Texas GOP Official Platform Calls for Imprisonment of Homosexuals and Supportive Heterosexuals
I’m not a big fan of Democrats right now. In fact, I’m so upset with their negotiations to be bi-partisan, I actually considered not voting for a single democrat this November and instead voting for an independent or abstaining my vote altogether. Many LGBT people have made calls for a boycott of the democrats – no money and no votes. But I live in Texas and that changes things for me.
The Texas GOP has released their “2010 State Republican Party Platform” and its filled with hate and bigotry. One blogger even likened the platform to being very similar to that of Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill – and they are absolutely right!
The anti-gayness of the Republican platform began with their principles. Principle #6 begins, :
We believe in… Self-sufficient families, founded on the traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman.
That principle concurs with roughly 76% of Texas voters (which was the percentage that voted to support an amendment to the Texas Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, or anything even similar to it).
But it gets far more frightening. Under the bold, uppercase heading, “Strengthening Families, Protecting Life and Promoting Health” the Texas GOP outlines why I should be legislated back into the closet and how they intend to do it:
Family and Defense of Marriage – We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. *** We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse.
You’ll note that the Texas GOP is asking that marriage rights in other states be revoked as well.
Family Values – We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These include well funded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities. These aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.
You’ll notice that the shoe fits. They are attempting to legislate me. They are attempting to deny me fundamental rights they enjoy based upon, as evidenced by this proposal, their belief in an intolerant and uncaring “God.” Here’s the definition of bigot to make it clear that they are what they claim not to be: “One who is strongly partial to one’s own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.”
Thus, I am a bigot too because I’m intolerant of the belief that I am inferior as a human to the Texas GOP. I accept and embrace that fact. The only difference between my bigotry and theirs is that I don’t tell them who they should marry.
But wait, it gets worse and here’s where we start sounding very Ugandan:
Marriage Licenses – We support legislation that would make it a felony to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple and for any civil official to perform a marriage ceremony for such.
That’s right. If you are a heterosexual clergy member who decides to perform a marriage ceremony for a same-sex person, you go to prison. You don’t have to have gay sex anymore to go to prison in Texas (as you did in the past), now you can go just for supporting a life commitment between two people of the same-sex.
The Texas GOP then goes on to ignorantly declare that homosexuality:
- tears at the fabric of society,
- contributes to the breakdown of the family unit,
- leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases, and
- is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans.
But wait, it gets worse… still:
Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
They then “demand” that Congress withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy – in other words, because the federal courts said people can’t go to prison for oral sex, Texas Republicans are pissed. They want people who have oral sex to go to prison. They are, again bigots, like me. Only, I don’t want them to go to prison for having vaginal to penis sex. I couldn’t care less about their missionary position.
I am a Texan, for those that do not know. I live and work in Texas and have lived in Texas the bulk of my life. It’s always been “home” to me in spite of the conservative nature of Texas politics. It has, however, become clear that Texas may soon begin to invade my home, arrest people like me, my friends and my loved ones. From the tone set by the GOP, they may decide it’s OK to open fire on homosexuals in the street. There is no stopping this level of hatred. They aren’t trying to stop us from marrying, they are trying to make us extinct.
So what should I do now? Find a friend in another country and find out that country’s laws regarding political asylum and make arrangements with that friend for when we are forced to flee from the land of the free and the home of the brave?
There is one principle of the Texas GOP that I support:
Americans having the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities, and the unalienable right to defend themselves.
This is my home – and I will use my “unalienable right” to defend it.
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(29 votes, average: 4.38 out of 5)
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And as a Texan and a Homosexual, I own a gun. They can try to take me by force if they want to.
As they said at Goliad: "Come and take it!"
Sexuality is none of our GD (gosh darned) business!!! We are not meant to judge, God is! And just because we can "put them back in the closet" doesn't mean they are going to magically convert, become straight and start heterosexual families! BTW — Ryan you're fantastic!
Yet another reason Republicans make me physically sick.
I can't think of a more sophisticated way to say this but….wow, what a bunch of hateful pricks.
OMG/GOP/WTF.
Sometimes I'm so ashamed to live in this state.
Their agenda also affects many straight people and people of color. They want to elimnate Social Security and privatize any retirement. That means, you are on your own. They want to stop the use of gene therapy. They want to eliminate learning disabilities from the Americans with Disabilities Act. They want to make English the official language and phase out anything in Spanish. That should win over the Mexican, Hispanic and Latino voters. They want only abstinence taught in sex education classes. Nothing else. They want it to be legal to display the Ten Commandments in public places, they want prayer – led by teachers – in public schools. They will allow the teaching of global warming in schools because political subjects should be discussed. Yes, global warming is a political topic, not a scientific one.
For a party that claims they want small government, it seems that they want government to be small enough to fit into your school, your place or worship, your home and especially your bedroom. If you live in Texas, you had better be white, straight, married, Christian, speak American English, pray every day, have no disabilities and a lot of money. Otherwise, you are screwed.
The old chant from Stonewall comes to mind: "Civil Rights or Civil War. Gay Rights NOW."
It's like a scene from V for Vendetta. That truly disgusts me. Not only are their proposals bigoted and hateful, they completely overstep the rules of government. I think it's time for the Government to start fearing it's people, instead of the other way around.
The good news fellas is that those who engaged in writing both parties' platforms are the minority within their own party. Just imagine if either Cliton or Obama would've followed every single doctrine of their party's platform; we would've anotheer Cuba or Russia…Platforms are usually drafted by the hardcore extremists of the party, not by the ones that we end up electing to govern and legislate. So, pay no mind to this nonsense.
Damn…looks like I'm going to prison…because I'll be damned if I'm gonna allow my friends, my family, and others to be persecuted like that. Looks like it's my turn to get a gun, as well.
Texas sucks donkey dick.
This is out right disgusting! Does the Texas GOP realize that they are trying to instate legislation that is parallel to Nazi legislation of the 1940's? This is the kind of thinking that created the holocaust. This is the kind of thinking that spawned the crusades and brought about centuries of slaughter. These people are steps away from being murders, all of them. And there is nothing they can say that will cause me to believe otherwise.
History does repeat itself, and that is exactly why we are supposed to truly study it in our formative years. What will they try and do next? Let us, then, go back to an age where slavery is simply normal and acceptable and women should shut the fuck up and know their place. This is what will be next. And years of slaughter, anger, rage, and despair will follow if they are allowed to have their way.
You don't have to, friend. You said it well the first time.
This is horrible! I live in Maine, and I'm also gay, so I'm safe for now, but this is what the United States is all about? Imprisioning gays for who they love? And I thought the US was the land of the free… I guess I was horribly wrong…
Need some help here… I'm a liberal so don't bash me. I'm also a student and because I simply couldn't believe the claims made here since they are so outrageous, I started doing some research. The only place I can find this supposed platform is on this site. Can you provide a link to something official (not a plain pdf document) to verify that their plaform actually states this? Their website actually posts the opposite position. I'm all about fighting injustice…but only when it is real. Thanks for the help!
You are right that it wouldn't make it past the courts – assuming the call to keep funds from the RNC for Texas isn't a measure for succession. As to the misleading title, please note that a felony offense in Texas is punishable by a prison term. Reinstatement of the sodomy laws could hold a prison sentence as well. The platform clearly states that performing a marriage ceremony or issuing a marriage license to a same-sex couple would be a felony offense. It further illustrates support for reinstating the sodomy laws. Of note is the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court repealed sodomy laws after charges of sodomy against a couple in Houston, Texas – after police found them engaging in sodomy in their home (not in public). The case is Lawrence v. Texas and is a very interesting read if you aren't already familiar with the case.
While the platform is ridiculous, the headline is misleading. It indicates a call for the imprisonment of homosexuals just for being homosexual. I don’t see much if any of this making it past the courts
Hm…yet another off the beaten path blog type website. Is there any link to this from a Republican party site? I just want to be sure this is worth being pissed about before I waste my energy.
Thanks!!
Regardless of whether or not it actually comes into fruition, the language used is incredibly damaging. We went to war, TWICE, during the Bush administration; which was supported by the majority due to the buy off of similar tactics.
Such language is used to incite irrational fear and violence. Failure to see it as such shows that we are just as easy to manipulate.
What is the National threat level at today? We have a list of colors to choose from; green, blue, yellow, orange, red. So easy.
Thanks Jay! I'm just completely blown away by this insanity. I was hoping that it was some sort of broad hoax. Now I'm just disgusted.
I would recommend that you read the Texas Tribune's article on the platform that also includes a pdf of the 2010 Texas GOP platform. The Texas Tribune is an independent, non-partisan investigative political journalism site that was begun by Evan Smith, the former editor of Texas Monthly. It employs the best political reporters in Texas, including several who used to write for the Dallas Morning News and other major state papers. Their coverage is usually spot-on, objective, fair, and well-respected in the state. Their article on the Texas GOP platform can be found at http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/texas-... and includes a copy of the platform itself.
Here you go.
http://tinyurl.com/2c34ltd
Here you go.
http://tinyurl.com/2c34ltd
Hi Golden: The platform area of the TexasGOP website has not been updated since 2009. You can Google "2010 Texas GOP Convention" and find links about the convention held last weekend, the platform presented and various the issues contained in the platform. There are sources such as Fox News and other "reputable" news sources (if I can use that word to describe media these days).
I certainly appreciate the skepticism. It's important that we look into all facts available.
The Texas Democratic Convention is coming up soon and will be in Corpus Christi. I do hope that they platform committee does a much better job representing all people and freedom than this platform has done.
