Republican lawmaker: There’s a ‘distinction’ between gays and human beings

[AnneK]

Republican lawmaker there's a distinction between gays and human beings

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/05/11/republican-lawmaker-theres-a-distinction-between-gays-and-human-beings/

Pink News/By Nick Duffy    05/11/2017

[Deborah]

Any appropriate comment to this will just land me in trouble. 


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

[HappyMoni]

I often wonder what percentage of the hate mongering politicians like this actually believe their venomous, verbal idiocy, or are they just greedy to get elected and willing to sell their souls to do so.
Moni

[RobynD]

Bigotry on that level is basically hate speech. Do not forget that there is a segment of our culture that is scared to death to lose power and privilege and they see it happening around them. To them, we represent one of the forces of progress that they are so very afraid of.

[staciM]

They wouldn't be saying those things if their "constituents" (a-holes) didn't eat it up.  The politicians are merely a figurehead for a large group of hatred...and ignorance.

Enter comment comparing this republican representative to a lizard with an especially impaired IQ.

[Deborah]

On the other hand, if you take the scriptures literally, as many evangelicals do, then what he said is perfectly reasonable.  So, there is the problem.  It's the book.


Conform and be dull. —James Frank Dobie, The Voice of the Coyote

[AnneK]

Here's what he's claiming as justification:

"When you look at the tenets of religion, of the Bible, of the Qu'ran, of other religions, there is a distinction between homosexuality and just being a human being."

[Janes Groove]

What he's saying is not that different than social media and most comments sections.

He's just putting a face to what A LOT of people actually think.

Politicians try to get votes. It's their raison d'etre.

[SailorMars1994]

Yup. Seeing what is happening in America these past 2 years or so has made me ever more happier to be a Canadian. So greatful in fact I shall kiss this very ground *kisses ground*

[AnneK]

Politicians try to get votes. It's their raison d'etre.

However, it seems to be primarily a Republican problem.  Something similar happened in Canada, with the previous, Conservative government under Stephen Harper.  He's a fundamentalist christian, who tried to impose some of his nonsense on Canada.  He particularly went after scientific research that challenged his beliefs, religious and other.  A current candidate to replace him as leader of the Conservative party, Kellie Leich, wants to impose "Canadian values" that are similar to what Trump wants.

The Conservative party in Canada is comparable to the Republicans.  Years ago, they were a responsible party, but got taken over by the hard right (wrong?) and religious groups.  Same disastrous policies as the Republicans favour.

[Laurie]

 This is another story I shall refrain from commenting on here. I will not get in trouble over it on this site. I would caution others to be careful too.

Hugs,
  Laurie

[SophieD]

Editorial: Intolerance in Missouri — lawmaker says there's a 'distinction between homosexuality and just being a human being'

http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article149595284.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_1677900092223401_1678946095452134_1678946095452134

Kansas City Star; May 09, 2017 6:13 PM; by By The Kansas City Star editorial board

But what business wants to operate in a state that tolerates discrimination? Or a state where a representative thinks gays and lesbians are less than human?

The states that grow in the 21st century will be those that show tolerance, acceptance and intelligence. Missouri's lawmakers are sending a clear signal this state is not any of those things.


I realize that the trend in recent months has been kind of negative, but I still hope that the attitude of enlightened economic self-interest (as expressed above) will motivate state legislatures to at least stop promoting policies that create permissive environments for homo- and transphobia.  Gotta have hope, right?

[ainsley]

Ah, my fabulous State of Missouri political leaders.  I am so glad I live here and have wise and learned leaders like this to represent me in our House of Representatives.  It is so much in line with the thinking of our State citizens and makes me proud to be a Missourian. 
                                                     

[SailorMars1994]

However, it seems to be primarily a Republican problem.  Something similar happened in Canada, with the previous, Conservative government under Stephen Harper.  He's a fundamentalist christian, who tried to impose some of his nonsense on Canada.  He particularly went after scientific research that challenged his beliefs, religious and other.  A current candidate to replace him as leader of the Conservative party, Kellie Leich, wants to impose "Canadian values" that are similar to what Trump wants.

The Conservative party in Canada is comparable to the Republicans.  Years ago, they were a responsible party, but got taken over by the hard right (wrong?) and religious groups.  Same disastrous policies as the Republicans favour.

Yes and no Anne. There are some bad apples in the Conservative party like you mentioned. But comparing them to the Republicans is a bit harsh. I mean Michael Chong is an old fashion Progressive Conservative (not part of the old Alliance party). Other reasonable enough ones are Lisa Raitt, John Baird,Michelle Rempel and Larry McGuire.

[AnneK]

And you could say there are some decent Republicans too.  But what is the overall tone of the parties, on either side of the border?  Fortunately, with Harper gone, the Conservatives aren't as bad as they were.

[KathyLauren]

They wouldn't be saying those things if their "constituents" (a-holes) didn't eat it up.  The politicians are merely a figurehead for a large group of hatred...and ignorance.

It's a bit of chicken-and-egg.  A lot of "regular people" are able to justify outrageous beliefs because celebrities (i.e. politicians in this case) voice them.  If they heard more of their fellow citizens and less of their politicians, they would find it harder to get away with expressing those views.

[ainsley]

It's a bit of chicken-and-egg.  A lot of "regular people" are able to justify outrageous beliefs because celebrities (i.e. politicians in this case) voice them.  If they heard more of their fellow citizens and less of their politicians, they would find it harder to get away with expressing those views.

Exactly!  Excellent point and perspective.

[AnneK]

A lot of "regular people" are able to justify outrageous beliefs because celebrities

It's not just celebrities.  Look at how many, such as that lawmaker, who use religion to justify their bigotry.

[SailorMars1994]

And you could say there are some decent Republicans too.  But what is the overall tone of the parties, on either side of the border?  Fortunately, with Harper gone, the Conservatives aren't as bad as they were.

Very much agreed!

[Jennifer RachaelAnn]

I live in Missouri, and didn't know just how asinine this state is until I read that article. Personally I think people like Brattin should be tarred and feathered, locked in the stocks for about 6 weeks, fed only 2 slices of bread and a cup of water every day, then taken to an uninhabited island, thrown deep into a cave, then let them see just how inhuman it is to be homosexual, and let them try to figure out why their god would allow such a thing to happen to them. The harshest punishment is required here.

I'm about to start looking at real estate in Canada. Again.