we'll just keep trying again, again, and again. Eventually it will pass, most likely this time or next time. We have all the cards, let's just hope they play out correctly!

Local NAACP President Speaks out on gay rights and gets mixed Reviews from the Black Community!!!

The Homophobia being spewed from the Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle and his recent anti-gay statements are nothing new, but I want to touch this issue going on in Florida.Local African-American ministers, such as the Rev. O’Neal Dozier, have spoken out in favor of Naugle. What is wrong with black ministers these days? Anytime in history, there is someone or group that's an easy target for hate and intolerance. However, someone did the unpopular thing and stood up and spoke out for what's right:

President of the Fort Lauderdale branch of the NAACP Ellison’s mission was clear: She would speak out against what she considered hate speech and discrimination, regardless of the fact that the offending words were aimed at the gay community, a community she is not charged with representing.

“Mayor Naugle’s message is about one thing — hate,” she said. “Homophobia is hate, and hate has no place in the beloved community.”

Justice MH: That's what it exactly is. It's really sad to see black ministers stand by people like this Mayor Naugle. Why must former oppress people now oppress someone else? I guess once you're finally sitting at the table, then it's your turn to take the next group and beat up on them with the traditional holy bullies!
Diverse Opinion in the Black Community!

Brad Bennett, executive editor of the Broward Times, a newspaper that covers the local black community, said it was “odd that she would speak out about gay issues.”

“Based on what I’m hearing from readers, I don’t think the Fort Lauderdale NAACP reflects the views of the larger black community,” he said. “Publicly, members of the community fall in line with the pastors.”

Justice MH: Wow! If members of the community fall in line with ignorant and bigoted pastors, then they are some sheep without any God-given brains! And how is it odd for a NAACP president to speak out on gay issues? Every family has a gay relative and everyone knows someone who is gay. It seems the next opinion knows what i'm talking about!

Everybody has somebody who is gay in their family or knows gay people,” said Larry Bowman, a used car salesman and regular at Betty’s. “I have to agree with [Ellison]. It’s hate speech. The mayor is asking for hatred to be cast upon him.”Dorothy Jackson, who works the counter at Betty’s agreed.

Bowman and Jackson said they respect gays and lesbians, but they also pointed out that their neighbors don’t normally discuss gay issues.

“Gay people is not a top issue,” Bowman said. “There are more important issues like the relationship of police officers and citizens. How are you going to relate to officers if you can’t trust them.”

Justice MH: Well, this sounds like decent people who actually make sense. Of course they admit that gay issues are rarely discuss in the black community, and a discussion like that needs to happen. The black community needs to try to get pass this and move forward. The next opinion didn't sit well with me, and it really piss me off!

Elder Solomon Williams and his sister, who would identify herself only as Mrs. Williams, sat at the counter to order a plate of ribs and steamed cabbage. They had a heavy, dog-eared Bible with them from which they quoted scripture. The Williams reflected much of the black fundamentalist point of view at Betty’s, saying the gay community was asking for special privileges.

Although Elder Williams agreed that a public official singling out one group amounts to discrimination, he said he considers Naugle as speaking “the word of God” against the unrighteous.

“Every man you see who loves another man, they knew God before they got into their condition,” Williams said.
Ellison recognizes that black opinion is largely influenced by the church regarding gay rights, but she notes that Naugle’s backers are not representative.

“You need to take note of the churches that were not present [at the Sept. 5th press conference],” she said.
The communities “super churches,” such as New Mount Olive Baptist and Mount Bethel Baptist