Where are the Dixie Chicks when you need 'em? lol Damn. I am very glad I'm not in Texas; that is not to say that I am glad I'm not a Texan, as my goal here is not to offend those currently residing in or who consider their home to be Texas. I live in Northern Virginia. In fact, I work less than 10 minutes from DC where same-sex couples can legally apply for a marriage license and get MARRIED. But, again, I live in Virginia. It almost feels like being so close to freedom, yet so far away. My civil (equal) rights are so close I can taste them. But I digress. Reading this article, even though it's coming from all the way in Texas, makes me terrified for the future of (not only the gays) but the human race as a whole. Utterly shameful.
Thank you so much!
I'll check into that, and I'll keep your page bookmarked…I really appreciate your willingness to back up your article.
I would gladly fly from my home state to defend you and others like you.
now, listen everyone, you know this was written by a bunch of repressed homos that only like their sex in bathrooms and internet chat rooms.
That sounds just like Utah! And being only two of those things. I'm in big trouble and I don't own a gun!
I am on the verge of tears and feel like vomiting after reading this. I am blessed to be surronded by people who love and accept me but it saddens and angers me to know that such hate still exists in this nation and this world. My heart goes out to the members of the LGBT community of Texas especially the young gays and lesbians and those who feel forced to live in the closet and are scared to live freely as they are. To the parents of any child in Texas, I quote the motto of PFLAG; "Be careful who you hate; it might be someone you love."
kudos to you ! it seems there are very few who have the " guts" to stand up and say NOTTTT. after all, we DO pay their salaries, don't we
This from the party that thinks the democrats intrude too much on our lives.
Republicans…
Want to tell the terminally ill that they have no right to die on their own terms.
Want to refuse civil rights to LGBT folks.
Want to carry concealed weapons, but I can't have a joint on me.
Complain about unnecessary spending but won't let orphans go home with "alternative" families & thereby taken off the government dime.
Want to tell pregnant women they must have that baby, no matter what.
Yet they still want to make it hard for women to get the pill. (But guys can have Viagra!)
Guys can walk around oiled up & half naked but a woman nursing her baby is obscene.
Churches can choose not to marry homosexual couples, but LGBT-friendly clergy aren't allowed to marry them. (I'm an ordained minister…what good is the power vested in me if I can't use it?)
And on & on…. And they still have the gall to think "Don't Tread On Me" applies to them.
WOW, the nerve. I doubt it will do much good, but it's worth keeping a eye on those MF'ers. I just can't believe in todays world they walk around like they have personal conversations with God. I've stated this in other threads around the web ….. God teaches love and acceptance, the Devil teaches hatred and fear. These Right Wing assholes are just the devil in disguise using the name of God to get folks to listen to their rhetoric. All in the name of righteousness the spew all this bile and garbage but it's all just a ploy of the devil to keep us split and angry and fearful. If this got too big I'm sure the Gay population and their supporters would rise up and it would show just how powerful we really are as a force to be messed with.
If our dear President were truly the "savior" we have been hoping for this man would stop this crap dead in it's tracks and call out the hate mongers that are trying to put this into place. I sure would if I had that sort of power. Imagine having that sort of power and just sitting on your hands while things like this catch fire. I voted for him too….
I'm sorry… but I'll not "pay no mind to this nonsense" as long as there are people out there who actually believe this way. And there are more of them out there than any of us believe or imagine. And there are some in power. And, if ignored, they'll get what they want. SILENCE, IGNORANCE or APATHY = DEATH.
I think there was a lot of the platform which was taken out of context. I don't agree with the Texas GOP's position on this issue, but it is clear that they aren't calling for the imprisonment of gays and lesbians. The tile it misleading and inaccurate. Perhaps it could have been "Texas GOP's Platform is Full of Hate," but the platform doesn't call for the imprisonment of anyone.
Removing federal question jurisdiction on issues like sodomy, or a whole host of other issues, is a legal maneuver, not a call for imprisonment. It is much more regarding a state's right to govern rather than a declaration that homosexuals should be incarcerated. I think its disingenuous to equate a call for a legal maneuver an attempt to imprison an entire class of people.
Further, the issuance of state marriage licenses is criminalized in a whole host of states. You can't issue a marriage license unless your authorized to do so. In almost every state, it is specified who is authorized to conduct a marriage, and if you aren't authorized, that is a criminal offense. I'm not sure that I would equate calling for the criminalization of unauthorized marriage licenses issuance a call for supporters of gays and lesbians to be imprisoned.
I don't defend this language. I don't like it, I don't agree with it, and I am ashamed its in the GOP platform. But, I also don't agree with a misleading title, slanted analysis, and overstatement of the issues. Using inflammatory language and misleading statements on a blog to rally people to your side of a debate is no worse than the Republicans using hate-filled language in their platform to rally their base. It's the same thing, just on different sides of the debate.
This is why all gays need to register as Republicans and start to vote out the hateful assholes from the state legislatures. As long as we are on the Democrat list, we certainly don't matter in their eyes!
IF I'M GOING TO PRISON…WE ARE ALL GOING TO PRISON. This includes singers, dancers, wedding planners, doctors, policemen, firemen, politicians AND PRIESTS! …AND WE'LL HAVE A GAY OL' TIME!!
*Checking his watch* It is 2010, isn't it? This is the United States of America, right? This blog talks about my own awakening at how integrated I had become about my own acceptence of this kind of bigotry. Enjoy! http://powodzenias.blogspot.com/2010/06/got-ignor...
I disagree with your analysis of the legal maneuver. By removing federal question jurisdiction on sodomy, Texas would likely immediately incarcerate an entire class of people…again. The reason sodomy (for homosexuals and heterosexuals alike) is legal in the United States of America is because of the Supreme Court ruling of Lawrence v. Texas of 2003. Texas had a law that specifically targeted homosexual sodomy which was struck down by the Supreme Court. The platform advocates being able to contradict the Supreme Court's ruling and would therefore reinstate the previous law targetting homosexuals only.
[...] 8:45 am (Uncategorized) I probably can’t do this simply charming document the justice that jaysays did over at his blog, because I’m working on my thesis at the moment. But I’ll [...]
Well, a "civil official" wouldn't include clergy, so they're just talking about weddings done by justices of the peace or whatever. Plus, I don't think the comparison to Uganda is fair without them advocating our deaths.
Not that I think they don't want us dead; they're just not going to come out and say it.
Good article…thanks for posting it. Although there is a discrepancy between your opinion of opening fire on us in the streets and the rights with which you agree at the end of the article. Scare tactics are exactly what's gotten this country in such a fit a/k/a Sarah Palin. Democrats MUST not do the same thing. Also, in regard to the Stonewall mantra: there WILL be a Civil War but not just because of the homosexuality debate. The tea baggers are going to take over. Florida has militias like you wouldn't believe and more are forming all around the country. There are scary times ahead, my friends, and I don't want to be a part of it.
You go ahead and "pay no mind" – go party and pretend that everything is okay. The rest of us will fight for your civil rights. I don't know you and you may be a stand up guy, but man, that is one dumb statement to make.
Democrats may disappoint, but Republicans disgust.
[...] as belonging to the same form of bigotry that the nations of Uganda and Malawi belong to. In their party platform, they state “We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These [...]
Since when dose Texas get to run the rest of the country? I live in Oklahoma, which in my opinion is much worse then Texas. In fact it is the 3rd most anti-gay state in the nation (followed by Mississippi and Alabama) But SO FAR we have not had anything like this!!!
I concede, good sir, that the legal maneuver would indeed open the door to re-criminalize gay sex. I'd be unfair to to admit that. But, I don't think that it would lead to the incarceration of an entire people. In Lawrence, it was one of the first times in decades that the law was actually used, and Lawrence was never threatened with jail, but I believe was fined $100 – still unfair, but it's not imprisonment.
I think the legal maneuver is sneaky, but at the same time its not like Texas and other states were imprisoning gay people before 2003. And, regardless of a federal question now, the 2003 decision would still be effective.
If this is solely about a state's right to govern than why the focus on sodomy. Is that really the greatest issue in the debate between federal and state authority. And EVEN if it is totally innocuous, how about they not fight this battle using legislation that COULD potentially see my privacy violated and be used to throw me into jail. And if it is simply a legal maneuver, why is it under the heading "CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE" and why is it one paragraph after the line "Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God"
The GOP wants to criminalize gay sex AND criminalize acts that strengthen the fight for marriage equality. It's fine to say that they don't actually intend on throwing anyone in jail but, if that's the case, why the push to criminalize these acts. There aren't very many other reasons to make these acts into felonies.
I agree the analysis is hyperbolic. But the actual, literal language of the law refers to gays and lesbians as unnatural, aggressive, intolerant, disease-ridden, ungodly, and unacceptable. By drawing attention to this AND by reacting with legitimate anger, can you really still state that the reactions by the blogger and the posters as "the same thing, just on different sides of the debate. "
I have another question – why did I forget to put a ? after every question in my article?
Ok these people are about 41 years too late… Stonewall already happened
I'd prefer to "pay some mind" to legislation that uses language that literally refers to gays and lesbians as unnatural, aggressive, intolerant, disease-ridden, ungodly, and unacceptable and that also aims to give power to legislators to invade my private life and criminalize my sex acts.
By their boldness, GOP is demonstrated that there are a sizable number of Texan Republicans who feel this way. Doing nothing is probably NOT the wisest course of action.
Somebody trying to push this through US law should infact themselves be arrested for proving they are against everything this country was built on.
