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Sacramento Bee's Ongoing Coverage of two hate crimes, the murder of a gay male couple, Gary Matson and Winfield Mowder, and the arsons of three synagogues in Sacramento
Antigay Politics and the Religious Right A ten-page article from People for the American Way
The recent highly publicized ad campaign by a coalition of fifteen Religious Right organizations is the latest tactical ploy in a long-term political strategy of vilification and political marginalization of gay and lesbian Americans.
Assault on Gay America: The Life and Death of Billy Jack Gaither, external link to PBS Frontline
Attacks on Gay and Lesbian Churches from Religious Tolerance
Billy Jack Gaither Memorial Page (religious theme; "Amazing Grace" music plays in the background)
The Church and Anti-gay Violence, Commentary by Morris Floyd (Billy Jack Gaither)
Ironically, those who call for a literal interpretation and strict
adherence to some Biblical passages seem less troubled by violent
language and acts than by the possibility of loving relationships
between people of the same gender.
Hate Crimes Against Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Americans Are a Serious National Problem, the Human Rights Campaign
Reports of vicious hate crimes against lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans are increasing. Yet only in rare circumstances can the
federal government investigate and prosecute hate crimes committed against someone because of his or her real or perceived
sexual orientation or gender.
Hate Crimes Statistics (FBI, 1991-1997)
Hate Crimes Today: An Age-Old Foe
in Modern Dress by the American Psychological Association
Researchers have concluded that hate crimes are not necessarily random,
uncontrollable, or inevitable occurrences. There is overwhelming evidence
that society can intervene to reduce or prevent many forms of violence,
especially among young people, including the hate-induced violence that
threatens and intimidates entire categories of people.
Matthew Shepard Memorial Page (religious, "I Come to the Garden Alone" plays in the background)
Ministries in the Midst of Hate and Violence (United Methodist Church)
Response Magazine (United Methodist Women)
Photo: Peggy Jennings, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chico, California, forms part of a "Circle of Love" surrounding the Sacramento Convention Center. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose
As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, Affirmation radically reclaims the compassionate and transforming gospel of Jesus Christ by relentlessly pursuing full inclusion in the Church as we journey with the Spirit in creating God's beloved community. We affirm a Gospel of respect, love, justice and mercy for all. Affirmation is an activist, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization with no official ties to The United Methodist Church.
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