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Yuri Kochetkov / EPA
Russian Interior Ministry officers detain two gay rights activists during an unsanctioned protest in front of the Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, in Moscow on Friday.
Russia's parliament backed a draft law on Friday banning "homosexual propaganda," in what critics see as an attempt to shore up support for President Vladimir Putin in the country's largely conservative society.
Only one deputy in the State Duma lower house voted against the bill, but passions spilled over outside the chamber, where 20 people were detained after scuffles between Russian Orthodox Christians and gay activists who staged a "kiss-in" protest.
"We live in Russia, not Sodom and Gomorrah," United Russia deputy Dmitry Sablin said before the 388-1 vote in the 450-seat chamber. "Russia is a thousands-years-old country founded on its own traditional values - the protection of which is dearer to me than even oil and gas."
Veteran human rights campaigner Lyudmila Alexeyeva described the draft law as "medieval" and said it was intended to appeal to conservative voters after months of protests that have sapped Putin's popularity.
"It (the Duma) is relying on the ignorance of people who think homosexuality is some sort of distortion," she said.
The legislation has served to deepen divisions in society since Putin returned to the presidency in May and began moves seen by the opposition as designed to crackdown on dissent and smother civil society.
During the process, Putin and his supporters have underlined what they see as conservative, traditional Russian values.
He has drawn closer to the Russian Orthodox Church during this time, hoping the support of one of the most influential institutions in Russia will consolidate his grip on power.
Scuffles outside the Duma
In a sign of the passions caused by the bill, clashes broke out between supporters and opponents outside the Duma, a few hundred meters from the Kremlin in central Moscow.
Supporters, some of them holding Russian Orthodox icons and crosses, cheered and threw eggs as police hauled away gay activists, one of whom was splashed with green paint. Police said 20 people had been held.
The law must be passed in three readings by the lower house, approved by the upper house and then signed by Putin to go into force. It would ban the promotion of gay events across Russia and impose fines of up 500,000 roubles ($16,600) on organizers.
Supporters of the law welcome moves that would allow the banning of gay rights marches and complain about television and radio programs which they say show support for gay couples.
"The spread of gay propaganda among minors violates their rights," ruling United Russia party deputy, Elena Mizulina, who chairs the Duma's family issues committee. "Russian society is more conservative so the passing of this law is justified."
Putin's critics say the law is the latest in a series of legislative moves intended to stifle the opposition.
In a sign Kremlin-loyal lawmakers hope to eliminate all opposition in the house, two deputies who joined in street protests against Putin said on Friday that their Just Russia party threatened to kick them out if they continued to do so.
Public approval for Putin, who is now 60, stood in January at 62 percent, the lowest level since June 2000, an independent pollster said on Thursday.
Putin and the church
Putin, a former KGB spy who has criticized gays for failing to help reverse Russia's population decline, has increasingly looked for support among conservative constituencies and particularly the church to offset his falling support.
The Russian Orthodox Church, resurgent since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, has spoken out against homosexuality. Putin drew closer to the clergy during the trial and sentencing this summer of three members of the Pussy Riot punk band over their protest in the country's main cathedral.
Anti-gay propaganda laws are already in place in Arkhangelsk, Novosibirsk and St Petersburg, Putin's home city, where it was used unsuccessfully to sue American singer Madonna for $10 million for promoting gay love during a concert last year.
Some deputies raised concerns the bill would be misused, asking how it would define homosexuality, and one said the house was meddling in issues beyond its scope.
"Do you seriously think that you can foster homosexuality via propaganda?" the only deputy who voted against the bill, United Russia's Sergei Kuzin, challenged its authors during the debate.
Homosexuality, punished with jail terms in the Soviet Union, was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, but much of the gay community remains underground and prejudice runs deep.
In Moscow, city authorities have repeatedly declined permission to stage gay parades and gay rights' allies have often ended in arrests and clashes with anti-gay activists.
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
Leave a Comment:
Wow.
What Americans are learning, yet again, is that the right wing zealots in America have far more in common with their right wing comrades in Russia, North Korea, and Al Queda as well as early 20th century fascists. Hate is hate. Ignorance is ignorance. Religious zealotry, no matter where you find it, is an indicator of hatred, intolerance, bigotry, fear and beliefs that date back to the dark ages.
We need to send our American haters ---- Tea Bigots, right wing nut jobs, ultra-conservatives, religious zealots - - - into the dust bin of history. Alternatively, send them to Alaska, give'em all the guns and ammunition they want, fueled by Fox News propaganda, then set them free to destroy each other. Their paranoia will certainly provide all the motivation they need.