This is garbage it will never pass. And its getting to the pint now owhere its just ridiculous
I'm a Latino, anti-gay rights conservative Democrat, and while SOME–not all–of this might be a bit over the top for me, if the alternative is to be a pro-gay marriage supporter, I'll live with the Texas Repubs on this issue. I'm sick of equating where you stick your pecker with Minority civil rights; and I repudiate the notion of same-sex marriage, polygamy, and incestuous marriage. Want to live in the sewer with whatever lifestyle you want, as long as the people are "consenting adults"? Then come to my fine state of California, where just about every perversion is welcomed and tolerated. Give us time–we'll even decriminalize some pedophilia sooner or later, once someone in Sacramento figures out that if a child can get an abortion without parental consent, and control their bodies to THAT extent, they can likewise enter into a "consensual" relationship with an adult.
The people who put that platform together must believe there are voters out there who want this sort of thing, and I suppose there are, unfortunately—which is downright terrifying!—but I have to believe there are many, many more voters who are compassionate and rational and who would never let this kind of thing pass. I live in Texas and have voted generally conservatively in the past, but there is NO way I'd vote for somebody who stood by this.
Straight man appauled by this shit… i got your back homos… lol for a lack of better words..
WHo has the right to tell us we can not get Married , thats buttshit. No one should have the right to do that. We work we pay f ing texes and . Stop voting for asshole.Vote for gayfriendly or gay. Lets get the old farts out . AND NEW BLOOD IN. i'M OVER HAVING OLD FARTS TELLING US WHATS RIGHT WE DO NOT HAVE, ATFER PLAYING ON THE SIDE WITH LITTLE BOYS.Or having a lady friend on the side.That the wife does not know about . SAY no to old farts.
The Texas Republican agenda nauseates me, and I think you make some interesting comments. However, I have to correct you on one thing that you said a couple of times: sodomy is not oral sex, it's anal sex. Big difference.
YES! Thumbs up!! "Thus, I am a bigot too because I’m intolerant of the belief that I am inferior as a human to the Texas GOP. I accept and embrace that fact. The only difference between my bigotry and theirs is that I don’t tell them who they should marry."
I have a cousin who just told me he has an problem right now. He heard through hearsay that the girls gym teacher at the HS, where his kids attend, might be gay. Its a catholic school. He doesn't know if he should go to his priest or confront the woman personally and then go to his priest. He wants her out if she is a lesbian. I'm fucking livid. Told him he should keep his mouth shut and mind his own business. He says he's less concerned its a woman because women are "less likely to rape children then gay men". I'm appalled that we have the same blood.
[...] Bush’s Promised Land Jump to Comments A new platform for Texas Republicans, full of standard-issue, boiler-plate homophobia. – DS 40.714269 [...]
HA! HA! HA!
I wonder if stupid things like this are why nobody believe democrats anymore. I read the article, then read the original source, then read the comments here. you idiots are sheep.
Democrats have achieved wht the republicans never could: They have given america a reason to move to the right.
So that's the real reason my white straight married christian english speaking constantly praying rich parents want to move there…
yay! i love you Canada!!!! home sweet home.
It looks like more than ONE Texas village has lost it's idiot –
They are seeking to make issuance of same sex marriage licenses and sodomy felonies……punishable by a prison term in TX. Sounds pretty accurate to me
Really Vince? You are so narrow minded and uninformed that you have the gall to continue to equate incest, polygamy, and pedophilia with homosexuality. Studies have proven time and again YOU are more likely to be a pedophile than me, maybe that's why you are so interested in the subject. I see you also seem to be preoccupied with homosexual sex too…..one of the many issues it seems you need help with. Being LGBT has to do with so much more that just where someone sticks their pecker, the same way you being hetero has to do with a lot more than where you stick yours, but being such an idiot I can understand if you don't have the opportunity to stick yours anywhere very often.
You are an uneducated buffoon which makes it a lot easier to understand why you are such a proud self proclaimed "anti-gay right conservative Democrat"
Just more proof people should have to take some kind of intelligence exam before being allowed to vote.
No one ever said you have to be pro-gay anything, the gist of it all is that you should MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS and let others mind theirs. No one is going to kidnap you one day and make you marry another man just because its legal….sorry to burst your repressed little bubble.
And by the way, just how many gay men do you know who would ever live in a place that could be referred to as a sewer? Child please!
If he truly believes that marriage is a religious institution, then he can't say anything, because of not only "Freedom of Religion", but the whole "Separation of Church and State". One can not have influence over the other. As he is very obviously trying to use religion as his whole basis… that means that the Texas GOP is directly going against the United States Constitution. Why is this little fact not being mentioned in the press… and why isn't the GOP being kicked out of office on this very basis? If you violate the Constitution… you go to jail. That's how it's always been. That's why we have it.
While I certainly agree that their platform is heinous, I think we should be very careful not to stoop to the same tactics that Republicans use. The headline implies that the platform calls for imprisoning lesbians and gays simply for being lesbian and gay. Unless I missed it, that is not the case. The only reference to a punishable crime that I saw in this article relates to marriage licenses and "civil officials" performing marriages. While this, too, is heinous, I think it is important to note that "civil official" does not refer to clergy people. It refers to justices of the peace and others who work for the government who might perform a marriage.
Aagin, I agree with you about the platform, but, unlike the Republicans, I think we need to stick to truths.
Uh, Jeremy–this will come as a shock, but you are not going to define for me what 'minding my own business' involves.
Part of 'minding my own business' is to do what I can to use the system to affirm, alter, or overturn attitudes or laws on some issues and views on subjects like Gay marriage. In this case, I reject YOUR views on the subject, and will do what I can to enforce 'my' views on your life, considering your feelings and disagreements entirely irrelevant. (As mine are to you)
Why are they irrelevant? Because that's how the system works: Side A tries to use legislation and/or the courts to enforce THEIR agenda against the will of those on side B who oppose it, while side B (or C, D, E, etc.) does likewise.
I assume you have no problem with that? Or does only 'your' side have a right to enforce its agenda on those who disagree?
Oh, and for the record, I reject any appeals based on "fairness," "tolerance," "freedom," , "the Constitution," "civil rights," and so on that some people try to use. All those words are open to interpretation, and hence not infallibly defined.
Traditional marriage is not under attack, never was. Just because the constitution extends the same rights of liberty, life, and happiness to the "gays" does not mean it ceases to provide those rights to racists, bigots and other hate-mongers. If a man builds a house next to yours and decides to paint it red, but you hate the color red, or think it is a sin, does that mean you're house is under attack? Or just your sensibility? I mean really, they have some home owner associations that forbid certain colors or even having a truck in your drive way (I wonder how the GOP Texans would feel about that?). But honestly people, in this day and age, with all of the other world issues like d human suffering due to hunger, disease, torture, and war, why in God, or anyone's name for that matter, would we be fighting each other over the right of two people who love each other having the opportunity to cement that love through a legally binding contract before their friends, the state, and their God. Who by the way may not feel the same about homosexuals as the GOP ascertains is the Christian God feels.
Justin I am glad you brought some sense to this blog. In these volatile times where our country is split the way it is , shameful that someone filled with hatred themselves can do nothing but grow more hatred and separation. Sorry there are so many that fall right into this trap.
The fact is that there are good understandable people on both sides , unfortunately the bad apples take more time to bring discord and confussion.
Lita
One overstated point is that clergy who witness life commitment ceremonies would be subject to criminal penalties. This is untrue, as clergy are not civil officials and commitment ceremonies are not weddings.
I think this legislation is great. No one is coming into your house to arrest you, unless you start providing forged marriage certificates. Gay relationships are simply not the equal of heterosexual marriages. That does not mean you can't have a great gay relationship, just don't expect it to be treated like a real marriage.
I'm going to post this within the main thread for clarification on the contentious points raised by many of you… thereafter, I'll leave you to your own dialogue. The comments claiming that the GOP Platform does not support the imprisonment of gays are wrong. It, in fact, DOES. To show that, a little knowledge of the history of the Texas Sodomy Law is in order. I did not include that as part of this post, which was apparently a mistake. I made the erroneous assumption that readers would know the history of the highly publicized law. I forget that I'm older than many readers and would thus recall it much more clearly.
In Texas, the Sodomy law was overturned by the Supreme Court in the case Lawrence v. Texas. Lawrence and his partner *spent a night in jail* upon being found in their home engaging in "sodomy." If that is not "imprisonment" I'm not sure what would qualify.
The GOP platform linked to clearly calls for a reinstatement of the sodomy law – before repeal that law made it an offense to engage "in deviant sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex," and was also known as the "Homosexual Conduct Law." It did not outlaw sodomy between opposite sex couples.
Further, under Texas law, a felony is punishable (upon proof of guilt) with a prison sentence. Who would be tried (be they clergy or state/city employees) is moot in my opinion. Would it really make a difference who went to prison on FELONY charges for performing a ceremony honoring the love and commitment of two people?
Please, take some time to educate yourself and know what is at stake – make your own decisions and draw your own opinions – then get out and VOTE, call your representatives and demand they publicly condemn this platform or stand united with it – at least then we will know where they stand.
YES WE CAN STARTS WITH YES WE DO!
As a gay man (who thankfully lives in Canada) I'm appalled by many things in this article…. One question though, I cannot find anywhere in the article where the GOP call for imprisonment of homosexuals as stated in the title of this article…. Was this a figure of speech meant to illustrate that denial of rights equates imprisonment?
Mat: Please see the above comment. To see that point, you must understand the history of the "Homosexual Conduct Law" a/k/a the "Sodomy Law" in Texas. Thank you.
Thanks for the background! I wasn't trying to critique the article… but of course the headline promptd me to read your piece and left me with unanswered questions… You've helped guide me in the right direction to gain further context.
