Gay Activist Protests

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Posted: 8:11 AM Nov 21, 2008
Last Updated: 8:11 AM Nov 21, 2008

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Religious organizations are on the watch for possible protests by gay activists who targeted churches in Michigan and Washington this month.
An extremist group called Bash Back! says it may stage similar disruptions in the future.
The group claims responsibility for disrupting a Nov. 9 service at Mount Hope Church just outside Lansing. Members shouted "Jesus was a homo" and "It's OK to be gay" at churchgoers.
Eaton County sheriff's deputies were alerted, but no arrests have been made.
An affiliated group claims it vandalized a Mormon church building in Washington state.
Mount Hope officials say they're reviewing their security procedures and getting legal advice. They also say the church doesn't identify itself as "anti-homosexual."

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Posted by: Populista on Nov 24, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Wow, the radical fundamentalists are out today. Why would I, or anyone else, have to care about what your Bible says? It means NOTHING to me. Get that through your thick heads. It means NOTHING to me, and to many, many other people. If you are so worried about others, try to feed the poor or save the children in Africa. Do something useful with yourselves rather than peeking into other people's bedrooms.

Posted by: tom Location: charlotte on Nov 24, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I think we have already have laws covering civil disobedience. We need to stop our legislature from fooling around with tasers,pop cans & yes gay people in churches & focus on issues like getting the smoke out of restaurants & other public facilities where second-hand smoke can kill employees and unsuspecting patrons.

Posted by: David Location: Charlotte on Nov 24, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Ive read all the blogs on this page, and there are threats explanations and compromises. I can only think of what my Lord would do in this matter. The story of the woman at the well comes to mind, Jesus forgave her and said go and sin no more. The Bible clearly states that Homosexualty is a sin Read 1 Cor. 6.9 Read the story of Sodom and Gomorrah God loves sinners but hates the sin. I was a sinner at one time Ive been involved with Homosexual practises. But Jesus forgave me when I repented of my sin and turned from it. I am no more living in that lifestyle. God is willing that none should parish but all repent. To thoughs of you that think that God will over look your sin when you will not turn from it and forsake it your fooling yourselfs. God will judge you, but there is hope and its your choice come to the saving knowlage of Jesus He died for you, so choise this day life or death but choise life, Just ask.

Posted by: elizabeth on Nov 24, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I dont agree with Scotts way of life, but like his honesty and agree with his statement. As with any group (religious, gay, whatever) you can't classify everyone in that group the same. Some people are immature about the way they express their beliefs and some have a little more decency and maturity.

Posted by: J Location: Dansville on Nov 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Don't these people realize that they are bringing all this negative attention to themselves. Good God people, if you insist on being gay....you dont need to broadcast it. Mind your own business...as should everyone else!

Posted by: Pam Location: Jackson on Nov 24, 2008 at 11:39 AM
One bad apple spoils the bushel. The liberals used the same technique in identifying all pro-life people as anti-choice terrorist. When the gay rights activist staged a protest in GR, they made sure that the news crews were there for the arrest of a single male walking onto campus. There was similar activities on other christian campus, but they could not get the news coverage because it was not a big deal. Because of these actions, churches are becoming a place that is becoming a warzone against terrorist. They lose their purpose when they have to protect their place of worship against disruptions.

Posted by: Scott Location: Charlotte on Nov 22, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Please don't include me with the "radicals" you speak of in your story just because I am gay. There are plenty of "radical" christian groups out there... I don't however, include the majority of christians in those groups. Just because a small number of idiots act without thinking what they are doing shouldn't label an entire group of people as believing the same. Every group has their share of trouble makers. Don't give them what they want....attention.

Posted by: EJS Location: Lansing on Nov 22, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Mount Hope is very anti homosexual are you kidding me. Who wrote this story?

Posted by: Mary Anne Location: Jackson on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Most people would agree that both groups are exercising their right to free speech under protection of their First Amendment rights. However, to practice free speech upon grounds specifically owned by a religious group trying to maintain the practice of their own free speech rights, is a violation of trespass and should be protected by law enforcement. The problem of a few weeks ago is that law enforcement did not do their job and they should be publicly reprimanded for their lack of policing ability. As citizens, we are granted the right to self-protect our property and lives. If law enforcement cannot do their jobs, it is up to us to protect what belongs to us, including and especially, our lives, if they are so threatened. It is a pity that in this case, Christians allowed the protest on their private property to continue and to subject small children and senior citizens to such a traumatic experience.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:29 AM
This was a horrible thing that group did, but it was no more "terrorism" than the "haunted house" put on by Mount Hope Church was. Scaring the innocent. Teaching through fear. Grasping publicity no matter the measure. I have a tough time feeling sorry for the victims in this case.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:40 PM
This is an ACT of TERRORISIM...and The POLICE need to step it up...AND pull these terrorists off the streets..They have no right to THreaten, harrass, Attack anyone..If they cant protest in peace..Then they are committing an act of Violence towards Innocent citizens..And the State and Local police need to treat this as such.. This Type of Protest/ is occuring all over the USA, and it needs to come to an end..VOTERS in CA, voted..and They voted against GAY MARRIAGE.. Gays are free to move to another country if they dont agree with the Voters..THEY cant go and threaten to kill, or harm innocent people.

