Photo by Asterio Tecson

According to a long-term poll by the General Social Survey, those who support homosexuals and gay marriage are now in the majority of the American population for the first time!

The question they asked? “Are sexual relations between two adults of the same sex always, almost always, sometimes, or never wrong?” Only in the 2010 results did the numbers show a change from “always wrong” to “not wrong at all.”

May I just say it’s about damn time!

In a blog post detailing these findings, the comments got off to a glorious start. Here’s a response from “Barbara” who makes so many bigoted, homophobic statements I don’t even know where to start!

Chuck, you’re wrong if you think that everyone is going to come to accept your homosexuality and lifestyle as “normal”. It is not. If you really wanted to be accepted as normal, groups of you would do everything in your power to end the disgusting parades, but there is no call to end them, they are evidently loved by homosexuals. If you seriously want to act like the typical neighbor next door, aren’t you seriously embarrassed about them, or are you not allowed to speak the truth? If you think I would ever allow little children to watch them, you’re way off base. Sorry, but they show you as you are, and your “group” is not normal. The American Psychiatric Association calls depression and anxiety, which everyone has had at some time of their lives, labelled as mental illnesses. But your group has pressured them to accept as “normal” people who participate in parades naked or half-naked, men dressed as women, homosexuals acting out the sex act on a parade float in front of huge crowds, etc as “normal”, and do you really think that’s how the individual psychiatrists themselves think?

Everyone that I know does think that you should not be allowed to marry and definitely should not be allowed to adopt. Polls of Americans show that they do not agree with the states allowing homosexuals to marry, and if they’re asked if they should be allowed to adopt, they would hear a resounding NO. Just because your group is able to donate a lot of money and apply a lot of political pressure to get the laws passed that you want, does not mean that that the average American, and especially Christian Americans, agree with the law. Those laws would be undone in a minute if possible.

For those pollsters who are brave enough to go against the violent vehemence of your crowd, the polls show that your “marriages” are nothing but a sham. The vast majority of them are “open” marriages, with no intention of staying true to each other. It is not a lie that, on the average, homosexuals have extremely high numbers of partners compared to heterosexual men. I really doubt that you and your friends are willing to be truthful about this. Sorry, but this country’s interstate highways are notorious for having homosexuals in the restrooms just waiting for other random homosexual men, not caring in the least if they even see their faces, not caring in the least if they know them, they just want their sex. We all know about the homosexual baths, etc, and that’s why AIDS spread so quickly among homosexuals. The percentage of AIDS among heterosexual men in the US never approached the rate of AIDS among homosexuals. You may try and cover it up and sugar coat it, but it is a sick perversion that GOD says is an abomination. If you think we will all cave in to political correctness and ignore the truth, you’re wrong. It’s a shame that most people don’t bother researching anything, they just go along with whatever is the popular thought of the day. But I will always stand with God’s Word. In addition, being happily accepted as “normal” couples is not merely all that homosexuals want. They already have California law requiring that gay history will be covered in the student’s textbooks. They may not be able to give you the name of the first President, but they’ll have to learn the history of a group of people who want acceptance of their sin. I’m not sorry for how I feel. God’s way is always the right way. It’s sad but true, that I’m willing to go to my death for my faith in my Lord, but you’re willing to go to eternal condemnation for what pleases you sexually. Your eternal life is much more important, I’m praying you will repent.

It doesn’t make any difference in the world if my opinion is someday in the minority. I will always do my best to follow the Lord. Don’t you call it an agenda when you’re not happy enough with laws protecting your jobs, you then want laws allowing you to marry, you have laws to adopt, the next step now being taken is to teach little 3 and 4 year olds the history of the gay movement? And then what will follow, allowing kids of all ages to express their sexuality, so that the homosexuals can be with young boys? When will it end? Sorry, but I hardly see the political action groups dissolving. It’s not surprising that I’ve yet to see homosexuals saying how much they love the Lord and how the Lord has made a difference in their lives.

Click for a screenshot.

Sigh.

Another reason I’ve been moving from one side of a debate to another is my radical switch from Christianity to atheism. When I was a believer, I always knew what to do and what to believe in because it was an established system in my religion, my family, and my community. Atheism flung me outside all of those groups quite suddenly, and I had to do even more thinking on my own. With no one to tell me what to believe, and not much practice being a truly critical thinker, I had a lot of catching up to do! In fact, I know I’m still not done reconsidering my positions. Perhaps I never will be.