Justice MH: Ok, where shall i begin with these hypocritical views? First, if you love someone, how can you not know God anymore? I can guess where she's getting this from? Let me guess, another misinterpretation of Romans 1. Why is this woman using a medical term "condition"? I do NOT have a condition, or any other gay person have a "condition"! What's so special about having your relationship recognize? Job protection? Protected in hate crime laws on federal level? There is nothing special about that. It's what's guranteed in the U.S Consitution. The bible has no say in this, or any other civil-affairs/matters. I guess when the former oppress has what's rightfully there's, then when someone else comes along, the former oppress acts out on who deserves what. Again, black people are influenced by the hypocritical black church. Yeah, i said it, and I'm black. This woman carries a bible around like it's a body organ implanted by God. I agree with fellow blogger Jerry Maneker of http://christianlgbtrights.org the bible is NOT God. God is perfect and free of errors. The bible is the opposite! Why do black people insist on using that fallible, racist, sexist, and imperfect book on others? I call the bible fallible because the errors in the bible make it fallible, that makes it not infallible or inerrant. The contradictions and inconsistencies of the bible is NOT being ignored by biblical scholars or theologians. The bible isn't alone, the Koran is the same, and other holy books. The issue here is that blacks should be speaking out against people like Mayor Naugle, not standing with him because he hates those who you hate or doesn't measure to your standards, and speaks how you interpretate the bible. Like Coretta Scott King would say: Hate and bigotry should be oppose by right thinking Americans". She would say something like, it's not accurate. However, I don't see right-thinking Americans or even true Christians. It's that us vs. them mentality! Blacks are suppose to keep the dream alive, but instead we're turning it into a nightmare! After the gays, what group is next to be the target of intolerance, discrimination, hate, and bigotry?

Ja Rule: MTV's Promotion of homosexuality is ruining America

Hip-Hop Rapper Ja Rule gives us the latest on what's ruining America: homosexuality[NOT]! Instead of the Iraq war, racism, or sexism ruining America, Ja Rule criticizes the group who most likely to get criticize for illogical reasons. In Ja Rule's mind it's depictions of gay and lesbian couples on MTV's reality tv shows.

Ja Rule recently did a interview with Complex,the formerly popular rapper blasted upcoming congressional hearings that "will probe 'stereotypes and degradation' of black women in hip-hop and the entertainment industry and he says "calling a woman a bitch or a hoe on my rap songs" is not problematic.

Ok, so calling a woman especially a black woman a hoe or bitch is NOT problematic? Damn, I'm thankful i don't have his logic thinking. Ja, if it wasn't for a woman, you wouldn't be talking this bullsh*t right here:

they got my man Doug Morris under fire and shit, they got him going down to go speak to Congress about hip-hop lyrics, are you fucking serious? There's a fucking black kid right now about to get 25 years for having a fight with some white kids over hanging the nooses over the white tree, lets get to that. Let's get into shit like that, because that's what's tearing up America, not me calling a woman a bitch or a hoe on my rap songs. And if it is, then we need to go step to Paramount, and fucking MGM, and all of these other motherfuckers that's making all of these movies and we need to go step to MTV and Viacom, and lets talk about all these fucking shows that they have on MTV that is promoting homosexuality, that my kids can't watch this shit. Dating shows that's showing two guys or two girls in mid afternoon. Let's talk about shit like that! If that's not fucking up America, I don't know what is. There's a lot of issues we can address besides hip-hop, but they want to put everything on us like we're the problem. But see, and this is going to be a shameless fucking plug, but I said, "when everyone wants to point the finger, and ask why there's so much corruption, they only need to look in the mirror." It starts with themselves."

Justice MH: You want to know what's ruining America? It's people like this. Ja Rule doesn't respect women who was the cause of him being carried safely for 9 months, and being born healthy. Bashing MTV for expanding it's tv shows for other viewers like gay people who want to be represented on tv too, will not help Ja out the mess he put himself in. Blaming the gays won't get the attention off of Ja Rule's offensive lyrics towards women. Note to Ja Rule: Make sure your own back yard is clean before you start telling others to clean their own back yard up! Ja Rule's sexist lyrics is NOT being tolerated, it's unacceptable, and offensive. Women deserve much better, this lack of respect goes back to the depictions/interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve. Women are our mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and nieces. They deserve our appreciation and respect!

Homophobes just keep Coming!!!

Louisiana State University student Michael Denton gives his cent-less on Montgomery County’s decision to include gays in sex ed. Same old recipe from older right-wingers:

America needs to grow in self-confidence on this debate. The homosexual argument is illogical; sexuality is obviously meant for reproduction. Any sexual activity that is opposed to life is intrinsically disordered. Yet we continue to refuse to stand up for ourselves, allowing courts, school boards and speech codes to dictate political correctness to us.


