On the Exodus blog, Exodus spokesman Randy Thomas earlier this week defended “Pastor” David Manning, after YouTube removed Manning’s video for inciting antigay violence, encouraging blind hatred of LGBT customers of YouTube, and violating YouTube’s terms of service.
In addition to promoting hate-based violence against LGBT people, Manning encouraged a government shutdown of all non-fundamentalist media (including, presumably, YouTube).
Thomas falsely claims that U.S. constitutional protection of free speech applies to private properties such as YouTube.
Manning, Thomas, and ex-gay activist McKrae Game also falsely blame the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act for the removal, ignoring YouTube’s terms of service. That federal law only applies to sentencing following conviction for felony acts of violence.
Game added ominously, “The statement that Hate Crimes legislation was passed supposedly to protect not just homosexuals but people of faith is extremely questionable.” That, too, is a lie: The legislation was an add-on to existing law that already offers full protection to persons of faith who are subjected to felony violence. The add-on legislation reiterated that no part of the law may be used to inhibit speech.
Lies, incitement to violence, and censorship: Exodus becomes ever-more anti-Christian, indecent, apostate, and selfish in the methods with which it “equips” its Exodus Church Network to violate LGBT Americans’ lives and undermine public morality.
Meanwhile, for better or worse, it’s a free country — and YouTube can host or remove whatever it pleases.
Our “freedom of speech” protects us from the government violating our speech, not private organizations such as the Miss America pageant or YouTube.
If radical anti-gay activist Manning and the large, pro-homophobia advocacy group, Exodus, are defending incitement of violence, then neither can claim to be “Christian.” Christ was very specific in commanding us NOT to incite violence and to treat others as we want to be treated.
Really Michael? Then what about Matthew 10:34?
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
So, they are already building a phony case against the hate crimes legislation. Can you get any more dishonest and immoral? The ability to lie and distort boggles the mind.
As far as free speech, Randy Thomas does not let me post on his site, thus he is perfectly comfortable with using his private forum to limit free speech and exchange of ideas. Once again, Thomas has no idea what he is talking about.
Thomas says: “How much longer will we be able to share the above paragraph without being silenced, fined, punished or even imprisoned? We don’t know. What we do have is today.”
How much longer? Forever.
I would strongly suggest that Thomas seek professional help. He is clearly suffering from Glenn Beck-style paranoid delusions. I am beginning to believe that paranoia and a persecution complex is a requirement to be hired as an anti-gay activist.
and when the violence that they evoke happens, how will they explain it?
how will they defend the “word” they so easily espouse?
can they answer the questions of the family’s who are harmed?
@2 It’s the sword of truth, not a sword of steel.
LOL, good one Bill.