I came up with four examples of how I’ve shifted my opinions in the past five years.

photo by Tony Case

1) Masturbation

Then: A few years ago after wobbling between “masturbation is a sin” and “if it’s awesome, why not?” I settled on the view that masturbation was okay so long as you didn’t lust. This is a popular position in some Christian circles because it allows the person the physical release, but it keeps people from sinning according to Jesus “Thought Police™” Christ (see Matthew 5:28).

Now: My new guiltless sexuality and self-confidence are mainly a direct result of leaving Christianity. Now I’m not ashamed of my actions nor filled with self-loathing about being a sexual person. I can embrace healthy expressions of this side of my nature; I can be mature and wise about it instead of secretive and ignorant. The human body is an amazing thing, and we should enjoy it!

Check out my previous post on masturbation.

Click below the cut for three more…

photo by Fernanda do Canto

2) Pre-Marital Sex

Then: Five years ago I was a pile of contradictions. I encouraged young women to wait until marriage to have sex, but I wasn’t a virgin myself. I gave advice and spiritual counseling to girls who struggled with, “How far is too far?” while at the same time fantasizing about all the things I could do with another man. I thought it waiting for marriage was not only the ideal, but that those who didn’t wait were somehow dirtier or less mature and respectable (all the while not counting myself among “those people.”)

Now: I encourage safe, confidant sex. I want women like myself to make wise decisions about sex—not make decisions based on guilt or shame—and have healthy boundaries. I think sexuality is an amazing, glorious area in which to grow, and I am angry at those who try to teach that it’s dirty or scary to express what comes naturally. I believe sex is very special and can unite people who care about one another and want to express that care with complete vulnerability, passion, and trust. Marriage is not a requirement for that stage of a relationship.

I’ve written before about healthy views about sex. And don’t miss the results of my twitter survey on open relationships, monogamy, and polyamory.

photo by Zoe

3) Circumcision:

Then: I used to assume it’s what was generally done, and was the parents’ right to circumcise their children. I didn’t really think about male circumcision as a big issue until I became non-religious (and realized how stupid it was to use this ancient religious ritual today, especially on non-Jews), dated a man with an intact penis (and found out how rad a foreskin really is), and did more research about the topic to educate myself.

Now: I’m very strongly against infant circumcision. I think every child has the right to the complete genitals they are born with—no matter what they are. Circumcision permanently removes healthy functional tissue from a person who did not consent to it.

photo by Nate Chongsiriwatana

4) Gay Marriage

Then: I thought I was a supporter of gay rights—I really did. But I considered a separate-but-equal union for gay couples to be a fair deal. I figured that if homosexuals could have civil unions while not having “marriage,” it was good enough and would make everyone happy.

Now: I support the absolute same rights, labels, and acceptance for everyone of every gender and every sexual preference. Homosexuals don’t need a special type of union apart from marriage. They should be married. There should be absolutely no difference between any couple in terms of benefits, social acceptance, legal status, or anything else. No separate-but-equal bullshit allowed.

Check out my other posts on Gay Marriage and Homophobia in schools.

What do you think about these topics? Have you ever radically changed your mind from one view to another?

Read the entire decision document here:

Prop 8 Ruling (it will pop up, and you can expand it)

This is a tremendous victory for gay rights!

With news cameras rolling, Kitty then turned to the crowd and asked for any male who would be willing to get married to her. A gay man named Ed stepped forward and volunteered.

Kitty’s point in approaching the City Clerk for a marriage license is that there is no religious basis for marriage, and it serves only as a legally binding contract in our society. Instead of being offered the ability to receive a license with her long-term partner, she was able to secure a license with a virtual stranger, strictly based on their gender. [EDITED: source unavailable; site is down]

Kitty and Ed say they will not actually marry until they are allowed to with the people they truly love (and actually know). Because it should be about commitment and partnership, not gender. Brava, Kitty!

Check out the Buffalo, NY news coverage for more shots of this moment.

One positive aspect of the December holiday season is an increased awareness and practice of altruism and general good will. I admit I get the warm fuzzies when Christmas nears and feel tender towards those in need when the temperatures drop. It’s a shame that my selfishness overwhelms me most of the year. I’m guilty of not giving nearly enough of my time, money, and possessions as I could.