Justice: "The sex is for "procreation" argument is so old and tiresome. The majority of human being will admit sex is for pleasure. We are NOT the children of Israel tribe trying to reproduce to out number the enemy, and gain land. Denton wants to have his dogmatic correctness for his older right-wing mentors.Also, right-winger talk about us recruiting, it seems they love to recruit young people to advocate a right-wing agenda. Note: Everyone does NOT have to procreate, quoting Genesis is a same old recipe, and humans have more purpose than procreating! The Religious argument is never logical in it's dogmatic form. AS I said humans have a much more a purpose than procreating, you still can, but a person's purpose in life is so much bigger.

Washington Post on Mike Rogers: The Most feared man on Capitol Hill?

The Washingtion Post has written a interesting article on Mike Rogers. Click here for to view it. Mike Rogers is known for outing hypocritical public offficals [more likely Republicans] who oppose gay rights, but engage in same-sex activity on the low. I hope those GOPs are shaking in their closets, because their hypocritical ways will not be tolerated. They should be very afraid, because Mike's going to expose them!

Rogers, sitting on a club chair in his Northwest Washington apartment, is basking in the attention. For three years now, he's been a feared one-man machine, "outing," he says, nearly three dozen senior political and congressional staffers, White House aides and, most damagingly, Congress members on his blog. On Capitol Hill, a typical phone call from Rogers -- "Are you gay?" he'd ask -- is "a call from Satan himself," says a former high-ranking congressional staffer whose name is on the list.
...In the coming months, he plans to post the names of "a few more" closeted Congress members on his blog, he says, all of them Republicans. There are 33 names on his published list, most of them men, 30 from the GOP. That fact reveals more about the Republicans, he says, than about him. Although a registered Democrat, he says he is bipartisan.

"I write about closeted people whose records are anti-gay," he says. "If you're a closeted Democrat or Republican and you don't bash gays or vote against gay rights to gain political points, I won't out you."

Justice MH: I say out them all! Don't fu*k with the gays!

The Trouble with Harry!!!

[This is a couple days old, but this really sums up my thoughts about homo-bigots like Bishop Harry Jackson! Enjoy-Justice MH]

By:Dr. Sylvia Rhue

Barak Obama appeared on LOGO and HRC’s presidential debate Thursday August 9. All of the candidates were asked about marriage equality for LGBT people. Although he is for full civil union rights, Obama feels he cannot open the door of equality all the way with full marriage rights for LGBT people. But even his moderate stance gets a berating from Bishop Jackson.

When speaking to a group of black ministers at a forum in Tennessee, Barak stated:

“I specifically pointed out that if there’s any pastor here who can point out a marriage that has been broken up as a consequence of seeing two men or two women holding hands, then we—you should tell me, because I haven’t seen any evidence of it…And there are some folks who, coming out of the church, have, you know, elevated one line in Romans above the Sermon on the Mount.”


Jackson’s response: “He’s dead wrong concerning what the scriptures say, and more importantly, he’s dead wrong in terms of the Scriptures, and in terms of reading culture. The culture has gone in a different direction, and the devaluation of marriage is a major problem, and I believe that he’s a very dangerous man because he sounds reasonable, he sounds engaging, but he’s misinformed.” Jackson goes on to call Obama a “junior or infant Christian.”

He states that “I think what most African- Americans buy is that there should be justice for all, in terms of the outworking of civil law. What they do not buy is that we should not rename sin as something righteous and holy.”

Bishop Jackson is dead wrong. It is Jackson who has an infantile understanding of human sexuality and a wrong headed theology regarding Christ’s message of inclusion. Jackson does not understand, or refuses to understand the concept of sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is morally neutral.

One of the definitions of the word “sin” is “to miss the mark”. Jackson misses the mark of the Love ethic for his gay and lesbian neighbors, which is central to Christian theology. When Bishop Jackson came to NBJC’s Black Church Summit this past Spring, he had the opportunity to look LGBT people in the eye and hear their stories of love, commitment, devotion, honor and duty. He nodded his head acting as if he understood. He acted as if he had learned something. Unfortunately, from his behavior and statements since that day, it was all just an act.