Wow. Same sex and incestuous couples lumped into the same category? Really?The rest of your comment… Educate yourself please, instead of running your mouth on something you find "different and therefore objectionable". Idiot.
Glad to help. Most outside of Texas wouldn't know the history – particularly outside of the United States. It was my error in not including the history in the original piece.
How embarrassing for Texas…
I'm from Sydney, Australia and we supposedly have the 2nd largest LGBT community out of any city in the world. If Texas doesn't want you, we certainly do
I agree with tiggerclr… GLBT folks (as well as their supporters) should start registering for the GOP, and support organizations like the Log Cabin Republicans, GOPride, and all gay-friendly conservatives out there like Meghan McCain and GayPatriot on Twitter. I would love to see this hateful bile eradicated from the GOP platform in my lifetime!
Thanks Sydney, but you guys gotta remember they have to get elected and then have over 50 % of the House and Senate and get the damn thing passed.
I gotta say that's a long shot.
Why do Republicans make you physically sick? Could it be due to your own ignorance?
Thank you, but I am sufficiently educated without needing something like you to teach me HER idea of education. Perversion is perversion. And same-sex marriage is a PERVERSION. Beyond that, IDIOT, if same-sex marriage is permissible, there is NO–repeat, NO–warrant for denying marital rights to either siblings, parents/children, nor is there justification for forbidding polygamy. Unless you are going to appeal to a RELIGIOUS or HISTORICAL cultural argument, nothing in the realm of Constitutional law (which is what you IDIOTS keep appealing to) defines marriage as only between two unrelated people; and since an IDIOT like you certainly believes that society should allow the changing attitudes of the culture to be reflected in society's progressing laws, and that consenting adults should be able to do what they want so long as they aren't hurting anyone else…then certainly–IDIOT–you would not forbid a loving menage a trois from having the right to marry.
Right, IDIOT?
Similarly, if you allow gay marriage as constitutional, by what legal constitutional argument–IDIOT–would you forbid a consenting brother and sister from marriage?
Only an IDIOT would forbid it on the basis that they might have children with disabilities, right? Because that would logically mean that, for instance, mongoloid or mentally challenged people would have no right to marry. And only an IDIOT would deny mentally challenged people the right to marry, right?
And what right would it be of yours, IDIOT, to even make some other couple's genetics your business? Or the government's business?
So, IDIOT, educate YOURSELF, and get consistent. Join the SINCERE gays out there, who have the guts to take the position that no one should dictate to anyone whom they may or may not marry, so polygamy and incestuous marriages are no one's business other than those involved in them.
Have a nice day…IDIOT
Thank you for your nonsensical comment! Republicans make me physically sick because they think they have the "moral right" to tell other people how to live their lives. If you're one of them, please go screw yourself. You have no moral rights and no credibility.
This is disgusting! I'm glad I live in Iowa where gay rights are legal. How could anyone think like this? It is so full of hate. They say they are Christians but then they do and say such hateful things. Shouldn't they be accepting? I just don't know how people can hate something just because it's different from them. This makes me unbelievably sad and I'm not even gay, so I feel for all the homosexuals in Texas. They and other supporters should rally. This just isn't right!
they could be their own country and they could build a fence around them ,see if the rest of the civilized world cares. maybe they can take the bible belt too
and by the way :log cabin republicans :how do you like that?
I am a Republican and I also find this crap completely hateful. The GOP has truly lost sight of its mission/purpose and true priorities.
Armed Gays don't get bashed – Pink pistols-
Actually, I used to think that about sodomy but it does include oral sex. I forget where I looked it up though.
Are you single? LOL
PRINCIPLES
We Believe in:
1. Strict adherence to the Declaration of Independence and U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
2. Preserving American Freedom and Texas Sovereignty.
3. Limiting the expanse of Government Power.
4. The sanctity of human life, created in the image of God, which should be protected from fertilization to
natural death.
5. Personal Accountability and Responsibility.
6. Self-sufficient families, founded on the traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman.
7. Having an educated population, with parents having the freedom of choice for the education of their
children.
8. Americans having the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities, and the
unalienable right to defend themselves.
9. A free enterprise society unencumbered by government interference or subsidies.
10. Restoring American sovereignty and leadership,and we honor all of those that serve and protect our freedom with peace through strength.
This is from the pdf file – it's Bull shit … Someone need' s to open this up Big Time on the next Hearing ………… Love The One your With …….. no matter what ……….Adam & Steve – we are here ! !
Couldn't agree more! Well said & more then a little scary!
Why not Dan? How does gay marriage hurt anyone? I'm straight. Gee, do you think my marriage will be hurt if the gay couple down the block gets married instead of just living together? It's about legal rights. Prove that gay relationships are not the equal of heterosexual marriages. Because you say so? The scientific literature is filled with proof. Go read the Prop 8 trial. The defense had zero facts.
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/texas-...
Eddus, I mean this truly with respect. Why would they draft a hardcore extremist minority view? How does that make them a party or win them votes? They had to agree on this or it wouldn't be out there. Or did they do this to create more Democrats in Texas? Because I hope that is the result.
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/texas-...
Try this source Guest. It's real.
They mean legal marriages, not commitment ceremonies performed without a license.
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/texas-...
Read this Kelsey. You asked for proof. I don't see any hate speech in this blog. I see a man defending his rights from bigots.
Thanks for good blog article. I'm really tired of the disgusting anti-homosexual bigotry that exists for a majority of the country. Is it no wonder that gay teens kill themselves in such great numbers or destroy themselves with alcohol and drugs when they're told that just being themselves is "renting the fabric of society."
FUCK YOU TEXAS!! I'M SOOO MOVING TO NEW YORK OR CALIFORNIA WHEN I'M OLD ENOUGH!
That's what we get for having a far-left liberal in the White House. It always works this way. Now they'll swing far right to hopefuly bring it back to the center. if you really want to be a drama queen then get all excited about this. Most of these things won't ever happen.
Republicans "have no moral rights and no credibility"? That's absurd, and anybody with half a brain knows it. You sound just as bad as this Republican platform. They think homosexuals are the scum of the earth—how are you any different by saying basically the same thing about Republicans? What an amusing hypocrite you are.
Any bigot is ignorant, including both those who think homosexuals have no right to live and those who think all Republicans are worthless.
You don't have to be nice or silence your opinions, but at least refrain from being an idiot.
I married a Swiss guy and am now living as an ex-patriot with dual citizenship in Switzerland. I strongly urge you to do the same thing. I love Texas. It's where I'm from and where my family still lives, but it angers and frightens me that homosexuals in Texas, in this day & age of enlightenment, are still treated worse than African Americans were treated back in the 1950's and 60's. When will our Civil Rights Movement begin?
A couple months ago I was on a cruise. I walked up on a Gay couple getting engaged. I naturally applauded. We exchanged hand shakes and I told them I was very happy for them. When they asked where I was from and I said "Texas" their jaws dropped. I hate that we really have *that* bad of an image.
Jay, I don't know where you live, but I recommend that if it's opening anywhere near you, you go see the new documentary "Stonewall Uprising". It's a must-see, for gays and straights. http://firstrunfeatures.com/stonewalluprising.htm...
I just saw a new documentary opening in 30 cities around the country this summer, called "Stonewall Uprising". The movie opens with clips of what passed for "information" on homosexuality in the 50s and 60s, and it's frightening just how similar it felt to the gist of this platform.
Everyone should see this movie — it would be hard for a conservative to accept such GOP crap after seeing what gays went through to get civil rights, and for the rest of us, it's history that we probably don't know as much about as we should. http://firstrunfeatures.com/stonewalluprising.htm...
Why don't we give Texas back to Mexico?
All the more reason to ALWAYS excersize the right to vote. Because its a fight to protect that right for ALL>
I would just like a little fact check. I went to http://www.texasgop.org, and I could not find the platform document that you have quoted. Can you please tell me where you got this information?
I'm not really here to argue with you, Vince, but I would like to know where exactly it states that a marriage is between a "natural man and a natural woman". Because, that is what you are fighting for, right? To save your ideal marriage? Not to mention, if you're an anti-gay rights conservative, then WHY are you even reading up on this particular article? It is very clear that there is nothing HETEROsexual about this. So, I'm confused. Not unintelligent, so don't get the wrong idea here. I'm simply confused about your intention here. You argue about minding one's business, yet this article has nothing to do with you, right? You're not a homosexual that is being targeted. You are not from Texas. You have about the same amount of "rights" as the gays do, in this particular situation. Also, I am absolutely disgusted by your comparison between homosexuality, incest, and pedophilia. I may be a homosexual, but I'm not incestuous. And I sure as hell do not find an attraction to little children. So, you are more than welcome to have your incest and child porn in California. But I prefer my MEN talk, dark, and handsome, honey. So, don't throw me into a group of people that I don't belong in. Because, while you're sitting here running your mouth about things you know nothing about, the Texas GOP is trying to make sure that YOUR language isn't allowed in our state, either. I am not a racist, by any means, so don't get the wrong idea here. I just find it appalling that you can sit here and judge someone the way you do, based on what your government tells you. You are clearly too narrow-minded to actually see ANYTHING. I pray that one day, you open your eyes, and see the truth of love. It's not gender-based. And, soon enough, marriage won't be either. So, suck on that IDIOT!
TEXAS?! Holy shit, Texas?! The only things they have in Texas is steers and queers, and you don't look much like a steer to me so that kinda narrows it down.