One of the most popular and visible American charities during the winter season is the Salvation Army. I remember each year as a child getting one of my favorite toys out of my closet or off of my bed, washing it, and taking it with my siblings and their toys to the local Salvation Army donation center. My father would lead us inside, and we left those cherished bears, dolls, and action figures in a box for children who didn’t have what we were fortunate enough to own. It taught me that I should give from my valuables–not my trash–and that I should never forget those in need.

Should we support the Salvation Army?

The wonderful ZJ of emptv.com, youtube, and twitter just posted a through-provoking video on why supporters of GLBT equal rights should not donate to the Salvation Army. Check out the video!

Here’s some of that video in writing:

…In [The Salvation Army's] statement on marriage, they describe it as being “ordained by God”, and defined as “one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others”. And according to their statement on homosexuality, “Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex”, and therefore, gay Christians are “called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life”. Just to be clear on this, they further state that “There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage”.

The Salvation Army also gained the special favor of the Bush administration,

…which had made a “firm commitment” to issue a regulation overriding state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This would grant an exemption to these laws for religious groups, including those receiving government funding, explicitly allowing them to discriminate against gay people in hiring decisions and benefits for their domestic partners. After this deal came to light, the White House reversed course and refused to grant them an exemption.

In case you’re wondering what to do with your donations, ZJ also provides a helpful list of worthy charities for your consideration. You can find the full list here. I’ve also added a few of my own favorites below.

• Doctors Without Borders
• The American Red Cross
• Amnesty International
• Heifer International
• Scripps Research Institute
• Kiva.org (which has a very active Atheist team--having both the most members and most money donated on the entire site!)
• Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
• Oxfam International

You can also find a prolific list of causes and non-religious groups to support on FreethoughtPedia!

Don’t let the views of one organization keep you from serving, giving, and showing love to those less fortunate. There is no excuse for that! Happy holidays, and may your hearts be full of joy, affection, and contentment.

The former Miss California contestant says that she is ‘still standing,’ and called a recent video of her ‘the worst mistake of my life.’

I suppose she means she is “now standing, after being flat on her back”? Ohhh GG, you’re so crass.

Let me back it up and explain. I have some compassion for this young woman behind my sarcastic jabs. This 22-year-old was suddenly thrust into the limelight for speaking her unpopular (and ignorant, closed minded) opinion. She wasn’t educated or prepared for such a role, so of course it’s gone to hell in a hand basket (so-to-speak).

Now back to the snark:

I’m sure Miss Prejean is tired of all the interviews and fame. Oh wait–no she isn’t!; She just published a book titled Still Standing: The Untold Story of My Fight Against Gossip, Hate, and Political Attacks. You’ve got to see the back cover endorsements for yourself. Was Ann Coulter fapping while she read it? Priceless!

For her silicone-enhanced hotness and Jesus-praising appeal, Prejean was instantly picked as the Religious Right poster girl on the issue of same-sex marriage and free speech. But since the conservative media doesn’t properly vet their spokespeople (read: Joe the Plumber), their choices usually backfire in spectacular fashion.

Sex tape, anyone? Supposedly this video is of Miss Prejean enjoying her own body for the benefit of her boyfriend who would later watch it. That’s fine with me, but when you parade around like you’re society’s morality police and then are suddenly exposed as the same as everyone else, perhaps you should shutthefuckup about other people’s private lives and they might do the same for you.

I enjoy how the Religious Right continually picks no-name hay-for-brains individuals to be the public faces for their causes. It gives the “evil liberals” something to laugh at.

Back to the interview:

So how would you answer a question like that today: Why do you oppose same-sex marriage?

I don’t oppose anything. I’m just for traditional marriage. I’m not against anything. I just believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. There’s nothing controversial about it—most of the people in the state that I was representing believe it, and the majority of people in America believe it, from Sarah Palin to Barack Obama. They believe it, so why is it such a big deal?

Sorry to pop your bubble, darling. You want to be open and loving, but your position is one of exclusion, not inclusion. There is something controversial about thinking marriage should be only between one man and one woman. Popular opinion does not dictate what’s right. Just because millions of people supported racial segregation in the United States, including political leaders and celebrities, doesn’t mean it was honorable and correct!

What if the majority didn’t believe that? Would you still say that?

Yeah, it just happens that everyone else agrees with me.

HAHAHA *snort*

Can you comment on the reports that you settled a lawsuit against Miss USA because of sex tapes?