We should defer to an authentic Biblical scholar, Rev. Peter Gomes the Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University, who writes: “No credible case against homosexuality or homosexuals can be made from the Bible unless one chooses to read scripture in a way that simply sustains the existing prejudice against homosexuality and homosexuals. The combination of ignorance and prejudice under the guise of morality makes the religious community, and its abuse of scripture in this regard, itself morally culpable.”

If Bishop Jackson ever thought he might be a drum major for justice, he has missed he mark.

Dr. Sylvia Rhue is Director of NBJC Religious Affairs. She can be reached directly at shrue@nbjc.org

"You And I Both Know": America's Black Homophobia Problem

[ A intelligent post about the double-standard of homophobia in regards to the black community, and the question towards Barack Obama! Enjoy. Justice MH]

By:Charlton Copeland

"You and I both know that there is a homophobia problem in the black community." So began Washington Post editor Jonathan Capehart's question to Barack Obama during the HRC/Logo gay-issues debate last night. This question of Obama appears to both assume the universality of homophobia within the black community, and require Obama to situate himself in relation to it. Capehart's question continued with a discussion of Obama's willingness to speak difficult truths to the black community regarding other sensitive topics that might, from another mouth, look like a claim of black dysfunction. Capehart's "you and I both know"-- an attempt to play on their shared blackness, I guess -- easily morphs into "we all know"/"everybody knows" that the black community is homophobic; "we all know" that black ministers (all black ministers) are homophobic. More than the problem of Capehart's question, however, was the way in which Obama's answer simply accepted the premise. His answer never challenged the assumption behind what "we" have come to so easily accept about "black homophobia". Obama gave examples of the courage that he has shown by speaking to presumably hostile straight audiences at Howard University and in black churches in the South, without ever acknowledging the fact that these communities are not uniform on issues of same-sex equality. Capehart's and Obama's statements were made without regard to the consistent record of support that the Congressional Black Caucus has given to equality issues within the LGBT community. Such statements also fail to recognize the diversity of thought within black religious communities, including Jeremiah Wright, Obama's own pastor, who has been a leading light on issues of same-sex inclusion.

Perhaps more problematic (and heartening) was a question by the event's host, who asked Obama -- and only Obama -- to compare the black struggle for civil rights with the gay struggle for civil rights. Obama, I think, answered this question with as much honesty and intelligence as it could be answered, and then challenged the questioner to ask the question of the other candidates, not simply the black candidate. Unfortunately, no other candidate was asked the question. Again, this leads to the conclusion that Obama is being handled differently because we have concluded that there is such a species of dysfunction known as "black homophobia," wholly separate from, and more pernicious than, ordinary homophobia. It would be foolish and insensitive to deny that the black community's response to homosexuality does not have culturally particularized elements. Yet to listen to Capehart, one would think that homophobia is a uniquely black dysfunction, against which Obama had better be prepared to situate himself. Do we speak of Methodist homophobia with Hillary Clinton? Or Catholic homophobia with Biden? Do we force any other candidate, even Bill Richardson, to situate himself in relation to homophobia in the Hispanic community? Not that I have seen.

Finally, the obsession with this characterization of black homophobia, I suspect, is rooted in a desire to locate for the record the limits of the black community's commitment to an egalitarian social-political order. Evidence of the qualified nature of the black community's commitment to equality allows others to justify their equivocation on the issue of equality, not simply the equality of gays and lesbians, but about other marginalized communities as well. Like so much in this presidential campaign, Obama serves as a convenient canvas upon which to further depict the dysfunctions of black folk. There is a homophobia problem in the black community, but there is a homophobia problem in the Congress, and on the Supreme Court, and in the White House. Indeed, America has a homophobia problem. It is against this homophobia problem that any candidate deserving of the LGBT community's support should aim his or her attention.

Justice MH: What was said above i agree with most of it. Homophobia exists in every community, and society. The world is homophobic. After full equality for LGBT people is achieved, like racism, homophobia will still be there, just NOT out in the open as much. A Presidential Hopeful should focus on homophobia as a American problem, not as a one section of our country's problem! I like many right-thinking Americans should question homophobia, racism, sexism, and religious intolerance. Change is possible!

[More-updates-5pm-Justice MH]

WBC Says: God Hates the USA!

