Bill on 'hate crimes' ignores hatred towards traditional marriage backers, Tony Perkins says

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 14

Washington D.C., Oct 22, 2009 / 06:15 pm (CNA).- The advance of a bill that would create penalties to punish “hate crimes” comes at a time of increasing intolerance towards those who support the traditional definition of marriage and reject homosexual activism, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins noted on Wednesday, causing him to ask, “Where's the protection for them?”

In his e-mail newsletter, Perkins urged his readers to voice opposition to the hate crimes bill currently under consideration in the Senate, saying it was “not an inconsequential vote.”

“Expanding hate crimes puts America in lock-step with the stated agenda of homosexual activists,” he wrote, predicting that its backers will then turn to the Employment Non-discrimination Act, the repeal of the ban on open homosexuality in the military and the Defense of Marriage Act.

He reported that more than 100,000 people have signed a petition opposing the hate crimes measure as a violation of the First Amendment. The measure is attached to a military spending bill.

Perkins noted the threats and harassment supporters of traditional marriage face.

“We get reports almost daily from donors who have given to pro-marriage campaigns in the states and are being awakened in the middle of the night by harassing phone calls and death threats. Where's the protection for them? Where are those blowing the trumpet of tolerance?"

He recounted that Family Research Council Senior Vice President Tom McClusky recently received a threatening voicemail from someone complaining about “homophobic comments” and saying that being an “intolerant bigot” would cause a reaction.

“You reap what you sow and when you start spreadin' hate against other people, that's exactly what you're gonna get back. And, you know, who knows what effect that could have on you, or your family, or your office, you know, on G Street?” the caller continued, naming the Washington, D.C. street on which the Family Research Council’s offices are located.

“Uh, just a bit of advice for ya. You should really learn, really-stop bein' such a redneck piece of s**t,” the caller’s voicemail continued, according to Perkins.

“While Congress is busy giving preferential treatment to homosexuals, maybe it's time to point out the kind of calls we receive from the side of 'tolerance,'” Perkins said.

Comments: 14

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Chien
Antioch/CA/USA 10/27/2009 01:05 AM EST

Traditional marriage and the Catholic Church have been withstand through the test of time over 2000 years, and continue to be, til the end of time. I wonder if a society with a major population of same-sex couples, what would it be after a few hundred years ?

Published by: Gordon Daily
Herrin, Illinois USA 10/26/2009 05:18 PM EST

I am personally offended to be called "homophobic" and "bigoted" because my religious belief is that homosexuality is a sin. The 1st amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Why should others have the right to denegrate and even threaten people who share my beliefs?

Published by: GJS
Olympia, WA, USA 10/26/2009 02:21 PM EST

It is sad to note that the tone of the previous comments seems to give authenticity to the article.

Published by: DAn
New York 10/26/2009 07:52 AM EST

Dr Council - "What about the teens who have killed themselves because their family and church has rejected them." - what are you talking about? The church hasn't rejected homosexual teens, but teaches that same-sex attaction is immoral. In fact, the church offers counseling and other services to try to help these people. No one is ever rejected. Should the the church and society as a whole embrace homosexuals, even though the vast majority of us know that it is both sinful and gravely abnormal? This is nothing but false charity. The government should not be promoting homosexual behavior, as they obviously do in so many ways. The church will always stand in opposition to sin, no matter what form it takes. Constantly calling us "haters" and "bigots" is just plain stupid.

Published by: Steve
Denver 10/24/2009 08:58 PM EST

Thanks! Did you hit it on the head! That's why the majority of people don't respond, they're afraid of the reteliation that would forth coming, especially when they have children!