Alyssa, according to this platform only women are allowed to suck donkey dick in Texas.
check this out
http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_...
am very proud of being from Iceland when I read about what is going on in other parts of the world. Hope you will be as successful in your fight
So, Texas basically wants to secede, do they? OK! BYE! We won't get into another Civil War over THIS damn state. Oh, and if we want their raw materials, we can just invade and kick their Texas buns. Oh, and they DON'T get any help from the federal govt when it comes to guarding their borders from Mexicans crossing over.
This both saddens and angers me. The use of God's name and religious language to abuse and suppress is reprehensible. This is not the" lover your neighbor as yourself", and "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" Christianity I grew up with and believe. Shame on the GOP!
This platform is most certainly on their website I could provide a direct link but that would take you directly to the PDF and since some of you want to be able to type in texasgop.org and find it yourself, here's a guide on how to get to it from the home page. Follow closely and then to your community a favor and stop questioning it and start reposting it on every social networking medium you use…… Start out by navigating to the URL texasgop.org then —–> Click on GOP Principles. this is located in the header bar below their banner ad, then —–> Scroll down about three-quarters of the way and click on 2010 Republican Party of Texas Platform…….. Ya there yet? OK, the homo hating BS is on page six of this document…. Now, read it again if you weren't pissed off enough the first time you read it here. Now, repost……..
I think you've got it……….
Golden, it's on the Texas GOP site: http://www.texasgop.org/inner.asp?z=6
PDF link is at the bottom of the statements.
Time for you all to move to Canada!
Dear Texans and Americans (If we can actually call ourselves that anymore),
Wake up! How many government officials are there? How many citizens are there? We vastly out number them. Our constitution clearly states, "We the people" and we the people have the right to remove them from power. This is the land of the free. This is not the land of the few who get to make the rules for millions of others and take away their rights one by one. As I read these comments, I see people posting things like "come and take it!" What are we waiting for? Why are we letting them gain more and more control over our everyday lives. Why are we letting the government come into our homes, families, and lives and be able to dictate our every action? At what point will the general population stand up and say no more and take action?
If our government is concerned about who I have sex with and what position it might happen to be in, something is wrong. Seriously people. Stop and think about that. The people that were elected to run our nation and to keep our country safe are spending our tax dollars worrying about who we're having sex with and in what positions! Those individuals need removed from office immediately.
Separation of church and state. Any government official that wants to enforce a policy or law because it's the "Godly" thing to do needs to be removed from office. That official clearly can not separate church and state and is pushing his or her personal agenda.
I am a white gay man. Nowhere in the constitution does it say that I have any less rights than any other citizen of our nation. Nowhere does it say that I should not be afforded the right to marriage. Nowhere does it say that our country was built on religious principles and that religion should have anything to do with a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman getting married. In fact, it does say that all men are created equal!
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but long ago didn't we make the long voyage across the ocean and start this country to get away from these exact things that our government is doing to us now? So I ask the question again, at what point will the general population stand up and say no more and take action?
it seems to me that this could become another Holocaust and how are they getting away with this dont they have to get some kind of approval of the higher government?..im not gay myself but my mom is and i am scared if this state is allowed to do this whats stopping all the other gay hateing states? seems to me that they are scared of what they are ,meaning that they must be gay and tring to hide it:)
It might not be American, but it sure the hell is Texan! Don't tread on me, and don't mess with Texas!
I found this link via a friend on Facebook, and my immediate thought process was "Well, I *know* ULC ministers can solemnize weddings in Texas…and I believe that passive resistance works if the folks doing it are willing to suffer as a result…I wonder how bad life really is in a women's prison."
https://www.1888932-2946.ws/TexasGOP/E-ContentStr...
Somethign tells me this is written by some obnoxious, religiously intoxicated, mentally disturbed individual who hates people of the same sex and wishing for it to go the Hitler way.
Barack Obama should get this policy writer a jail term and a life time ban in politicial involvement. It ABSOLUTLY SUCKS!!!!!!
Here Here Lynne! This reform is idiocrasy, but CC, you're no better in your thought process either, you might as well jump on the same boat!
they have been rewriting the history we are supposed to learn from too–have you seen what they are doing in texas to the textbooks that will also be ordered by a majority of the other states as well? truly scary.
I think you've got it too…
If "it" refers to a severe case of mental retardation
What happened to them that the decided this? This is insanity. I don't live in Texas but, I have family that was born and raised for most of their life in Texas. They happened to be gay. What if there were still there. Would they be put in jail for just being married to someone who happens to be of the same sex as them? What happened to our rights as Americans? Why is there so much predjudice against gays? That's just horrible. I hope they never pass that law.
It's definitely not an American thing, it really just depends on the individual. I hate guns, but I sure as hell would use one if my life or the life of my family was in danger.
The US was never the "land of the free". Those foreigners that fell for the same myth immigrated here en masse, only to be met with extreme poverty, abuse from the bourgeoisie, and complete disregard and even abuse from legislators.
The country touts freedom and democracy, but it is instead a stellar example of a plutocratic system; a rampant capitalist platform where politicians take big corporate checks in exchange for legislation and the citizens' (you know, that "We the people" part) only way to fight back is to band together, something they're unable to do because of their opposing stances on so many issues and "hands-off" approach to taking part in running, regulating, and advancing their own country.
If you read the document itself, you will see that the only statement regarding inprisonment is on page 16 regarding the sentencing of habitual felons. It says NOTHING about inprisonment fo Homosexuals or Supportive Heterosexuals.
Get your Facts Correct!
This is a horrible platform, admittedly, but I don't read anything in here about imprisoning homosexuals. As a gay person, think its important that we fight intolerance with a thorough knowledge of the facts and reasonable debate. A headline like "Texas GOP Official Platform Calls for Imprisonment of Homosexuals and Supportive Heterosexuals" is a dishonest way to attract people to a very important issue.
I don't live in Texas, nor am I gay. I don't consider myself a sheltered, closed minded individual either. My question is, Who is this "GOP Official" that opens this dialog? I need more information!!! I can't fathom a person, or a group of such, as being this ignorant.
■tears at the fabric of society,
■contributes to the breakdown of the family unit,
■leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases, and
■is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans.
The above would, I believe, apply to anyone who cheats and lies to their partner, regardless of sexual orientation. It seems that the Texas GOP believes that gay individuals are magical creatures who have the somehow mystical ability to influence non-gay individuals. I would like the Texas GOP to reveal to me the exact mechanics of this process.
Who we choose to have intimate behind closed door relations with is nobody’s business but our own. If Rino’s want to truly adhere to the Republican ideal they would embrace Liberty and Freedom which includes individual rights and not collective rights.
As far as the marriage thing I think it is ridiculous and a waste of our time as homosexuals. If you want to be legally accessible to your mate and vice versa there are documents that can be drawn up that are legally binding. (So what is a marriage license?) And if you want to show it off to everybody you know have a ceremony. Nowhere in the Constitution does it mention any group being able to have special recognition and I would rather adhere to the Constitution. Collectivists are the one’s griping about this, Constitutionally we are Individuals and there is where our rights lie.
This is why I feel both parties have been infiltrated by other idea-logs. Democrats have been overtaken by Progressives and I haven’t a clue what the Rino’s think they are but it is almost as bad. Both have forgotten what is written in the Constitution.
Until we return to our Constitutional Republic and Constitutional laws we are, as a country, screwed.
They need to add a bit to those sets of laws to protect marriage. Divorce will need to be outlawed even if it was done in a different state. And if they get remairied even if it is in a different state it would be considered an affair. Any form of affair needs to have the same laws applied to it as the homosexuals.
So that would mean jail for any of those that are remarried. Oh and lets not forget that even looking at someone of the opposite sex with any lustful thoughts would be the same as having commited an affair.
I am a Libertarian. I can't find any official Republican platform or document that even slightly resembles this. It appears as if someone with an agenda has issued a false call to arms and you all fell for it. C'mon, use your heads! The Muslims that are trying to take over and impose sharia law would have you all stoned to death. Vote all incumbents out and let's start over!
Does this mean that single parents will be forced to marry or else loose their children?
This article is hype. Change the headline.
Here's the "official" link. Bottom of the page:
http://www.texasgop.org/inner.asp?z=6
Lawrence and his partner were put in prison overnight because of the Texas Sodomy Law (which targeted only homosexual sodomy). Felony offenses in Texas are a prison sentence as well. Not hype… fact. The title is accurate.
To clarify, reinstatement of the Texas Sodomy Law could result in others going to prison. The platform clearly calls for that.
ALL – You really should look at all the State GOP Platforms – many are the same as the one in Texas.
Also, if you go to the Texas GOP web site, go to Principles, then to the Platform, you'll find the actual PDF – it is there
I'm trying to find the original source of the document. I've only seen it on your website and the Texas Tribune. I can't find this at all on the Republican Party official site.
Can you tell me where this originated? Thanks.
This whole thing is just an index of the Republicans' desperation. Whenever Republicans are struggling to cobble together a viable platform and are hard pressed to unite their own party and garner swing votes, they'll avail themselves of one or both of their tired old "Nucelar Options": (1) Bring up the abortion issue again; (2) stir up hatred toward gays. After all, they must figure, there are more gay-haters than there are Republicans. When fishing for votes, why not drag the widest possible net?
Lawrence was an enigma — the Sodomy statutes were rarely enforced, anyway.
You raise some good points in your replies, but it's not in your article.
You do not overtly in your blog post mention the plank that addresses the Sodomy statutes, so your argument seems strange and late-in-coming to me. If the Sodomy statutes plank is the basis of truth for your headline, then surely you would have mentioned it in your story! Yet, sir, I'm led to believe that you're now grasping at straws.