Is it any surprise how the Westboro Baptist Church acknowledge the Minnesota bridge disaster? Well take a look at this Press Release:



The Phelps Family really think they know God. The sad thing about their perception about God is it comes from the Old Testament. The Hebrew Bible perception of God is up for a new perception, which there are many perceptions of God. So, how can the Phelps interpret the Minnesota Bridge disaster as God hating America? For Cafeteria Christian they love to use derogatory names to describe gays, that sure isn't Christ-like! They honestly believe they are giving people God's Word. I find that laughable! It's no secret that Man has always use God and hide behind God to express their evil thinking/feelings. Jesus said you would know them by their fruit. The Phelps Family happens to produce rotten fruit. God doesn't hate. The Phelps Family hates the USA, Canada, Sweden, and the World! Man hates, NOT God!

Doing God's Work???

And they want to say this hate crimes bill is unnecessary. Yeah right!Tell that to the family of Kenneth Cummings Jr., a Southwest flight attendant, who was killed by a man who believed he was doing God's work. Religion creates some crazy people, but that's religion for you, when there's no reason! {Houston Chronicle}:

"I believe I'm Elijah, called by God to be a prophet," said 26-year-old Terry Mark Mangum, charged with murder June 11. " ... I believe with all my heart that I was doing the right thing."
Interviewed in the Brazoria County Jail Saturday morning, Mangum said he feels no remorse for killing 46-year-old Kenneth Cummings Jr., whom relatives described as a "loving" son who never forgot a holiday and a devoted uncle who had set up college funds for his niece and nephew. He worked at Southwest for 24 years.

Mangum, who described himself as "definitely not a homosexual," said God called on him to "carry out a code of retribution" by killing a gay man because "sexual perversion" is the "worst sin."

Mangum believed Cummings to be gay.

"I planned on sending him to hell," he said.

Cummings was stabbed with a six-inch blade, his body was found near San Antonio on property owned by Mangum's grandfather.

While there are some who are debating about whether there should be hate crimes law, the fact is their on the books. So why not sexual orientation and gender identity to make sure every American is protected by bias hate crimes. Religion is already included-- protection which these cafeteria Christians aren't willing to give up. After all religion is a choice!

Furthermore, it's the religious extremists who claim to be "christian", by their mouths, but it always seems their hearts are far away from God. Isaiah and Jesus said something like that. The usual suspects are no surprise--the Traditional Values Coalition, the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America and the rest of the professional persecuted "Christian" set-- who just love to hide behind and use misguided homo-hating black pastors.


Rustin Thomas came up with this insane statement:
Yes, I dare state that there is a direct connection between the sins and crimes of abortion and the sodomite agenda and the Islamic terrorism that threatens our nation."

Once again sodomite is NOT a biblical term, and I have never been to Sodom and Gomorrah. The two cities God supposedly destroyed.

Another black puppet was brought out as expected.Here's Rev. Johnny Hunter of the Life Education and Resource Network:

"Pastors not only have a right, but they have an obligation to state emphatically that according to scripture, a man or a woman should not perform a sex act with a person of the same sex...nor with a dog...nor with a snake...nor with a hamster or any other creature."

How the hell he bring humans in with animals? Who would have sex with hamster, snake, or dog? I have heard of a dog before, but that's just freaky! Eww.

They know that they can quote and take Leviticus and Romans out context all day long if the measure is passed. The ACLU has outlined how free speech will be protected, but no that doesn't matter in their minds. Is this Doing God's Work? Ha, You better ask somebody!

[more updates to come-Justice MH]

Pro-LGBT Black Clergy Ad tells the Truth about Federal Hate Crimes Legislation!!!

In response to the ads run by anti-gay black ministers fronted by Bishop Harry Jackson of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, which appeated in USA Today spreading disinformation about the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a group of pro-LGBT pastors have responded in kind.

In a new ad appearing in USA Today, the National Black Justice Coalition, Human Rights Campaign and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, black religious leaders counter the claim of the puppets/uncle toms of the white evangelical/conservative bigots, that the passage of the measure would muzzle pastors like Jackson from spouting homophobic sermons from the pulpit.

