Thank-you for posting the Question: What constitutes “hate speech”?

Beliefs are not “hate speech.” But, contributors on this Blog don’t want to tell the whole story. The “taboo” of discussing religion makes everyone defensive or cautious. It’s time for that to end.

We should be willing to tell the truth – about anything, including religion and LGBT issues. It is not helpful for any of us to call someone religious a “bigot” because they actually “believe” what they are saying. They also believe that it’s from “God.” That’s an argument that CANNOT be won. In fact, it’s a complete waste of time. Don’t bother.

But, there is good news. Only about 1/3 of those who claim to be “religious” cling to that literal interpretation of the Bible that damns homosexuals. The remaining two-thirds have grown past that – spiritually and civilly. They respect the idea of “equality.” They have the capacity to see all of us as equals. We need to pay attention to THEM.

Instead of making such a “big deal” about those who cling to an ancient “bigoted belief system,” we would be much better served enrolling the others. They would stand with us for equality, but we’re too busy yelling at the other crowd. Let that other crowd fade away, as is already happening. Let THEM be the minority. Eventually, they’ll die..

The LGBT Community has wrongly believed (for a long time) that the far right, very conservative religious people speak for our Nation. They DO NOT. Right now, nobody is. It’s an opportunity for us to lead an effort to have people stand up for equality. Without even discussing religion, we can create the “equality majority.” That would be “game over” for the religious institutions that wish to preserve their bigoted belief systems. They’ve been marketing hate for long enough. We can market fairness, honesty and equality.

We are all part of the most creative, compassionate and generous community on earth. We must always remember that and stop letting the zealots define us. We can define ourselves – accurately and positively.

We also live in a whole new world. A world of new ideas, and (thankfully) a bunch of “new” people. Young people get it. It’s time to stop fighting and start creating. We must create the change we desire. We must create our equality. We won’t be alone.

After reading back through the archives it seems this phenomenon exists on all topics that they have remarked on.

verb

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb religion give sermon: to give a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially in church

2. intransitive verb give advice in irritating way: to give advice on morality or behavior in an irritatingly tedious or overbearing way

3. transitive verb urge people to accept idea: to make an opinion or attitude known to others and urge others to share it
preached restraint in the midst of chaos

[13th century. Via Old French prechier< Latin praedicare (see predicate)]

By definition it is hate speech.
Standing in front of a group of people and bad mouthing another group of people is hate speech.

To answer the original question is where is the line, if there is one at all. The line for me is drawn when it rides the line of physical harm disquised within a letter of calling for action. The statements quoted earlier appear as a “wink wink nudge nudge” statement. They are clever to not cross the call to action in print but the call intent sounds rather clear, especially to extremists.

As we watch the memorial services today for those who were killed at Ft. Worth, the government is backtracking to identify where they missed the signals. If they are honest, at least with themselves, they will see the signs immediately and find they simply chose to ignore them.

Let’s pray law enforcement wises up to these groups and people who stretch the line into a mile and run along side it to spew hate.

Many mainstream commentators, journalists and such have blogs, write op eds and even deliver commentary (Keith Olbermann comes immediately to mind) on current events and topics.

I see nothing whatsoever wrong with what John and Tammye do in the manner they do it. If the previous post re: hate speech made it to print as an actual article, then I believe you would have some standing.

Just my observation.