Yesterday, I wrote a blog post about the undue influence of the religious right on the campaign for an anti-gay marriage amendment in North Carolina. Like clockwork (since the post mentioned gays), I was graced by an e-mail from longtime correspondent and County Commissioner Bill James. Noting that any constitutional amendment in N.C. must be voted on by the citizenry, James commented, “Thankfully, N.C. citizens know right from wrong.”
In response, I asked James if by “know[ing] right from wrong” he meant “not demonizing anyone who doesn’t fit into your narrow view of life? Or did you mean not insulting blacks every chance you get?”
In reply — he never fails to reply, believe me — James sent what I thought was an incredible e-mail. He quoted N.C. House Majority Leader Paul “Skip” Stam: “Stam said the amendment ‘protects the children of the next generation.’ From what you ask?” In reply to his own question, he pasted in the photo below, taken for CL at last weekend’s Pride Charlotte Festival.
I then sent a reply (to which I got yet another reply, but don’t worry, this is as far as the tit-for-tat will go), in which I told James what I would tell anyone who had the same reaction to the Pride Fest photo: If you honestly think this guy is a threat, you’re even more twisted than I thought.
Meanwhile, the push to pass an amendment to ban something that is already illegal in this state continues. Please be sure to let your representatives know how you feel about the issue.
This article appears in Aug 30 – Sep 5, 2011.
well, I agree with James, History shows the people disagree as per votes, but the government / judicial overrides the people. Sorry, but truth is truth
All citizens should have the same rights, it does not matter if they are male or female, black or white. Two people in love should be able to marry and have all the legal protection everyone else does.
Bill James has always been, will always be the hyprocritical, pseudo christian homophobe. Several years ago I challenged Mr. James to a public discourse about the bible, which he was spouting to me in an email, again condemning all gays people as pedophiles, murderers, and anything else he could choose to spew. He never took me up on the challenge, in fact he never even replied.
The far right religious fanatic that he is and those he represents are seeing their paradigm breaking down, (thank God) and they are scared and confused. so they resort to the only christian thing they know to do, ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK.
to mmmttt Please don’t confuse anything Bill James says or does as representing “Christian thing” Real Christians are loving and forgiving not an attack dog like James. Thanks! FRK
Why do some people say that because some other people believe that homosexuality is wrong they are homophobic?
I’m not gay, nor do I believe it is in line with God’s Word, but I do not have to act ugly towards people who are gay. Because I love the Lord, I hope that His light shines in the lives of unbelievers through my actions. Christians can protest what they believe is wrong without making all Christians look bad. The example my Lord gave me was when He sat down and ate with sinners and to show them love. No one is going to convince anyone else to change sides (or beliefs) because of name calling or ugly acting. If Christians REALLY believe that homosexuality is wrong, then they should hit their knees and pray for them (without ceasing). Prayer is one of the most powerful gifts God gave us. Jesus example for Christians is to “Hate the sin, but love the sinner”.
Please, do not allow the hateful attitudes and evil acts of some who profess themselves to be Christian to decieve you. That is a lie from the devil. If Christians want to convince people at the Gay Pride festival that they know a better way, yelling and screaming hateful things is not The Way (or the way). Please do not think that this is a true example of Christianity.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
Stand up for what you believe but do it in a way that draws people towards the Light, not away from it.
“If Christians REALLY believe that homosexuality is wrong, then they should hit their knees and pray for them.” — Has to be one of the quotes of the year.
TO FRK:
I totally agree with you. In fact, I find that many who proseletize as christians are the farthest thing from being a christian. If Jesus was walking the earth today, people like Bill James would be leading the fight to crucify him again.
People are entitled to their beliefs no matter what they are, so long as they do not harm another. Havign said that however, I am willing to go out on a limb and say that the majority of people who define themselves as christians and use the bible for their proof that being gay is wrong, haven’t a clue what the original context of the writings in the bible are all about.
Most people simply take the word of whatever preacher has taught them, taking the bible literally. If anyone would desire to know the real truth of what Jesus taught.. (which by the way.. Jesus NEVER brought up anything about homosexuality).. then learning the history of the bible and the REAL language from which the writings were born is the first step.
I find it interesting how people will cherry pick parts of the Old Testament they wish to use to further their beliefs or agendas, claiming it all to be literal and yet omitting other things that don’t fit their cause. Here’s my challenge to the literalist christians: Go read ALL of Deuteronomy and follow every single commandment therein. Be sure to kill any of your children that are insolent, as well as all the other wonderful things you will read.
And since we’re talking bible and being literal, for those of you whose wives can no longer carry a child, go impregnate your daughters so you can carry on the lineage. It’s in the bible so it must be ok.
That guy in the picture looks like he knows how to have a good time.
Apparently, fun should be illegal.
The government is supposed to protect the rights of the minority from the will of an oppressive majority. This is not the 1960s but people should have the same rights within reasonable limits.