The gay issue: GOP split between those who see homosexuality as a sin and those who want party to

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 10/5/6 | Edward Epstein

[SmithL]

The resignation of Republican Rep. Mark Foley of Florida focuses anew a long-running fissure in the Republican Party between those on the right who view homosexuality as a sin that endangers the country and those who want the party to find a place in the GOP for all Americans.

Republicans are unanimous in their condemnation of Foley's behavior, but leaders of social and religious groups that are influential in the party have been repeating their anti-gay messages since the release of sexually explicit e-mails and text messages between the lawmaker and underage congressional pages.

Several of those conservatives say they believe House leaders decided last spring not to severely discipline Foley when they first learned of his contacts with a teenage former page because they were afraid of being accused of gay-bashing.

The six-term, 52-year-old former congressman had never acknowledged his homosexuality until Tuesday, when his lawyer disclosed the fact, although rumors about his sexual orientation had swirled for years.

House officials led by embattled Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "discounted or downplayed earlier reports concerning Foley's behavior -- probably because they did not want to appear 'homophobic.' The Foley scandal shows what happens when political correctness is put ahead of protecting children,'' said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.

Hastert, however, has denied the contention and has refrained from commenting on Foley's sexuality. Instead, the Republican speaker has stressed his disgust for improper conduct by any adult with minors such as the teenage pages.

But social conservatives, including Perkins' powerful group and its allies, tie Foley's conduct directly to his homosexuality.

"The fact that Americans find former Representative Foley's alleged conduct reprehensible shows we have not bought into the false ideology that 'all sex should be celebrated'

[SmithL]

What did the Dems know, when did they know it, and why did they save it for now?

[Suzy Quzy]

Homosexuality ACTED upon is a SIN.

[frogjerk]

Lust for Homosexual or Heterosexual desires is a SIN as well.

[elhombrelibre]

But what about the Democrats and how they view the issue. Their party views Gays the same way courts in the Middle Ages looked at jesters and midgets. And this whole alleged vast corn hole conspiracy that's such a part of their new efforts to harm the Republicans shows just how sincere the Democrats and their media echo chamber are.

[CobaltBlue]

It's called "October Surprise" for a reason. What goes around, comes around. And around and around and around it goes.

[TheCrusader]

To most politicians, homosexuality isn't a sin, it's a vote.

[Disambiguator]

I agree. I also would like to point out that the abuse of the King's English is a sin, too. They're not "gay" (happy, cheerful), they are homosexuals.

I have many gay friends who are heterosexuals.

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the the heart the spirit is broken."

Proverbs 15:13 KJV

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "Homosexuality ACTED upon is a SIN."

You forgot the Sermon on the Mount. Even the "thought" of doing it is a sin, according to Jesus.

Matthew 5:27-28

27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.'

28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

And so, likewise, we can extend that across the spectrum into other things, whether it involves sexual sins or murder or theft or whatever...

THUS -- is the *high standard* of God that *no one* on earth can meet up to. And, thus -- is the need for Jesus Christ as Savior, who is the only way and path to God, the Father (as Jesus, Himself said).

Regards,
Star Traveler

[Antoninus]

Sodomy is always a sin. Having homosexual desires is only sinful if you don't dismiss them and put them aside. Same with deviant heterosexual desires.

Of course, I don't expect the SF Chronicle to understand the distinctions...

[CobaltBlue]

I don't think the Republican party should exclude homosexuals just because some party members think it's a sin.

It's one of those "mind your own bidness" things, or maybe "none of your beeswax" things.

You don't wave it in my face, and I'll look the other way.

[Unam Sanctam]

People have a right to believe homosexual activity is a sin and the right to say so. The liberal thought police wants to eliminate anyone's right to say so and to indoctrinate public school children on a contentious moral issue.

[Antoninus]

But social conservatives, including Perkins' powerful group and its allies, tie Foley's conduct directly to his homosexuality.
Deserves a "duh" alert...

[headsonpikes]

Headline Correction:

The gay issue: GOP split between those who see homosexuality as a sin and those who want to party

[elhombrelibre]

First the Democrats wanted us to believe in their paranoid fantasy that there was a vast right wing conspiracy trying to destroy Clinton. Now, they want us to believe their is a vast right wing conspiracy to aid and abet a congressman and his catamites. In fact, it's all rubbish. The victim was never molested before he turned 18, the age when Democrats believe he should be able to enjoy sex with a man, despite the health risks associated with ripping the colon wall. They really believe that's natural and swell. In fact, it's Gay.

[George W. Bush]

House officials led by embattled Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "discounted or downplayed earlier reports concerning Foley's behavior -- probably because they did not want to appear 'homophobic.' The Foley scandal shows what happens when political correctness is put ahead of protecting children,'' said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.

Tony Perkins is a useful idiot for the Dims. I was suspicious of Dobson and FRC in the Harriet flap. Now it's clear they will cut the GOP's throat for their own agenda, apparently not caring if that hands the House to the Dims.

[goldstategop]

I believe homosexuality is sinful. Yeah that makes me judgmental, an undesirable quality in an era when we are told to avoid making moral judgments. In this area, I will never change to fit the times. In matters of right and wrong I am not adaptable but inflexible.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus

[zerosix]

When it comes to "thoughts" as sin, our pastor once said that one cannot control each and every thought that comes into our heads and compared it to "a bird flying over and dropping on us but if we allow the bird to make a nest in our hair" then it becomes sin and is usually acted upon.

I thought that was a good analogy, such as having a particular weird dream that is very much against one's convictions.

[RockinRight]

Yes, but should the government legislate morality? Aside from gay marriage, which I feel should be defined as between man and woman, that's about as far as the government should go.

[gidget7]

"Yeah that makes me judgmental, an undesirable quality in an era when we are told to avoid making moral judgments. "




Human beings are SUPPOSE to judge, when it comes to deviant behavior or criminal behavior. That is what makes us remain law abiding, decent honest people. You would never invite a rapist or a thief to your home if you knew about his activities. If you did not judge for yourself what is acceptable and what is not, you would have no morals or values, or standards, or ethics to adhere to.

Liberals on the other hand coddle undesirables as victims, and do not discriminate between them and society. Big Mistake, that!