Fri. December 27, 2013
Mary Mitchell is dead wrong on a number of items in her recent column, "Phil Robertson has right to his faith without condemnation" (published Dec. 23 in the Chicago Sun-Times). She gives a complete and total pass to Robertson's comments about Muslims, Shinto Buddhists and black people, but I'll only address the homophobic remarks.
First, people haven't condemned Robertson's faith. Some Yahoo website commentators may have, but the "leading voices" (like GLAAD and the NAACP) have noted that his expression of his faith is not consistent with the Bible nor Christian charity. Others (including me) have noted that these expressions are no longer uncommon, and that if the faith believes it's OK to compare gay people to terrorists or claim that being gay leads to bestiality, then there's something wrong with the faith. Mitchell notes that what Robertson says is offensive, but she gives him a big pass simply because he said "the Bible said it." Religious bigotry is still bigotry. The Bible has been used to cloak a lot of hatred in this country and its use also shouldn't be given a pass. And, I'll note, that Robertson condemns two entire faiths in his remarks - Islam and Shinto Buddhism.
Second, I would think Mitchell would know better than to toss around the word "rights" in this context. Not only does she imply that people want to take away Robertson's "right" to his faith, but she amazingly gives voice to Sarah Palin of all people who, of course, mistakes what free speech means. How does criticizing a person's expression of their faith take away their speech or religion? It does not. AND not only is there no right to be on a reality TV show in the Constitution, when you choose to put yourself, your family and your beliefs in the public for display and profit, you shouldn't be surprised when people have an opinion and condemn you for what you say. Keep in mind this guy hasn't just said "I love all people, but the Bible tells me some aren't going to heaven." He's said some pretty terrible things, including videos of "sermons" that have been uncovered. He's unapologetic about it, and we should be unapologetic about condemning what he has said and applauding A&E's decision to no longer give him a platform for it.
Third, and here is where I think Mitchell may have started to lose it, she actually brings in the "war on Christmas." Let me be completely clear. When people say "Happy Holidays" because they want to be inclusive of the possible religious beliefs of the people to whom they make that expression, that is NOT fear of offending someone. On the contrary, it is an acknowledgement of the diversity of our country and a genuine desire to wish someone the best. Ironically, the more the evangelicals talk about the "war on Christmas," the more people say "happy holidays" because it highlights diversity. To the talking heads it's a fundraising issue, and a barely veiled 'I am Christian and you should be too." That's why people use it more - because so many of those who talk about "the war" represent the worst of our Christian neighbors. When I hear "war on Christmas" I know what will follow is really "war on non-Christians." I have never, EVER, met someone who was offended when I wished them a Merry Christmas, jewish, muslim or atheist.
The end of the article is where Mitchell really gets to her thesis. Mitchell says that people who call us murders, or say our kind will lead to bestiality, or that we're like terrorists are OK because "Robertson wasn't accused of using racial or gay slurs." She actually implies that if he'd called us faggots, he should be fired, but by calling us terrorists or murderers that's OK because ... it's in the Bible? Give me a break.
And then we read her real beef - right at the end: "Robertson' swift punishment is not only a testament to the power of LGBT activists, but to a growing intolerance in this country of people who do not agree with the gay rights movement." I think she misses the point and seems to struggle with the nuance, but if we (LGBT activists) have grown powerful enough to condemn people who would stand in the way of our rights, then that's something that Mitchell should be celebrating.
--Kevin Boyer
Kevin Boyer is the co-founder of the GLAAD Chicago Leadership Council and recently served as a co-chair of the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality in Illinois.
Related: What the Duck?? An Op-Ed from Bishop Carlton Pearson
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