Perhaps an addition to your article would be necessary to arrive at a more coherant argument against the Republican Party of Texas' 2010 platform. I'd welcome it.
i am heterosexual, and a native texan living far away in washington state.
the politicians are making it really hard for me to defend my home state in the face of the western washington bigots with which i've to deal up here (i.e. "texas hate").
i love all of my friends, be them gay, straight, black, white, rich, or poor… and i'll stand by them to defend anyone trying to put them away for being nothing but a natural human being (that's right, it's natural!).
texas is a wonderful land… but it's that right-wing idiocy that needs to be made extinct, not just back home, but everywhere.
So, why don't we just start fucking -killing- these ignorant dumbfucks? These religious zealots have never had any qualms about killing -us- in the past. Pull a bunch of people from an anti-gay rally and string 'em up in the street.
I own a gun and can use it. They will have to kill me before I would let them take me away for being gay! Lets start a movement to lock up all straight people! Better yet lets start the first all gay party! Come out of the closet and take charge of government for ourselves.
Ask a German from 1936 what paying this no mind means…
https://www.1888932-2946.ws/TexasGOP/E-ContentStr...
Part of Texas' GOP Platform is a call to reduce federal spending.
Texas has no state income tax, and receives nearly $149 billion (2005) plus annually in federal funding to keep the state alive.
I say we eliminate this funding, saving $1.5 trillion over the next decade.
For those who don't think that this could happen, just take a look a the oil disaster and the fact that big oil has managed to get the temporary moratorium on deep water drilling lifted. Our priorities are all wrong.
you missed the part about the ADA:
“Americans with Disabilities Act – We support amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude from its definition those persons with infectious diseases, substance addiction, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, homosexual practices and mental stress, thereby reducing abuse of the Act.”
so, in Texas, gay people in wheelchairs are out of luck? ridiculous.
What's also very scary is when they said:
"We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values."
So does that mean they can attack us, try to kill us, and do anything they want against homosexuals like me and get away scot free? Sure sounds like it! Sounds very Hitler Youth of them…
where can i find this platform on a RNC supported site?
you homos want all the same rights to me "married and treated equally need to go start your own country. you say that only god can judge you? by being a homo you forced you to judge you as an abomination and send you to hell because you thought that being a fudge packer or a carpet muncher is natural. adam and eve not adam and steve. homosexuality is a sin, one of the many that sodom and gomorrah were destroyed for. believe that god will save you homos from your fate when you die if that helps you sleep at night but in the end you all will burn!
You may find the platform under About the Party at http://www.texasgop.org.
This "platform of hate" is being brought to us by those who profess faith in the God of Jesus Christ. As the senior pastor of the largest, predominately and historically LGBT church in the nation, in Dallas (yes you're reading that right), Texas, I think they must have overlooked that part of the Bible in which Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment includes the instruction to "love your neighbor as yourself." The Dallas County Jail is already overcrowded. I wonder where they are going to put all of us.
wtfe dude, there is a HUGE difference between Homosexuality and pedophilia!!!!!
That's why I live in Colorado! I'm a native Texan, lived there my first 21 years of life, and wouldn't live there again.
No, they're not: sucking donkey dick is oral sex, and that's sodomy too.
[...] Texas GOP Calls for Imprisonment of Homosexuals | jaysays.com | I am a Texan, for those that do not know. I live and work in Texas and have lived in Texas the bulk of my life. It’s always been “home” to me in spite of the conservative nature of Texas politics. It has, however, become clear that Texas may soon begin to invade my home, arrest people like me, my friends and my loved ones. From the tone set by the GOP, they may decide it’s OK to open fire on homosexuals in the street. There is no stopping this level of hatred. They aren’t trying to stop us from marrying, they are trying to make us extinct. (tags: texas bigots) [...]
^_^ Accepting of peoples sexuality for more than 40 years
The following quote is directly from the 2010 TEXAS State Republican Platform
(please look at #4 and remember they are one of the ONLY states that upholds the DEATH PENALTY…….how’s THAT for hypocracy?
“PRINCIPLES
We Believe in:
1. Strict adherence to the Declaration of Independence and U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
2. Preserving American Freedom and Texas Sovereignty.
3. Limiting the expanse of Government Power.
4. The sanctity of human life, created in the image of God, which should be protected from fertilization to
natural death.
5. Personal Accountability and Responsibility.
6. Self-sufficient families, founded on the traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman.
7. Having an educated population, with parents having the freedom of choice for the education of their
children.
8. Americans having the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities, and the
unalienable right to defend themselves.
9. A free enterprise society unencumbered by government interference or subsidies.
10. Restoring American sovereignty and leadership, and we honor all of those that serve and protect our
freedom with peace through strength.”
I would like to "borrow" you statement to my facebook page. I will credit you.
How dare any of you compare the current treatment of homosexuals in America to the round-up and slaughter of millions of Jews. How dare any of you compare the current treatment of homosexuals in America to the treatment of African Americans in ANY part of the 20th Century. When you have lived through either of those real experiences, you will know the abominable ignorance you have stated in these comments.
Mainstream politicians are spewing anti-freedom and anti-intellectual and factually incorrect vitriol at a rate only matched by a villain in an Ayn Rand novel.
I always assumed Rand's antagonists were weakly constructed straw men for her equally annoying heroes to trample — thereby giving angry pretentious college students something to masturbate over. Unfortunately, they appear to exist and people are VOTING for them.
The only way this could get worse is if an Objectivist party gains ground as the main opposition. If that happens I'm moving to Australia, as the U.S. clearly has a case of the crazies, and it's time to get off the continent.
http://texasgop.org/inner.asp?z=2
It seems they moved the link, I think. Use that one and click "2010 RPT Platform." That takes you to the pdf at:
https://www.1888932-2946.ws/TexasGOP/E-ContentStr...
Am I the only one who is picking up on the "natural" woman and "natural" man? Transgendered/transsexual people beware too! They're after you!
It's about time that you stand up for your rights with return force. It's shameful to continue to take a beaten by the ignornant people of this world. Yet, for years, decades and century's we have done just that.
The Log Cabin Republicans have used their anti-gay, self loathing rhetoric to take our fight several steps backwards. Any shameful stand by our own. Frankly speaking, if we can't stand together and through our own prejudices out the window, then we are doomed.
So, learn to shoot a gun, learn to defend yourselves and by all means don't give up without a fight. If you hear anti-gay rhetoric from friends, family or even other gay folks….hold their feet to the fire and don't let them get their vomit out of their mouths.
When we fight back, the bullys turn into cowards.
What the hack is this?! Seriously, has ignorance and biggotry have no bounds? Texas politicians aparantly want to lower that bar even more! Once again, you show the world how idiotic and petty you really are.
I am not Texan nor even American. But I have a BOATLOAD of friends who are and if this legislation is allowed to be passed, then we have reached a turning point in what dribble passes for politics and the 'free and fair' state of mind.
Land of the free? This is not only turning Ugandan, but 1940's Nazi! What next, everyone who doesnt have an oil rig in their back yard must be conscripted to those that do under some retarded act of so called 'men in power' who we entrust our lives, safety and security to?
This brings a new meaning, and probably a new defenition in the dictionary to 'bigot'.
Implication is not the same as saying something. Reinstating sodomy laws as a felony would send people to jail. You can't explain every detail in a headline.
I'm not a faggot (yeah, I used that term deliberately). I don't particularly care to see two dudes kissing. But this is way too far. I'm a texan, and I'm ashamed of what I just read. I'm a sailor, and currently defending the right of Americans to have the freedoms they are entitled to – that includes the gay ones. Just because I don't agree with or like the lifestyle they choose doesn't mean they don't have the RIGHT to choose it.
Thank you!
Where is the bias when the post contains mostly direct quotes? Do you really think that activists don't contact their legislators calmly? I blog with Jay and know him personally. I've seem him deliver very eloquent calm speeches.
"Ranting" here is a way of calling attention to this extreme agenda and getting others involved. Are you willing to speak up for the LGBT community Kiran? Please, I hope that you do.
Jay, thanks for posting this and I urge everyone to repost to inform as many people as possible. Texas is only the beginning for this Nazi mentality that we are seeing. As pissed off as I've been with the Obama administration I will continue to support the dems and this president….NO MATTER WHAT!
Because the alternative is horrifying.
Get God out of politics. IMO anyone who has religious beliefs should not be allowed to run for public office. Ever. Period. Let's get the Jesus-users out of the way and let logic run the country for a while.
Take you by force? Is that another "Homo" thing???
Suckin Donkey Dick will getcha thrown in the calaboose with the homos..
Jesus, you ARE gay! Calm down Mary…
Good for you Curious. Asking questions is a GOOD thing.
for all of you calling yourself gay you should realize that you are biting right into an easy american trick. gay formerly meant happy but someone…an AMERICAN however stupid refered to homosexuality as being gay. ..couple years later look were we are. cant you guys just find a nice girl and girls a guy. ..or do you gotta be different cause you were "that kid" in gym class. peace
Well said, thoughtful and articulate. Thanks!
A lot of people have already chimed in on this – but I've got to add my straight, married, Christian voice to those who say that it's the highest hypocracy for the political party that calls for 'smaller government' to try to legislate what happens between 2 consenting adults.
My straight marriage is not at all damaged by LGBT rights or same sex marriage.
And, having grown up in a 'traditional marriage, Christian' home that was hell (emotional, phsical, sexual abuse) I can guarantee that not all straight couples are good parents and I have met many same sex couples who make excellent parents!
Tell the GOP to get their heads out of the bedroom!
