Screaming Tom

[QueerAtlanta] AJC: Show heart in support of marriage (conservative rhetoric)

Shaunti Feldhahn is the conservative writer who writes the opposing view in
the AJC "Woman To Woman" column. It appears the religious right is on the
offensive by offering the "hate the sin, love the sinner" approach to gays
and lesbians, and Shaunti is right, denying gays and lesbians human and
constitutional rights is "heartless." (The same tactic was promoted last
weekend in Pensacola when James Dobson's group decided to hold a meeting
concerning Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola.) Views of people like Shaunti
to "protect marriage" ring hollow in the light of adultery and divorce in
the straight community.

Exactly what are conservatives protecting marriage from? It was never
mentioned in this opinion column and the original "Woman To Woman" article
is filled with misinformation and untruths on Shaunti's side and uses the "What about
the children?" defense. (Fans of the Simpson's always love that one!)

I agree with Shaunti that conservatives should "befriend" the gay community
because many differences in society stem from a lack of understanding of
other cultures, and when conservatives see everyday gays and lesbians - and
gay families - they may look in their hearts and not see the "threat"
portrayed by conservative religious leaders and the flamboyant images in the
media.

As for the media, the term "default" is enigmatic, to say the least. The
media reports the news and the reality of life in a neutral manner (FOX and
CBN excluded). I have to ask how a news outlet would cover incidents of
discrimination any other way than presenting the facts. I believe Shaunti's
problem here is how the viewer perceives the news piece and not the way the
story is covered.

Of course, when you have people like Fred Phelps and James Dobson speaking
for the anti-gay side you will have a PR problem on your hands.

One other note: Shaunti states "The pro-marriage movement is losing the
emotional high road. We are perceived as uncaring, and as hypocritical for
not fighting heterosexual divorce." I wonder if she would have said the same
thing about the civil rights movement years ago?

Tom Dempsey

PS I really love the "Woman To Woman" column and applaud the AJC for
featuring Diane Glass and presenting the opposing views. Kudos!

posted by Tom Dempsey @ 4/22/2004