Bishop Jackson clearly thinks gays are taking over as he expressed those feeling in his Town Hall article:

G]ay activists around the country are getting nervous that they are about to experience an embarrassing political setback. Instead of amending the hate crimes legislation that protects churches in a substantive way, they are simply crying out in a louder, more threatening manner. Gay advocates are not looking for fairness; they are looking for an upper hand.

A recent Gallup poll showed that 68% of Americans support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the existing hate crimes laws, this is the kind of misinformation that Harry Jackson and his homo-hating friends in the pulpit give us:

Justice MH: As Bishop Carlton Pearson said: the bill clearly states,"Nothing in this act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses the First Amendment to the Constitution" the hate crime bill says. Unfortunately, free speech, and the bible is NOT the real reason they oppose the expansion of the federal hate crimes statue. These black bigots put a new meaning to "bearing false witness", and they know their free speech is NOT threaten. The real reason they oppose this bill, in my opinion, is that the more pro-LGBT bills pass on the federal level than sooner or later it will not be popular to hate and oppose a minority's rights. It's like i said countless times on this blog, you have the right to free speech, but NOT the right to limit other American citizen's rights.

What does this have to do with Hate Crimes???

Question: Have they no decency? The American Family Association, Focus on the Family, and other "pro-family" groups have been lying right and left far right about proposed hate crimes legislation, claiming such would prevent their right to preach against homosexuality. These pro-family groups will keep bearing false witness just so they can get their little cruel plan to succeed. I guess they don't think the First Amendment protects all speech including religious speech, but they don't care about that. They want to keep the hate crimes federal law a special club, and i guess we don't qualify on their terms. Well, this country doesn't legislate bias religious views.

So how low can they go? Well if you call running a three different newspapers ad in and around a Virginia town.

Ok, what does this have to do with hate crimes laws? Nothing! These Cafeteria Christians[my new nickname for these types] are desperate, and seem to NOT have faith in their beloved President Bush.It's intersting they say "[t]he proposed law would make it a crime to preach on Romans Chapter 1 or I Corinthians Chapter 6. Or even to discuss them in a Sunday School class." Huh? I never read that nowhere in the bill. These arguments have are baseless. These some cripple-thinking-hypocrites who have NO shame in their game. I already cover those two bible verse their mentioning, so whatever! If you tell a lie enough, it becomes a form of truth. Doesn't it say "thou shalt not lie"? I tell you, these Christian values are knew to me. I wonder what Christ would say about these 21 Century Pharisees? After looking at that ad, you can't get any lower than that, or can you?

BET's Meet the Faith: Black Homosexuality and Homophobia Debate!!!

BET's Meet the Faith is hosted by the hot Ian Smith. I was really happy to see Keith Boykin, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and former NBA player John Amaech. Keith was very vocal in challenging Bishop E. Bernard Jordon on how homosexuality is somehow NOT a "sin". Bishop Jordon say it's a sin if it's outside of marriage. All this with a belief that sex is exclusive to marriage is just silly, but like fellow blogger Larry Lyons, I'm kindy sex-positive myself. But you gotta love religion, if it can control some things, how about sexual issues/morality as well! Anyway, let's use that logic, so when gays get married, then people like the Bishop won't label it a so-called "sin". My girl Sheryl was passionate about this subject, and was telling it. The debate was a good start, and it has made quite a stir on BET's message Boards, community, blogs, and possibly many people now.


I will discuss more on this in another post! Time for the BET AWARDS 2007 Tonight!

[Updates resume morning AM-Justice MH]

Black Ex-Gay to be Featured on 700 Club!!!

Charlene Cothran, then Black lesbian publisher, who is now a self-proclaimed ex-lesbian publisher of Venus Magazine. Charlene has now turned her gay magazine for Black gays into a ex-gay magazine of baseless theories, and ideology. Charlene has turned the magazine with pray-away the gay themes, which i don't recommend! Okay, from the top…Charlene Cothran, an African American ex-lesbian who is publisher of Venus Magazine, a magazine for Black ex-gays who have seen the light (with eyes rolling), has sent out a press release announcing her fifteen minutes of fame on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club” Thursday, June 21st.

And I quote:

“If you have friends or family members who are struggling with homosexuality, encourage them to watch the 700 Club on Thursday – there IS hope!”