I think sexuality is not the basis to imprison a person. Imprisonment applies to all guilty of a crime or the one who committed crime. It is not right to imprison innocent person which considered as homosexual or hetero sexual.
Having read through a few of these comments, it's my understanding that this blog skews things a little bit, which I am not cool with.
However, there's no question that a lot of Republican views are backwards, especially in the state of Texas. Even if it's unlikely that homosexuals will be straight-out imprisoned, the quotes in the blog entry speak for themselves. I'm in Australia, and while we're not necessarily fantastic I can't see myself wanting to relocate the the US if this is the sort of bigotry I'd have to face.
well our futbol team is better so suck it
Keep in mind this is a position of a political party, not the state government. There are enough moderate democrats in the state legislature to keep this from getting too out of hand. Second, as much as it pisses them off, they are still subject to rulings by federal courts and acts of congress (unless of course, theyre passed by republican majorities and painted in red white and blue). I'm a patriot and a Texan, and proud to be both. The constitution grants them the right to make proclamations like this and im glad they can. Fortunately I can respond in kind with my vote….or lacktheorof
come on up to an enlightened state like Massachusetts .. we would welcome you as a Texan refugee . In MA we are educated and have no reborn bullshit phony Christians … ALL people are equal here to everyone else. I am so proud to be from MA !
MY GOD !!!! This is just what was happening in Germany before the war with the jews …. Do these assholes not know their history ? No, wait… they don't because they have removed all reference to WW!! from Texas school books. The DEMS need to take this information to the airways. Use this as a tool against the GOP as being outrageous
Okay… I'm a native Texan as well and bisexual. Anyone here who says this article is skewed in any way needs to do a little bit more homework. For as long as I have been out of the closet (and even before) the GOP and the Dems passed and proposed anti-sodomy laws. This would be for about 20 years. If one goes back on the books of the Texas constitution, one will find also, that the laws of the same ilk were being passed for years. There are still enforceable–yet subliminal– criminal syndicalist laws as well (I'm also a unionist). This isn't new, and the radicals in the GOP actually will carry things out if they play their cards right. The reason they're so effective is because they have a grip on the national educational system, thus putting their foothold into national politics.
So land of the free and equality for all doesn't apply to everyone?
“Am I the only one who is picking up on the “natural” woman and “natural” man?”
No, I saw that too.
As a gay AND transsexual male… I am utterly horrified by this. What the hell? I’m cool with people not “agreeing with” homosexuality or transgendered people (even if I think there’s nothing to dis/agree with) … but this goes waaaay beyond that and into Insane Sociopathic territory.
“Natural” men and women? Well, there goes all the “test tube” babies and people who have had plastic surgery of any kind too, I guess. And the goths, the Ren Fair goers, the bikers, cosplayers… =P Anyone with mental and physical disabilities… Since you know, all of them are “weird” or “unnatural”.
Apparently only perfect, absolutely normal good little Christian boys and girls deserve to exist. The rest of us can do die in some craphole prison.
ALSO…
“How dare any of you compare … you will know the abominable ignorance you have stated in these comments.”
1. Gay people were ALSO rounded up during Nazi Germany and killed. That’s where the pink triangle symbol comes from.
2. A large portion of the gay community IS BLACK. There have been gay people IN AFRICA that have been sent to jail and killed because of “anti-gay” laws, and both gay people and African Americans have experienced hatred, prejudice, rape and murder JUST for being who they are. There is a REASON people draw comparisons there.
Can we PLEASE not throw about terms like “abominable ignorance” when making just as ignorant statements?
I'm so doing the same thing. Well said, Jude.
They're mistaken if they think they can extinct gay people. Surprise, surprise – some of their kids and grandkids are going to be born gay! It won't even have to be visible in school and life, it'll happen anyway! Poor fearful bigots… they're going to have to imprison/kill their own. They already have been. The suicides are on their heads, too.
As a straight man I cannot tell you how hurt I am by this, litterly have a tear in my eye. You have my support but you shouldnt need to have it.
I know some of you are still religious but I cant begin to understand why.
Not to debate with you, but I have been known to vote Republican in the past. And this entire platform I just read is actually nauseating to me. Don't lower yourself to the standards of the Texas GOP. You should be better than that.
I live in Texas and because of my family I can only be "out of the closet" on who I'm dating to my friends and maybe two family members. I am a bisexual/homosexual Christian daughter, I pray, and I feel God's gifts as he sees fit to give them to me. But I am just astounded as to what is going on now. I honestly am shocked at what this platform is trying to put forward. Especially since about 10 other states have made it against the law to bully homosexuals. If this platform pulls through, I see the US Supreme Court in it's future. After all, the Declaration of Indepencence says – and I quote:
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
What happened to that? Has what allowed the United States to be created become nothing more than an old-fashioned fairytale along with the knights in shining armor and Robin of Sherwood?
Also it's natural to be a homosexual – believe it or not. It's been scientifically proven that while a baby is in the womb, the mother sends them three hormones that determine the sexuality, the appearance and the preference of what the child likes. Meaning that it's science that causes men to like men and women to like women – that it's not the choice that everyone thinks it is.
I'm sorry, but this is horrible.
Being bi, i have to fight a lot of things in the world… all on my own. Things like this encourage people to be even more single minded, and heartless.
I understand why you agree,
i can even understand why you believe this.
But isn't it a little much keeping so many people unhappy?
just for your happiness.
a bit selfcentered.
no, i think he's pretty much hit it head on…fags
Hi
I've never understood why gay people are such a huge, world-wide issue. So they aren't like 'the normal' people. They love people of the same sex. Is that a problem? What if they were hating on straight people and trying to make all these crazy things illegal. I didn't know that America would really become a place that wouldn't allow people to get married or have kids or health insurance or anything like that just because they aren't straight. Are we protecting people? Who? How? Are we scared of people just because they are different? Shouldn't we be focusing on ridding our country of rapists and murders, spending money on bettering our country for the future? How about that giant oil spill that is killing thousands of animals as we speak? Why are we trying to forbid people to be happy with themselves? I just don't understand that at all.
Really, what was someone smoking when they came up with this. This is a violation of just about every human right that is in exsistance.
just keep voting for these inbred cristian fratboy corporate cocksuckers
we will all end up slaves
I wish Texas would secede already , the rest of the States are just about fed up with their backwards, bigoted, hateful, ugly, ill-informed, ill-educated, history changing to fit their religious values idiocy.
Apparently, these god loving imbeciles haven't actually read the Bible and are only mouth pieces to an archaic and ridiculous fantasy where, somehow, people that were barely out of caves had a magnificent insight in the laws of the universe.
I want to comment on this…… 1st I am NOT a Homosexual and personally I dont care if you are, BUT Do Not… I repeat Do Not try and shove your agenda on me, marriage is a union between a Man and a woman period no dicussion, its how its always been and it will be that way until the end of time so give up on it already, nobody cares to watch two men or two woman make out and quite frankly WE think its disgusting so cut it out, also you have no right to try and shove a leaflet down a 6 year olds throat or tell them its ok if suzy has two mommies, WTF are you trying to do to a child mess there head up like yours? and as a side note, your lucky your even allowed out of the closet YOU are a minority NOT the majority so shut the hell up and sit down, voice your opinion but do not expect your agenda to change America, we were founded on Godly principales and thts the way it is so get used to it………..
Hey dumbass, I am a God Loving imbecile and I have read the Bible and its obvious you havent, go ahead and find me one passage of scripture that is pro-homosexual,…. come on Brad show me one… whats that you say? just what I thought there are NONE, every passage that mentions homosexualty condems it right out, so whay dont you sit down like a good boy and shut up because you know not what you are talking about…………..
____Tommy, we will not get used to it, nor will will gay people stop fighting for their rights. Gay marriage hurts no one. This is not about explaining gay sex to six year olds. I'm straight. We have many gay friends and my son has known them all of his life. He's straight. He understands that our friends love each other. They are caring, smart, hard working Americans. The only difference is that they are attracted to someone of the same sex. This is not a choice. Straight people don't choose who we are sexually attracted to, it just happens, right?
Someone you know, perhaps someone you love, is gay. I'm guessing you don't know anyone gay or you would realize just how hurtful and uncalled for your words are.
You are right,
i completely agree.
Tommy you need to understand that we are NOT the minority.
I am at 15 year old girl, who happens to like girls and boys.
SHOOT ME.
it's not something bad, i can't fight it…. You know, when i was in sixth grade i witnessed a girl get her face smashed into a wall, bleed to death, because she kissed a girl.
and you talk about how, it's not okay for Suzy to have to mommies.
it's not okay for a girl to get her faced smashed into a wall,
because she likes to kiss girls.
A straight woman,
is the equal to a lesbian woman.
A transvestite man is the equal a "normal" man.
we are all equals.
and i'm pretty sure when they wrote the Constitution there were some people
running around there that were gay, lesbian, transvestite(maybe), and etc.
