Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Face of Homophobia

At times, it's just amazing to see something so vile cross my reader. Via Change.org, Joe.My.God and Pam's House Blend.

Clint McCance, member of the Midland District school board in Arkansas, wrote this on his Facebook page:
"Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide. The only way I'm wearin' it for them is if they all commit suicide. I can't believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed themselves because of their sin."
Not satisfied with this piece of garbage masquerading as a Facebook status, he added this in the comments:
"Being a fag doesn't give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. If you get easily offended by being called a fag then don't tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die."
This person is a member of the school board.  Change.org has a petition. There's a Facebook page calling for his firing. The school district website has removed the board members' names from their website but Joe Jervis managed to find the superintendent's email address and I share it here with you: dstanley@midlandschools.org. Be polite. If you feel so inclined, the school district's main office number is 501-345-8844.

When someone in titular power over students makes comments like these on a public forum, how can those who oppose the Student Nondiscrimination Act currently before Congress say that it's not needed? It is from this kind of open derision and hate that bullying is born. McCance stands as a example that hate expression is accepted as long as he is allowed to serve in his current capacity. Bullying is a learned behavior and this idiot is teaching.

We need to send a message to McCance and all like him that this kind of speech is only one thing - hate speech - and no longer tolerated. In the words of The Rev. Dr. Fritz Ritsch writing in the Ft Worth Star- Telegram:

I've had it with the bullying that comes from the church's bully pulpit. Our history of denigrating gays and lesbians has provided the "godly" rationale for centuries of hatred and abuse. It's a flagrant violation of the Gospel. Moderate Christians -- the silent majority -- need to stop being silent and speak out.

Indeed. No matter your religious affiliation, unless you're a Christian extremist, this kind of speech is an abomination. Add you voice to those who are demanding change.

5 comments:

LeftLeaningLady said...

I "liked" the Fire page on Facebook and posted the links on my status.

Sad.

Ahab said...

My God, what a disgusting man. It's called empathy, McCance -- GET SOME.

Anonymous said...

This is exactly why I stay away from social networking sites such as facebook, twitter and the rest.

Live and let live, as Rodney King said, "Can't we all get along?"

BCO

Nance said...

I always knew there was a higher prevalence of sub-clinical personality disorders roaming the planet, but it's appalling to watch them come out of the woodwork under the stress of the times and the season.

Happy Halloween, dearie. See you in DC!

Chris said...

What Nance said!!!!! Appalling....and especially to feel free to put it in writing, in a very public place!!!!