- If there is a God, I hope that he casts you into the flames of hell for inciting such hatred, for judging people, and for claiming to speak for God. I hope you burn.
- Well f*#k the bible and f*#k you. You are hate mongers, plain and simple.
- Dear C*#t-Face… I hope you get hit by a moving truck.
- You are a homophobic f#*k… you call us fruits and saying our lifestyle is wrong. You sir are a dirty c*#t! You don’t LOVE homosexuals. You are in the closet and this shit is a cover up. I’m glad you were raped!
The above comments appeared underneath Peter Madden’s (Christian Democratic Party Candidate) YouTube video ‘Heal our land”, when he called for Christians to attend a prayer meeting in Hyde Park on Mardi Gras parade day. More graphic comments were removed.
This hostility is sadly predictable. Every time a religious figure shares an uninformed opinion on LGBT issues, it fuels anger. But does it help our cause? Likely, it only strengthens the stereotype within conservative Christian circles that the LGBT community are angry, militant people with no respect for others’ views.
When a debate on marriage equality was planned for Tasmania in July, Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby and Australian Family Association spokeswoman Terri Kelleher withdrew, citing the amount of “gay hate” they had received as one of the reasons.
When a marriage equality debate was planned in Tasmania in July, Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby and Terri Kelleher from the Australian Family Association withdrew, citing the “gay hate” they had received. Gay rights advocate Rodney Croome expressed disappointment, hoping for an opportunity to reassure Wallace and Kelleher that marriage equality supporters are committed to mature, respectful discussions.
Similarly, Senate candidate Wendy Francis of Family First faced verbal attacks after making inflammatory comments about the children of same-sex couples and leading a campaign to remove safe sex posters featuring a male gay couple.
British journalist Melanie Phillips also faced backlash for suggesting that some LGBT individuals were becoming “new McCarthyites” by attempting to silence those who disagree with the gay rights agenda. She received death threats, including vile comments like, “Someone just kill Melanie Phillips please” and “Your homophobic rant is worse than what comes out of a dog’s rectum. Kill yourself.” She shared an email filled with even more hateful language: “Go suck a tailpipe, get cancer, get run over by a train. I hope your house burns down.”
Can you believe this! Death threats are common on both sides of the debate.
Democrat State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., who opposed gay marriage in New York, received similar death threats. Even New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a supporter of marriage equality, faced the same treatment—from radical Christian fundamentalists, not the gay community.
These extreme views, found on both sides, reflect the fringe elements of the debate. They do not represent the majority and, in fact, harm the cause. Amplifying voices of hate only deepens division.
What’s particularly striking is that many who engage in such vitriol fail to see they are no better than those they oppose. The debate becomes a battlefield, with people hurling insults: “abomination,” “pervert,” and “sodomite” from one side; “homophobe,” “bigot,” and “hater” from the other. It’s all rooted in hate. It’s hypocritical to label someone as a “hater” if you’re using hate speech yourself.
We often too quickly label any opinion that doesn’t fully support LGBT rights as “hate speech” or “homophobic.” But life isn’t as simple as “you either accept us or you hate us.” There’s a continuum of views on LGBT issues. On the far left, we find hatred; on the far right, we have advocacy. In between, there are stages like dislike, discomfort, tolerance, and acceptance. It’s essential to remember that people with differing opinions aren’t necessarily “haters.” Labeling them as such reinforces their views and halts progress. (WATCH VIDEO HERE)
A significant factor in changing views on LGBT issues is personal experience. When people get to know LGBTQ+ individuals or when a friend or family member comes out, their preconceived ideas are challenged, leading to greater understanding and acceptance.
We can understand the anger within the gay community, given the alarming statistics: 40% of gay men and 25% of lesbians experience physical assault, while 80% of men and 72% of women face verbal abuse. The root cause of this abuse isn’t based on anything the victims have done—it’s simply because of who they are. Add to this the years of oppression, discrimination, and rejection by family, friends, and church, and it’s no surprise that some members of the LGBT community express anger in response.
So, the next time you feel the urge to retaliate, take a moment to pause. As I wrote in my article 15 things I’ve learnt about discussing homosexuality and Christianity “Winning is not the goal, communicating effectively is. To speak intelligently, rationally and graciously requires skill and patience”. To shoot of a quick angry response doesn’t require intelligence; emotion is the driving force.
I find wisdom in this proverb:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The wise speak knowledgeably, while fools spout foolishness.”
As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said,
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Returning to the responses on the Madden’s video, one comment stood out for its profound honesty:
“At first, I laughed. I thought it was a joke. Then I cried a little inside.” — jadey1928
Thank you, jadey1928, for capturing the essence of the issue in just 16 words.
Thanks.
© Anthony Venn-Brown
its rather amazing though that the bible also suggests stoning women, and an eye for an eye. The bible bashers choose which to take home with them. Even if there was a good, which of course there is not, religion was created by men to control other men. It is now and has always been about exercising power.
That's a very interesting point gaycarboys.com made – an eye for an eye, as per the Bible. I know for one that sometimes it's so tempting to just give it back, but nobody really wins.
The violent acts and laws recorded in the OT were condemned by Jesus. Some religious people still get it wrong. I think he made it pretty clear though when he said.
Matthew 5; 38-42"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
Message Bible
Thanks for this sensitive post. I am wary of promoting it because there are many people who are merely criticised for their opinions against homosexuality who talk about that criticism like its the worst oppression ever known. I'm sure you know the sort of behaviour I mean. I fear they would seize on this a little.
However it is important that this is spoken about. The lynch mob mentality which on the internet can know no limits can take many forms – it can include threats of violence against people for offensive and privelaged but hardly evil views. People don't realise that words typed on to a public forum have an impact.