There is a video out there of me. I was really young and immature. It was the worst mistake of my life. It was a really stupid, stupid decision that I made. But I take full responsibility for it. Did I think I would ever be a celebrity or that my boyfriend at the time, who I sent it to, would ever blackmail me? No. I think we all make mistakes and we all do things when we’re young that sometimes backfire later in life.

I respect this answer, I really do. Owning up to one’s behavior is mature. And yeah, it backfired. And yeah, it totally cracks me up.

This interview is easily summed up: “blah blah humility blah cliche blah Jesus cliche cliche blah Jesus”. Keep on fuckin’ that chicken, Miss Prejean.

Check out what he says to Christianity Today in one of their little “timely” interviews to appear current. Too bad their version of  “current” is months too late.

On gay marriage:

I personally still think it’s wrong. People don’t understand the dictionary—it’s called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It’s not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we’re supposed to do—what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we’re supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I’ve had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn’t have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they’re people, and they’re going to do their thing. [emphasis added]

This whitewashed bigot really cracks me up. Read the two bold parts next to each other and explain to me how in the hell the actions in the latter fit the statement in the former. That’s right; they don’t. Typical.

Oh, and note how his interviewer Pulliam just skips from topic to topic without challenging him on any of his poisonous ignorance. Perhaps the interview had to be edited to avoid “controversy” or perhaps she didn’t find his drivel as offensive to the brain as most of the folks in the comments did. Or if we’re lucky, perhaps she secretly wanted him to hang himself with his terrible views dangling out in public like that. That actually worked.

On politics:

…I think that all needs to be taken out of the federal level and give it back to the states. We’ve lost our American history. Every state has “In God we trust” or “With God’s help” in their constitution. God is recognized as, if you will, America’s religion.

JTP seems to love the new US motto “In God We Trust” which was adopted in 1956. I suppose he wouldn’t support the historical motto, “E pluribus unum” (“from many, one”) since he’s all about the individual states and no central government to keep the unity for which we fought so hard in the Civil War. And I didn’t even mention the Deist Founding Fathers (not Christian).

I like Sarah Palin a lot, actually. I just don’t know if that’s where God’s leading her. I just know the Republican Party’s done its best to blackball her. I don’t know what her agenda is. If she ran, would I vote for her? Absolutely.

Meet the poster boy for voter ignorance. Follow JTP and you don’t even have to know what the candidate plans or stands for! No critical thinking–as easy as American Pie!

When politicians start talking about being a Christian, I just worry, because a lot of them don’t really follow through. I like to see real action in that area. … I would love to hear our leaders actually check with God before he does stuff.

Wait, wait. He wants them to check with God before God does stuff? Don’t move a finger, God! They need to check with you first!
But seriously, I’d rather they check with reliable resources and use their reasoning skills, experience, and education before making decisions, thanks. Talking to their imaginary friends aren’t what I call admirable qualities. I know, I know, it’s a freethought daydream.

Many of the comments are silly, hilarious, or simply bear repeating, so after the cut I’m going to quote some of my favorites.

Sad: “I know plenty of conservative gays I would trust with my children before I would with liberal straights.”

Clay: “Hi, does anyone know where I can find the publication ‘Unlicensed, Tax-cheating, Wife-beating, Attention-seeking, Idiotic Plumbing Today’? Oh, never mind, I found it.”

Alex Hancock: “This isn’t the bottom of the barrel, it’s the crud underneath the bottom. “People don’t understand the dictionary.” Do you actually believe you are contributing to any worthwhile discourse by having this empty-headed, heartless goon correct the rest of us on our understanding of the English language? You are as unworthy of respect as you seem to be incapable of shame.”

Indiana Dave: “Joe the unlicensed plumber must not have any time for those clogged DRAINS, since he has become so important to every and any issue he is asked about. He is in the right party though, with the GOP spinning down their DRAIN.”

mark h: “joe, don’t worry about your kids. most of us homos would much rather be with a real man like you — were it not for your potty mouth, of course (no pun intended).”

Darrell: “I am behind you Joe, most people are misinterpreting your comments. I don’t want them near my kids either, not because of the pedophile angle, but because of the example they set, our kids are under an onslaught of indoctrination on TV nowadays, watch MTV for one day to see it, the message pushed is that it is fashionable or cool to be gay, I am sorry but I believe it is a natural choice. I am all for equal rights but not outright indoctrination of impressionable kids. Which is what is happening today.”
[GG replies: I'm all for equal rights, but not outright indoctrination of impressionable kids. Which is what's happening today in churches all over the world.]

