Religious right, conservative Protestants and Catholics slam LGBTQ+ community
Around the globe, numerous religions play out in various ways and beliefs, with many consequences which may be viewed in different ways.
Even as many LGBTQ+ folks believe in a god, or other images of dominant figures, our true nature may be heralded as a “sin,” or another form of judgement that hurts, discriminates or otherwise separates members of society. The true nature, our true intimate inner selves, are constantly facing a barrage of criticism from our religious friends.
As a society with so many cultures, languages and a variety of beliefs, the issues tend to be confusing for many. Our concerns are met with disdain and viewed as unimportant because our sexual orientation, true gender identity or expression that are not part of religious beliefs. To be fair, some Christian denominations, referred to as mainstream churches, are welcoming and embrace same-sex marriage. The United Church of Canada, the Anglicans in some parts of Canada, and the Presbyterians working to perform samesex marriages, are positive signs of progress.
So many are non-participants, instead choosing to further the cause for discrimination. Leaders of nations, leaders of political parties, leaders of religious organizations, and those who happily follow those who lead and discriminate without hesitation. The world in which we reside has many sides, but the most glaring angst ridden problem is the fact that discrimination is on the rise.
The religious right has been, and continues to be, influential in convincing that being an LGBTQ+ citizen is against their god. Recently, A Roman Catholic priest in Calgary blasted Pride celebrations, exclaiming that the Pride flag was invented by Satan. The Rev. Jerome, the Vicar for Education at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, said the flag “represents lawlessness, a break from the natural order and evil.” This according to The Star Calgary.
In Picton, Ont., Father R.J. Chisholm of St. Gregory’s Roman Catholic Church, declared that “Catholics and all other Christians should not attend LGBTQ2 Pride Month events. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Christian faith and morals. This is especially harmful to children because it could lead them away from God’s revealed Truth.”
Evangelical churches constantly bombard the LGBTQ+ community, among them, Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Countless religious organizations speak out against LGBTQ+ citizens. In 2016, many Muslim countries opposed a move to advance LGBTQ+ rights, and blocked 11 gay and transgender organizations from attending high-level meetings on ending AIDS. Many political leaders are also slow to move in a positive direction, and indeed are swayed, or truly believe, that LGBTQ+ members of society do not deserve equal rights and equal treatment. The struggle continues with politicians not being on side. Canada’s reputation as a so-called tolerant nation is true on many issues but we cannot and should not be idle as a change in government could very well place us in a different position. Laws can change, treatment towards others may not be as before. How will we know the best road to take? And I wonder how we promise a better future to generations to follow.
These questions are not easily answered, except to say that we must choose to the best of our abilities and vote for those leaders who will best serve to make a more positive and inclusive world. The Liberal government in Ottawa is proposing a law that will ban gay-conversion therapy this fall, a welcome addition for protecting LGBTQ+ folks. Our LGBTQ+ friends in the U.S. have much to endure as President Trump continues his war against equality for those citizens who do not fit the norm, so to speak. Human rights are inclusive rights and we cannot allow inequality and discrimination to continue. Let us go forward and embrace each other and not give in to discrimination.