Posted by: Elizabeth Location: Elsie on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:22 PM
When I seen this on Fox News, what a disgrace. These people are so wacked out it isnt funny. If you want to live against the Bible you dont have to think that you are making a statement by going to where other people dont believe the way you do and act so immature. When they kissed didnt they think there were children there, and besides that I'm an adult and I dont want to see that sickening stuff either. I couldnt even stomach to watch it on tv.

Posted by: James Location: Stockbridge on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Who is doing the research at WILX? This happen two weeks ago.

Posted by: Franklin Location: Mason on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:18 PM
All Protests on private property should be illegal Neither The right of free speech nor the right of gathering together in a group gives anyone the right to do it on other people's property If you want to speak or gather, do it on your own property or on public property Having the right of free speech does not guarentee one the right to be heard.

Posted by: Pam on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Fighting immoral issues is a difficult battle in today's society. If you try to welcome them and show them the wrongs in their lifestyle, you are deemed a christian fanatic. If you disagree with them in a public manner, you are deemed as intolerate and unforgiving. There is not good way to deal with people who is willing to attempt anything to show that they are normal.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Where is homeland security for the new form of terrorism facing our churches.....it's time for all Christians to stand up....The devil has come in like a flood, but the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against it.....remember Sodom and Gomorrah,activists? The Christians weapons are not carnal but Mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to avenge all disobedience...Do ye look on things of the outward apperance? If any man trust's to himself that he is Christ's, let him think again.....

Posted by: Populista Location: jenniferrefinnej@peoplepc.com on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
What Bash Back did was wrong; however, I do agree with them that the discrimination against gay people does need to stop and that church groups should NOT try to impose their version of morality on the laws of this country. Mt Hope Church may not identify itself as anti-homosexual, but it does put itself out there as a visible target for groups like this with its attention-seeking stunts like it's "haunted house" a few years ago. I would say that that "haunted house" was at least, if not vastly more, offensive than what happened in their church last week.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:15 PM
LGBT has the same foot as the ACLU, they have their agendas and they argue they must be accepted no matter what the laws says.

Posted by: amie on Nov 21, 2008 at 01:58 PM
how do you show gay's, that they are welcome to attend a church service, and do not need to get violent, we would welcome a chance to share the gosple with them as well as with anyone.

Posted by: Terry Location: Texas on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I was shocked when I read on-line your groups practice of disrupting church services. I'm an out gay man and I'm blessed by belonging to a faith community which accepts me and my partner equally into the church. As a faith community we work to increase awareness and inclusion of LGBT people not only into the general community but also into other faith denominations. This is achieved through positive dialog and putting a face to LGBT people. The face your putting to LGBT people is far from positive and is more likely to strengthen opposing faiths homophobia than improve relations. Your group appears to believe your doing good for the gay community when in fact your taking us to a level equal to The Westboro Baptist Church. I'm ashamed of the actions your taking and pray you reflect on the damage your causing. Your actions stand to only gain you personal glory and notoriety rather than advancing gay conversations with the churches your attacking.

Posted by: Kelly Location: Lansing on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:21 PM
There's a lot of war and conflict in the Bible, especially in defense of Christianity. Fire and brimstone, folks! Guess it's time for me to put my taser gun and pepper spray in my purse. I will happily sing 'Onward Christian Soldiers' while those freaks are rolling around on the ground pooing themselves. Attack me and my religion? Expect a response.

Posted by: diamond Location: dewitt on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:10 PM
j and lisa your comments are ok but,,, at some point you take a stand.. turning the other cheek has given people like (bash back) unlimited power.. it also shows your kids it's expected (not) to stand up for what you feel is right. if you allow one group to do it, that opens the gate for unlimited disturbances if these people know that no action will be taken... as i said earlier try that with my group it will get handled.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Holt on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Reply to diamond: The church can neither win or lose here! If they do nothing, they are weak and cowardly. If they do something, then everyone is screaming "See, we told you they hate gays!" Perhaps the church is doing something that it teaches by turning the other cheek?

Posted by: J Location: Jackson on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM
When you are blindsided by any attacker you are at the disadvantage. Lets not forget that there are women, children and elderly people that attend these church services also. You never know what your reaction would be until you are in that situation. Hopefully they start a disturbance at a church that is heavily secured without the attackers knowing it and lets see what the media does with that report.

Posted by: Samantha on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:06 AM
The military and the government respects the sanctity of more religious places.

Posted by: diamond Location: deewitt on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:33 AM
the problem at mt hope church is that the response to these freaks of nature was nothing... I do not understand why these people (church members) did not defend there church.. they just cowared down. it proves how weak people have become. that is the main reason why minority groups such a freeks think they have power. if that was my church those folk would have required medical attention..(to say it nicely)

Posted by: Steve Location: St. Johns on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Jesus was not and gay and those who say that he was will pay for it during judgment time.

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