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发帖数: 4174 | 1 The North Carolina Family Policy Council's use of a violent image to promote
the state's proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage has ignited
controversy among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights
advocates.
The photograph, which can be found on page 13 of the winter 2012 issue of
the organization's Family North Carolina publication, shows a traditionally-
dressed bride and groom being targeted by an unseen sniper. It illustrates
an article titled "Marriage In Society's Moral Crosshairs," by Jacqueline
Schaffer, J.D.
"Protecting traditional marriage by enshrining it in the State Constitution
is not only socially beneficial, but it is also necessary to protect
religious liberty," Schaffer writes. "When the state sanctions a morally
controversial lifestyle such as homosexuality, it will inevitably draw
itself into conflict with the religious and moral beliefs of its citizens.
Such conflict, however, is not hypothetical, and its outcomes are already
well-documented."
The image has sparked the ire of several bloggers. Writes Unicorn Booty's
Kevin Farrell: "Did the North Carolina Family Policy Council somehow sleep
through that time Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head
after Sarah Palin put her in a rifle's crosshairs? Didn't we come to the
societal conclusion that crosshairs and gun imagery?"
Adds Alvin McEwen of LGBTQ Nation: "Maybe it's just me, but civil debates on
marriage equality don't necessarily encompass images of an assassin
targeting newlyweds."
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Psychological Association has published what
officials have deemed four top reasons why opposing same-sex marriage "is
bonkers." Among them: "There is empirical evidence that opposing denial of
marriage rights initiatives has beneficial psychological effects," and "
Psychologists have colleagues and we have clients for whom this issue is
relevant and important, and who appreciate representation. From a social
justice perspective, significant benefits accrue to all of us when diverse
families are legally and socially sanctioned."
Still, the chances of achieving marriage equality in North Carolina ahead of
an amendment on the May 8 primary ballot, which would restrict the state's
recognition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman and place more
restrictions on civil unions and domestic partnerships, remain uncertain. "
From a biblical position, all I can do is state my position: I believe that
homosexuality is a sin," Rev. Mark Harris, senior minister at Charlotte's
First Baptist Church who was recently elected to a yearlong term as
president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, tells the
Charlotte Observer. "That said, I don't believe that that position is at the
heart of this amendment. If homosexuals choose to maintain a relationship
and live together, that's their business. I don't believe people should be
discriminated against."
He went on to note that same-sex marriages aren't good for children: "I just
believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ideal. It is such a
unique union, and it is absolutely essential to the future of humanity." |
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