Yesterday, New York Sen. Ruben Diaz staged a fairly large anti-gay rally. There, over 2000 people marched in support of inclusion of religious condemnations into state law. It was a slightly rainy but heartwarming day, where Catholic and Jew alike stood in solidarity, demanding state intrusion into something that doesn't affect them personally, namely the homes of private citizens and their families.
There were also podium appearances, and everyone from the National Organization of Marriage to Sen. Diaz himself took part. Speakers professed their love for the "sinner" whilst issuing wholesale Bible-based condemnations to those they have never met. And here we have Rev. Ariel Torres Ortega stating that gays are worthy of death. These words were spoken mere minutes before Senator Diaz took the stage.
"Committing sexual acts between man and man. And receiving the retribution of the things that they have done from straying away. And because they did not take God in count. God gave them over to reprimand their mind to do things that are not right, being against all justice, fornication, perversity, aberrations, malignity…those who practice such things are worthy to death, not only do they do it, but those who also practice it. God bless this earth. That is the word of God."
This is the same as a group of people proclaiming that Jews should be killed for not accepting Christ or that African-Americans should be forced into captivity because Jesus commanded slaves to worship their masters. (Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.- Ephesians 6:5 NLT, also 1 Timothy 6:1-2) I know, I know, it's different. How is this any different? The Bible was used to justify slavery for thousands of years; there are instructions on the selling of your daughter as a sex slave (Exodus 21:7-11) and how to beat your slave. (Luke 12:47-48 - this one's from Jesus himself; Exodus 21:20-21) There are far more commandments relating to the buying, selling, and brutalization of slaves than relate to shaming or executing gays; in comparison, the homos are small potatoes, don't you think?
Now I do not endorse religious discrimination or slavery in any way, and if you have a brain, you don't as well. These and many, many more Biblical rules have been abandoned because they are arcane, cruel, or simply nonsensical. We eat shellfish, don't own slaves, don't force women into marriage by raping them (Deut. 22:28-29: Deut. 21: 10-14: Judges 5:30; and several others), and shave our faces. The average person disobeys more commandments than he or she keeps.
If the only basis for your hatred of strangers is a book of rules that you break all of the time, I'd suggest your foundation is crumbling. If your only argument against another group of people is based in something that is supposed to have little to no interference with the affairs of the state, why not simply let your neighbours enjoy the freedom you take for granted?
It stinks to be required to be given human rights that should have been there in the first place, but don't mistake peacefulness for acquiescence. Gay people and their families have existed since the beginning of recorded history, work hard, pay taxes, and snore just as loudly as any other husband. I'm not a believer, but let's suppose for a second that there is a God. Haven't you ever wondered why, no matter how hard you pray, God won't magically take away the gay?
Images courtesy of JMG. Here's his blog.
Note that the Frummies up top "say it's every human beings" obligation to control "his" desire? That's because many ultra-Orthodox groups don't even view women as people. Praise G-d!
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