Christians Opposed to Homosexuals: Two Failed Tactics

by Todd A. Heywood · 2010-06-15 18:29:00 UTC
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Last weekend, Lansing played host to the annual Michigan Pride Parade, March, Rally and Festival. The usual suspects were in attendance. The LGBT friendly politicians, the twinks, the drag queens, Dykes on Bikes ... and some anti-gay Christians.

It's ironic how our annual pride events have gotten to be an event where the religious folks who hate us show up to remind us why they hate us. But it happens every year, and every year you can expect basically the same story to unfold.

Some one will wander around screaming about God's hatred for the queers, condemning everyone to hell with fire and brimstone. And then a supporter of the community, or a member of the community, will rise up and challenge this, and a verbal duel will ensue. No one wins the duel.

It's much like the film The Duelists, where two duelers continue to clang swords every time they meet until they are too tired to fight anymore.

We had one of those street preachers this year. He wielded his Bible like a sword, stirred up the crowd waiting for the parade, and drew the attention of Michigan State Police troopers and the Michigan Peace Team.

But it was the other group preaching God's hate for queers that was perhaps more troublesome. They were passing out water to participants. Which was a pretty nice thing to do, considering the heat and humidity on Saturday. But they had a secret mission, beyond hydrating pride participants.

They were there in peaceful opposition, one leader of Faith Church told CBS affiliate WLNS.

"I may not agree with their lifestyle, but I am not here to condemn," said Alice Hansens, as she passed out water to the crowd.

At least one person was infuriated to learn the church was in opposition of LGBT people, because members never said so as they passed out their water.

Which brings up the issue. Do people really think the Bible as sword method works to stop LGBT people from seeking their rights? And how effective is your opposition if you, for all practical purposes, hide that opposition and appear to be supportive? Are we seeing a new fracturing of Christian opposition to gays?

Photo credit: Todd A. Heywood

Todd A. Heywood is an investigative reporter based in Lansing, Michigan. He works for the American Independent News Network. He is HIV-positive and openly gay.
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