Published by: Augusto
Canada 10/24/2009 06:50 PM EST

It’s amazing how many who have sent the preceding comments pour all their gall with highly offesive terms: ignorant, bigots, evil people, etc. Common sense has become the least common of senses nowadays. If you say that alcoholism is wrong you end up being an alcoholophobe and your language automatically becomes “hate speech.” Does this sound preposterous? Well, that’s the language of secularists when it comes to homosexuality. I have never seen a single manual or book on human anatomy where the rectum and human genitals are classified as part of the same system: digestive or reproductive but some people want to link both and when you bring their attention to the fact that such linking is anything but natural, many explode with abusive language. HIV keeps gaining ground but people do not seem to care. We undoubtedly live in a pansexualistic and pornographic culture: internet pornography, pride parades, nothing is sold without a sexual reference whether explicit or implicit and then people wonder why child abuse and child abductions are on the increase. They do not see there is a connection or are not willing to admit it. “Modern” society, where lying has become an addiction, is rotting away. Sounds petty much like the signs before Christ’s second coming in Matthew 24. He who has ears let him hear.

Published by: Dr Council
Tuscon Arizona 10/23/2009 02:37 PM EST

Rate: Bad

"Haters of Traditional Marriage." What an ignorant and untrue statement. I am embarrassed to be Catholic these days. I thought that church was "Pro Life and Pro Family" What about the teens who have killed themselves because their family and church has rejected them. Change is coming with or without the church. This type of article will be viewed by history as another stain on the Church.

Published by: Tom
Somerville, MA 10/23/2009 02:31 PM EST

Tony Perkins' remarks are flat wrong in every way. Catholics have enjoyed this kind of "hate crimes" law protection SINCE THE 60'S, and I didn't see him arguing that it was unconstitutional before or arguing that it should be revoked. Indeed, while he's arguing that it's unconstitutional and that gay people must have it, I don't see him making any plans to give up that same protection himself. I believe that's called a "hypocrite".

Published by: traditional Catholic
USA 10/23/2009 11:54 AM EST

The previous commenter is correct, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith is the culprit that spearheaded this "hate crime" agenda. Just like AIPAC, they have a stranglehold over our legislative process. The ADL is essentially a branch of the Israeli Mossad.

Published by: Pam
US 10/23/2009 10:06 AM EST

I have no sympathy for bigots and judgemental christianists who think they have the market cornered on what is good and right in the world. Gays need the protections afforded by hate crimes legislation, and anyone that opposes on religious grounds is simply using their faith as justification for hatred. These people are not "supporters of traditional marriage" -- they're evil people with no concept of faith or spirituality.

Published by: Francis
Wareham Ma 10/23/2009 08:30 AM EST

The only true "hate crimes" comes from these leftist, Godless, Christophobic and liberal groups like the ACLU, Abe Foxman and his ADL, Morris Dees and his "Southern poverty law center", and from the Sodomites. All of these people and these groups hate Our Lord, his Catholic Church, natural law, and the U.S. Constitution. If our federal courts worked correctly these "hate crimes laws" would be declared unconstitutional; being contrary to the 1st amendment; Along with abortion, same sex "marriage", and sodomy. Dies Irae hopefully isn't too far away!!

Published by: Jokie X Wilson
San Francisco, CA USA 10/22/2009 09:11 PM EST

Where's the protection? I think you have to lobby for it. I don't think any group has had hate crimes legislation passed without lobbying. You need to propose a list of protections and why you need them and push for years and years like everyone else to get it. A sense of entitlement will not help the case. Facts will. Good luck! :-{D}

Published by: Randy Brasch
Orlando, FL, USA 10/22/2009 07:51 PM EST

I noted that none of the comments were against heterosexual marriage, only against anti-homosexual statements and actions. So the expressed "hate" was not against marriage, it was against bigotry. Although I disagree with all threats of this nature, please try to reflect the actual content of the messages, not a distorted view in an attempt to support bigotry.

Published by: RJP4
Santa Cruz / CA / USA 10/22/2009 07:22 PM EST

It is ok to dislike bigots. Mr. Perkins whining is exactly what the KKK whines about. Sorry --- Gay Americans have are every week beaten - some to DEATH - by Christians. This article is repugnant.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com