Yeah, i hope she stop this ex-gay nonsense, and myths. Just for the record and fact, being celibate does NOT make someone heterosexual. Just ask Donnie about being celibate. Black gay bloggers such as myself had no problem with charlene and her journey in life. But she just had to bash, and try to convert us. WHY?

Who say their struggling with something? I forget sometimes, i don't speak self-loathing, and self-denial language.

I haven't really address charlene on my blog, but i have read other black gay bloggers who have express some things on her, bloggers like Jasymne Cannick, and Darian. From her interviews she sounds lonely, and full of contradictions from her latest interview.

Anyway she will be feature on 700 club. I never watch that show at all, with a person, and so-called "christian like Pat Robertson. I think Jerry Falwell forgot his partner in crime. I doubt I’ll watch Charlene 's apperance on 700 club because for some reason my television seems to go blank when that program is on. I never understood why, lol. I'm thinking about banning that show and channel from my service. If a video get up on youtube, i'll have it up on here!

[More updates no later than 3pm-Justice MH]

Conservative Black Preachers bear false Witness!!!

Well look at this foolishness, and full of sh*t here!A group of conservative black "pimping" preachers have banded together to take on comprehensive hate crime laws. Is it a surprise? Hell No! It seems they have no sense of reality, or what the bill's purpose. The NAACP, gay groups, civil rights groups, etc support the bill.

As the the U.S Senate goes up to debate The Matthew Shepard law, "uncle Tom" Reverend Ken Hutcherson and his peers have placed the above ad, which reads:

"Christian clergymen and people of faith are making a stand today for religious liberty. WE OPPOSE S.1105, “The Matthew Shepard Act.” We believe prosecutors and anti-Christian groups will use loop holes in this proposed legislation to muzzle the church. Unnecessary lawsuits will bring a chilling effect to the free speech and religious liberty of our churches and of our members".

Now where does the bill say it restricts free speech such as religious speech? It's one thing to oppose the bill, but lieing is whole different thing.

It continues:

"We understand more clearly than most that racially motivated violence can be a form of internal terrorism. The Black Community needs a free puplits. Indeed, ALL Americans need free pulpit. We urge Senate to to avoid misguided compassion take away America’s most basic freedoms - our freedom of speech, our freedom of conscience and our freedom to exercise religion.

Once again the bill clearly says: "Nothing in this act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses the First Amendment to the Constitution" the hate crime bill says.
It seems to me and others they have taken a page out of the Family Research Council. These black Conservative have lost their damn minds. This ad’s logic, however, can certainly be described as “surprising,” and ridiculous especially because, as BoxTurtlebullintin.com points out, African-American people are included in hate crimes laws, yet still find themselves on the receiving end of hate speech:



"Despite enjoying hate crime protections for a number of years, the African-American community continues to be the target of constitutionally protected hate speech whenever the Klan wins approval to hold rallies on courthouse squares and statehouse lawns. Nothing in the existing hate crime laws has succeeded in muzzling their First Amendment rights to free speech.
… There are at least thirty seven racist Christian Identity groups active across America. Some even operate radio broadcasts and “prison ministries.”

Indeed. Hate crime laws do not and will not hinder free speech, particularly with regard to religion. Those who say the laws will are either idiots, over-zealous, blinded by discrimination, hateful,bigots,closted gay person, hypocrite, or all of the above. Free Speech will remain untouch!


[More Updates to come-Justice MH]

Anti-Gay Supporter arrested for assaulting MA marriage equality supporter!

This must be the "family values", and "moral values" they like to talk about. So much for being christ-like, or turning the "other cheek". Christian outreach? Yeah, right! via:[365gaynews]:

"A woman who was part of a conservative Christian group rallying Thursday at the Massachusetts Statehouse for a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is charged with assaulting a gay marriage supporter who was attending a rally across the street opposing the amendment.
Diane Steele, 52, was arraigned Friday on charges of assault and battery.

Steele, from Richmond in western Massachusetts, was one of about a hundred protestors calling on state lawmakers to approve the amendment and send it to voters in 2008.

Steele allegedly crossed the street and slapped the unidentified person. The victim was startled but not hurt.