Anonymous: “Keep talking Joe!! We love you. You make every secular loving American happy to be alive.”

Juke: “Most people don’t want gays around their children….its reality folks, not Hollywood.”

Ubu: “Well, I wouldn’t let this fraud near my plumbing, so I suppose we’re even…”

The network in question pulled the program after an avalanche of protests by LGBT supporters. At first, my reaction was elation. I clicked my heels,  seeing one more poisonous influence kept from the eyes and ears of thousands. Such vile propaganda shouldn’t be allowed on television!… right? Upon further introspection, I reassessed my glee. I was a hypocrite. Censorship only proves the point of the AFA–we did silence the Christians.

I believe in free speech for all, no matter how bigoted one’s beliefs. I may hate that you think what you do, but I want you to have the right to shout it from the rooftops–or preach it from the television–if it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others or break any laws. The freedom to speak your mind is the same freedom that lets me speak mine. Let the ideas stand freely on their own. The weak ones will fall where they may. To borrow a phrase: let the best idea win.

On the website for Speechless, you can watch the piece and then answer a survey they plan to send to top media, political, and social leaders in the United States. Inspired by Calladus, I’ve decided to answer this survey after the cut.

Survey on Homosexuality

1. Do you believe the Bible condemns homosexuality as sin?
   • Yes, I think it’s very clear on the subject (or as clear as an Iron Age writer can be on the complexity of sexuality)
2. Can homosexuals change their sexual orientation?
   • I do not think so.
3. Should homosexuals be allowed to adopt children?
   • Absolutely. “American Family Associaton” indeed.
4. Should homosexuals be given the same special rights extended to African-Americans and other minorities?
   • The rights are not “special”. They are basic, fundamental, just, and should be given to all people, no matter their population numbers in this country.
5. Should hate crimes legislation be passed that would call for more severe penalties for crimes against homosexuals?
   • All hate crimes should be judged the same way. No one group should be singled out; ideally, all hate crimes against any individuals should be judged by the law.
6. Do you believe that churches and religious organizations should be forced to hire homosexuals?
   • Equal opportunity employment for all. I think it’s wrong if someone is fired because they are of a different race, sexual orientation, or gender. I’m not as familiar with employment law as many are, but I certainly hope the legality of descrimination doesn’t change because it’s a religious organization.
7. Would you support a boycott of a major U.S. corporation that contributes money to support homosexual activist organizations?
   • Where’s their donation box?
8. Should judges be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court who support extending special rights to homosexuals?
   • No. Judges should be appointed to uphold equal rights for all people and enforce and interpret the constitution.
9. Should employers be forced to extend special consideration in the hiring of homosexuals?
   • Must I reiterate this again? No. Equality. At all times. Why all these questions about “force” and “special” privileges? This survey is so incredibly biased.
10. Is the secular media demonstrating a bias in favor of the homosexual agenda?
    • If by “agenda” they mean seeing homosexuality as a normal trait of humans who can benefit society and deserve dignity and equality, then yes, perhaps it is.
11. Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to limit marriage to a union between one man and one woman?
    • No. In fact, if marriage is a religious/spiritual union it shouldn’t go anywhere near the constitution at all.
12. Should children in public schools be taught homosexuality is normal, acceptable, and equal to the traditional marriage of a man and a woman?
    • Apples and oranges. Homosexuality is normal, acceptable, and equal to heterosexuality. Marriage is not the same thing. I think teaching kids about sexuality is mainly the job of the parents. I don’t think we need to have a lesson plan in classes about heterosexuality vs. homosexuality. We might as well have classes on why it’s okay to be brown-eyed instead of blue. If it is a normal thing, why not treat it as normal and not harp on it?
13. Do you agree that Christians should be arrested for speaking against homosexuality in public places?
    • No. See my realization about free speech above. Christians sometimes get a bit of a persecution complex here in the United  States, but often don’t defend the rights of people who don’t agree with them. Take, for instance, the atheist billboards seen country-wide this winter. Christians fight and claw to get them taken down because they’re offensive. But as soon as someone complains about their point of view or wants them to shut up, they cry persecution and censorship. Pot, meet kettle.