AFA Alert #3: Stop the Gays from Getting Special Rights

I received two polar opposite emails yesterday. One from the Human Rights Campaign. One from the AFA.

The title of the AFA email, from founder Donald E. Wildmon (does anyone else think this is funny?) is "ENDA (H.R. 2015) could enshrine 'sexual orientation' in federal law." Wildmon goes on to say "The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) H.R. 2015 is likely to be voted on this week in the U.S. House. ENDA is aimed at providing heightened protections for a particular sexual behavior- homosexuality. It would grant special consideration on the basis of "sexual orientation" or "gender identity" that would not be extended to other employees in the workplace. That could spell trouble for Christian business owners, churches and faith-based groups. Proponents of the bill quickly point to "religious exemptions" in the bill, but most agree that it is a sham." [emphasis mine]

<---(a-der)

Um, I think calling something a "sham" usually warrants further explanation. But I don't think these AFA nuts are really interested in explanations.

Wildmon's email includes a bulleted list of reasons we should all oppose ENDA, including:

"The issue is not job discrimination: It is whether private businesses will be forced by law to accommodate homosexual activists' attempts to legitimize homosexual behavior"

Yes. I suppose a right-wing religious person would see it that way. Except most homosexuals aren't "activists" per se. I love how this guy attempts to categorize all homosexuals as having this anti-Christian "activist agenda."

And if by "legitimize homosexual behavior," they really mean "not allow decent, honest hard-working, qualified people to get fired from their jobs solely on the basis of their sexual orientation," then sure, I guess he speaks the truth. We "activists" do feel that homosexuals in the workplace should be "legitimized," in the same way every other worker is legitimized. By that I mean, of course, that gay men should be able to have anal sex in their office cubicles once ENDA is passed. It's their right.

I feel for the people who blindly believe in Wildmon without questioning his faulty blanket statements that have no backing and slippery slopes.

He also says "ENDA would approvingly bring private behavior considered immoral by many into the public square. By declaring that all sexual preferences are equally valid, ENDA would change national policy supporting marriage and family."

Sweet! Is that what ENDA will do? More power to us when it's passed if this helps pave the way to gay marriage and helps the already-existing gay families and children of gay parents gain equal rights.

Anyway, it's always interesting to see what the (way to the right) other side believes.

My second email was from the Human Rights Campaign's, Joe Solmonese, urging all of us to take action by contacting our senators to support this Bill (which I did).

FYI, Solmonese says, "Both Sen. Durbin and Sen. Obama are already signed on as co-sponsors of the Matthew Shepard Act. You're calling to thank them for their support and encourage them to stand strong, regardless of last minute right-wing efforts leading up to the vote...
...We cannot allow our Senators to be intimidated, misled, or swayed by an extremist minority. Thank you for making your calls, and thank you for being a voice of reason today."

UPDATE: I had originally written this yesterday. The Act passed in the Senate today! This is an important victory for gay rights advocates and anyone who stands for equality. As the saying goes: Love Conquers Hate. (even when the hate-mongerers are so-called religious group).

I am thrilled about this victory, even though it still has to pass the final stages of legislation and President Bush. I'll keep my fingers crossed. :-)

On a sidenote, HRC sent a thank-you email to all the supporters of the Act and the people who contacted their Senators.

No word from the AFA on this development.