Boston Police spokesperson James Kenneally said Steele apparently decided to "escalate" the debate into a physical confrontation".

Well She probably feel like God gave her permission to put her hands on somebody. Don't know what God that is? And this isn't first time conservative christitan groups have been charge with assaulting marriage equality supporters. So i'm not surprise. The hate, intolerance, and bigotry. You gotta love their version of "Christian values", right?

Sending a Message:New Boston Campaign Targets Homophobia in Black Communities!!!

After a major victory for marriage equality in Massachusetts, more good news come out: A new awareness campaign targeting homophobia in Boston's historic black community has been well-received, and will start a visibility.

We Are Part of You" is a series of three related ads, each using the phrase "I Am Gay", that was originally developed for black communities in New York City.The goal of the campaign, which will run on billboards and in MBTA stations in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan, is to drive home the point in Boston’s black communities that "gay men have always been and will always be a part of those communities," says Douglas Brooks, the executive director of JRI Health.Brooks took the # 22 bus up Columbus Avenue to gauge the reaction to the above billboard in Egleston Square:

"I was on a bus full of black people, and wondering what the reactions would be…. I saw people looking at it. I saw people reading it. You can’t help it, it draws your attention because it’s so bold. And I think more than anything the fact that there were no comments made me feel good. I thought, ‘Okay, maybe people are just sort of taking it in,’ or at least they’re not making loud homophobic remarks on the bus. But I was very proud of it, too. I hope it makes a difference.”



Another ad is three black gay men showing they play basketball on the same courts as others. Yes, there are gay athletes, who are black! The ad breaks some stereotypes about gay men that people are know to have. This ad is refreshing, and show black gay men who are masculine.








The Last billboard, showing a black gay man with a pastor, was placed in Dorchester on Blue Hill Avenue.“I placed that one there in particular because it’s an area where there are several large black churches, and I thought the power of having that image of a gay black man and his minister standing there, reminding people that they’re part of their congregations as well, was an important [message],” said State Sen. Dianne Wilkerson (D-Boston). The location Just happens to be near the church of the Rev. Eugene Rivers, one of Boston's loudest ant-gay black pastors. So the billboards can't be miss, and will send a clear message of what is already known!

Historic Agreement to Stop Anti-Gay ‘Murder Music’!!!

Reggae stars Beenie Man, Sizzla, and Capleton renounce homophobia, and have signed the Reggae Compassionate Act in a deal brokered with top reggae promoters and Stop Murder Music activists, deal to stop anti-gay music. All three top reggae/dance hall singers condemned violence against lesbians and gay men.

The agreement follows the three-year-long Stop Murder Music campaign, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of the singers’ concerts and sponsorship deals, causing them income losses estimated in excess of five million dollars.

The Reggae Compassionate Act is a big breakthrough,” said Peter Tatchell, of the British gay human rights group OutRage!.
Mr Tatchell is coordinator of the worldwide Stop Murder Music campaign. He helped negotiate the deal with the three singers.
“The singers’ rejection of homophobia and sexism is an important milestone. We rejoice at their new commitment to music without prejudice,” said Mr Tatchell.
“This deal will have a huge, positive impact in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The media coverage will generate public awareness and debate, breaking down ignorance and undermining homophobia.
“Having these major reggae stars renounce homophobia will influence their fans and the wider public to rethink bigoted attitudes. The beneficial effect on young black straight men will be immense,” he said

In the Reggae Compassionate Act the three singers pledge to:

■ “respect and uphold the rights of all individuals to live without fear of hatred and violence due to their religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender”;

■ “there’s no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia”;

■ “we agree to not make statements or perform songs that incite hatred or violence against anyone from any community”.

In this declaration the artists promise to not sing lyrics or make public statements, in Jamaica or anywhere else in the world, that incite prejudice, hatred or violence against lesbian and gay people.

The other five murder music artists – Elephant Man, TOK, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton – have not signed the Reggae Compassionate Act as of right now.

Justice MH's Final Thoughts: I am really proud that these three reggae artist realize that homophobia, and hate is wrong, and unaccceptable. They have paved the way for other reggae artists to do the same and renounce hate, and homophobia.