Congratulations on NOT being homosexual. However, other people are. These people aren't shoving their agenda on you. They are trying to voice their opinions, seeing as how they clearly can't do so in public anymore. Marriage is a union between two people who love each other, I didn't know we were now deciding on which people can have relationships and which people can not. I find it incredibly funny that a lot of guys can sit and say that two girls kissing is hot, and then be disgusted because two guys are doing the same thing. Now, who is 'WE'? Because I'm sure you're not trying to represent everyone in American who is not gay, because there are a ton of straight people who have gay and bisexual friends. I am one of them. Annie ^ is one of my best friends, and I will back her relationship and sexuality decisions because of that. It's not a right to tell a child that he or she has two moms or two dads? Are we going to lie to our children now? No one is teaching their kids that being gay is the right way to be, but people are forcing children into believing that this perfect 'Christian, straight, bible-reading' way of life is correct. Lucky to be allowed out of the closet? Aren't we, as straight be, lucky to be allowed to say so? You know what else is becoming a minority? white people. Hispanics are moving here and basically controlling the populations now. Spanish is probably going to become America's first language in a few years. What if they all banded together and decided that people weren't allowed to be white? That's just as ridiculous as saying someone isn't allowed to follow their heart. Godly principles are ruining our social lives. Look at everyone here, fighting about such a simple cause such as sexuality when there are so many more bigger threats to the world going on. Gay people aren't hurting anyone. Threats against them are. Taking away their rights are.
ha ha ha ha ha ha aha ha- you're funnier then Homer Simpson
Talk about being ignorant bastards…
This is an outrage. I have no patience for people that have so much hate and can't accept people for who they are. If any of this passes, I'll lose even more faith in humanity than I already have.
If you are interested in reading the actual platform, go to the Texas Republican Website at http://www.texasgop.org. This is, frankly, terrifying . It should be noted that they support reducing government for things they don't want, i.e. the EPA, any abortion rights, any civil rights of immigrants or homosexuals, quotas, etc. However, they even clearly state that if they can't get abortion bannned, then they want to use government to restrict it. Even going to far as to deny the right to abortion for cases of incest and rape, and specifically denying gay people the right to adopt or have custody of their own children. They want to remove from the American with Disabilities act learning disabilities and anyone who is homosexual. Wow, the amount of pure gall to whine about how "their" families are under attack by homosexuals wanting to get married, while trying to legally restrict the use of the word "Family" to exclude homosexuals, and deny them their own children. Incidentally, they want to eliminate surrogacy and recriminalize all "sodomy" which is a broad term usually used to mean any sexual activity not approved by the general population. And they claim to want less government. Incidentally, they want the whole country to have to uphold the constitution of Texas. And they support the sovereignty of the State of Texas, not the United States, which means they want to stage a coup. And they support removing most of the power from the President and undoing the checks and balances that the founders of this country established to protect our system of government, all the while justifying their actions by referring to "the way our country was founded".
You've got to be kidding Mark. I've lived in Texas and in Boston, and wow, just about every sentence you're written is ridiculously inaccurate. The education rates in Mass are appalling for one. There are tons of born-agains, for another. Third, Mary Baker Eddy anyone? If you think everyone's equal, please take a look at Boston's Craigslist Rants and Raves.
You're no better than Texas, just deluded.
I cannot find any truth to this statement and until I can, I refuse to believe it. It seems just another liberal trying to cast hate and bigotry on the GOP. They may have their problems but what's the alternative. Pelosi, Reid? Haven't they ruined our economy sufficient to get rid of them?
Gary
It is frightening to see how vehement the Texas Republican party is on homosexuality and abortion. However, a party platform is not law, only a list of subjects and positions that the leaders of the party support. They use it to get every candidate that claims to be a Republican to take a stand one way or another on each of the "planks" so that the party members can decide whether or not to throw their support (votes, money, time) behind a candidate. It also helps the public by forcing candidates to go on the record. The party doesn't require total adhereance to the platform, but they do use "hot button issues" as a way of thinning the candidates down. I assume that gay political organizations have similar "litmus tests" on gay rights issues and wont throw their support behind any candidate that doesn't pass.
I'm also a Texan (by choice not birth). The GOP is going insane, and it's an interesting time here. First of all: they seem inclined to alienate every Latino in the state with some of the immigration/English stuff, hardly a path to success. Bill White, the Democratic former mayor of Houston with a solid record of bipartisanship here in Houston (& a good environmental and gay-friendly record) is running neck and neck with Rick Perry in the governor's race. And… most importantly… the demographics are against the GOP because younger Texans are increasingly NOT anti-gay, less likely to be white, and trending toward Democratic voting patterns. Dallas County is already majority Democrat, Houston remains split down the middle but just elected a Democratic lesbian mayor.
In other words – this is a dying gasp of the extreme fringe of a party increasingly out of the mainstream. I say, bring on the crazy – it will make it all the sweeter the first time they read "Gov. Bill White" in the paper and have nervous breakdowns.
Well, traditionally marriage IS between a man and a woman. The man owns the woman. The woman obeys him and he can beat her if she doesn't. Isn't tradition awesome!
Can we get the names of the people who actually wrote this platform? I'm also independent, but I will do all that I can to make sure they are not reelected.
My dad has always maintained that Texas should be allowed and encouraged to re-secede from the union and become a seperate republic like it was in the beginning. I can't disagree with that! In the words of Horace Greeley: "Erring Sister, depart in peace." And good riddance to bad rubbish!
WHO EVER VOTED THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE AND NEVER ALLOWED TO SHOW THEIR FACES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
[...] got this information (quote wise) from Jaysays.com which provided a link to Texas’ 2010 STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY [...]
What can we do? Where do we vote? When is this happening? We all can't just sit here, and do nothing about it. This is our future, and our kids future. We need to do something.
Then you haven't tried. Many people have provided the direct link to this document on the Texas GOP website. Or is that a sham too?
Actually, Tommy, our country was not founded on "Godly" principles. We were founded on the separation of church and state. The freedom of speech. The freedom of religion… no matter what your standards for "normal" marriage may be, they will never be a standard defended by a public argument, rather one simply rooted in faith. Religious beliefs are not a set public argument. If you want to even be considered in matters of political concern, find yourself some set facts not coated in religious bigotry. Marriage is about commitment and love. It is a union between two people who make vows to be completely devoted to one another. And as far as being a minority? Let us have all the more voice- instead of letting close-minded, bigoted, hate-filled "Americans" such as yourself dictate what is right and what is not. In the early 1800s those who opposed slavery were in the minority, but that did not make slavery okay! And who is this "WE" that thinks the public affection between those of the same sex is disgusting? Quite frankly, I think most public affection is rather uncalled for. Be it between those of heterosexual or homosexual orientation (Or anyone inbetween!). And as far as children are concerned, what difference does it make whether Suzy has two mommies as long as she is raised in a household that loves and supports her. That is what parenting is about. I myself am in a long-term relationship right now with someone who has two mommies, and you know what? He's perfectly sane, cognitive, well-rounded, and one of the most loving and nicest people I have ever has the pleasure of knowing. Our nation was, is, and always will be a melting pot of ideas, peoples, religions, view-points, cultures, customs, and yes- Orientations! Learn to be open-minded. Learned to be accepting. Learning to live with love and not hate simply because you are scared of what you do not understand. I am -lucky- to be allowed out of the closet? Bullshit. You are a lovely example of what
(and in noticing something happened to the end of my last sentence…)
America has yet to work on in order to truly become the land of the free.
If we showed them what they take away from the LGBT community they wouldn't see. We could make the marriages they have to their wives illegal, we could take their children away for being exposed to heterosexuality. We could shove them into prison, but all they would think about is how to get revenge. These people don't want to except something that's strange to them and that makes me sad. I don't live in Texas. I probably will never step foot in that state as long as I live. I know that one day we will get through to the children of these people and their generation, my generation will change the world. It take one instance to hate, but it takes a strong heart to persevere and push through and love those who support and pity those who don't understand. Fighting fire with fire will only end in burns. I hope that one day everyone can walk around with the rights those haters are privileged with. I want to smile at my wife at the alter when we both wear white dresses and veils. I'm only 17 but I hope that one day humanity will look at the people it exists with and sees that we are not enemies but just lovers in a world full of tense relations.
I will be moving to Dallas soon to be with my (gay) partner who got a job there. Are there any political action groups you can refer me to, to help fight this nonsense?
Amen sister.
Please don't assume all Republicans are this way. I happen to be a very staunch Republican AND a fabulous queer. Don't let a few sour apples taint the whole barrel.
yes, write to Jay using the contact button. There is a large network in Dallas.
I've often said, and firmly believe, that our youth will lead us.
If you don’t like Texas and its laws I20 runs east and west and I35 runs north and south get your ass out.
*lol* And Republicans call Obama a Socialist. Am I the only one sees that as incredibly ironic?
Texas is mostly a State full of uneducated, backward, hillbilly bigots. The United States in general is a closed-minded, unenlightened, uncultured, authoritarian shit-hole. Come to Europe for real freedom. Viva Europa!
Texas is a cesspot of bigotry and hatred and in addition to homophobia, rampant racism is still alive and well there. Anyone remember the KKK guys who dragged a Black man by their van until he was dismembered. The local Texan rednecks were cheering them on.
Texas is a vile place. This story is disgusting and sad but not really all that surprisng given that Texas is one of, if not the most, socially regressive states in the USA. Those statements are reminiscent of the Nazi Nuremburg declarations against Jews and I'm sure would be unconstitutional in a Federal sense. Why doesn't Texas just secede from the Union if it wants to go down this road of homophobic persecution?
You know, I have a lot of really nice, liberal friends from Texas. Who need our support.
Thank you
[...] sex, the UN, and the Supreme Court – Boing Boing Texas GOP Unveils Brand New, Far-Right Platform Texas GOP Calls for Imprisonment of Homosexuals | jaysays.com | Texas GOP Wishes to Punish Straight People Who Support Gay Rights | GLTNewsNow.com [...]
Does anyone else see how this will drastically change the prisons in Texas? Finally, they will be well decorated and inviting places! I'm excited. I say pot-luck for the first night. I'll bring the potato salad.
Dude, I really with I had your perserverence. I get so discouraged when I read shit like this; I really wish I had the attitude you do and I appreciate people like you.