Ban gayness!
I thought I'd get on here before a bunch of pro-gay bigots starts commenting. Poisoning the well with nonsense phrases like homophobia. A lot of people can go on and on about how this is a conservative move? So, the democrats in America have been giving conservatives the cold shoulder for the past four years, and enacting nothing but democratic policies. A party votes the way it feels it should. I'm glad the Russians aren't as fearful of political pressure as American government seems to. What's beginning to irk me is that homosexual organizations are trying to dictate how people feel and think, that goes way beyond simple tolerance. The homosexual community has yet to produce a gay gene, or substantiate their claims with any conclusive scientific evidence not written in the language of probability.
At last the right wing Republican/Tea Party types have a place where they'll fit right in....... Russia.
There you go christians, your kind of leader. Another reason why sane modern Americans have to lead the world against this type of mentally ill, christian-based, hatred of all who aren't white, straight, and armed.
@Jake,
There are non religious reasons people are opposed to homosexuality that are not fear based. It seems way too many are getting sucked into a bunch of liberal rhetoric that distorts the main issues concerning so called gay rights. The matter is far from decided by the scientific community, and it's begging the question to assume otherwise.
^ like hate-based.
Hey Republicans...
Your in good company....Putin and Muslims feel the same way you do when it comes to homosexuality. You should be soooo proud.
Yeah, right now I have a craving for a hunky Muskovite. Faggots are sick.
Russia should send the faggots on a one way plane to a Island and call it Gay death island, they dont breed there they die out..
Why not a concentration camp?
You guys have your chimneys ready?
He forgot to mention the date when gays arrived. Things would have been so much clearer.
Paragus, you seem to be under the impression straight people don't have gay babies. That we just somehow materialize out of thin air. But, honey, your completely unsurprising lack of understanding of basic reproduction aside, putting us all on an island together is actually a longtime dream of mine. That'd be hawt! ;)
Honey, we already have an island. It's called Fire Island! ;-)
i thought that was hiv island?
You mean 'Homos In Virginia' Island?
In Amerika, promotion and support of the gay lifestyle is expected and those speaking out against it are labeled as "haters" by the left-wing liberal media.
So Putin has a 62% popularity rating? Isn't that about ten points higher than Obama's?
Because you're off on Fantasy Island. It is their country so stop meddling loser.
Hey neighbors,
My only child, my son (now in this late 20's) is gay. I'm very heterosexual, from conservative Republican Christian roots.
Please, I ask you as a parent, please really do the research on what causes people to be gay or lesbian. My son...I'll be gone one day...if you're a parent you'll understand what's in my heart. You'd understand how you're hurting this woman. My grandfather won a Purple Heart fighting for you in WWI. My father was a frogman fighting for you in WWII. My folks hosted Republican fund raising parties at our home...I voted strictly along party lines - Republican of course - until 2004 when they were 'threatening' that the Democrats would insure equal rights for my kid. Blood is thicker than party, to me.
Do you expect me to tolerate your threats towards my kid? What would you have me do about my son? He didn't choose his sexual orientation; his brain was wired that way from birth. Maybe something I ate or was exposed to when I was carrying him, maybe it's just a genetic thing...I don't really know why...research is being done on that...but he's my child, and my only child. And as Dr. Laura taught me "I am my kid's mom." I know you can all relate to that.
Would you turn against your kid? For God? My faith, my Christian faith, tells me God loves both me AND my son, and will protect him even though he's turned away completely from God because, in our society and in his mind, God hates him. Do you see the damage? Do you see how God would not condone hurting others this way? On these posts? Regardless if this is sin or whatever...you're turning people AWAY from Him. You're supposed to be doing the opposite...you're supposed to be spreading his word AND his love for us. Go back to your bible...specifically the New Testament. Don't let Jesus's words be in vein, and the hateful, vengeful God depicted in the Old Testament take root again.
I hope I didn't offend anyone's beliefs here. I understand how you feel. I used to feel the same way. I have to choose BOTH my son and God...I need and love both of them.
John,
You have interpreted my post backwards. It' probably because you di dnot see the posts to which I was responding.
Veronica and Paragus were calling for banning all gays to an island, so I wanted to point out to them, whom they resemble at the moment.
Also, for your information Russia is my country too, I don't live there, but I do have the citizenship, so I have every right to express my opinion about the discriminating policy.
@Vipp,
Not all Muslims. The afghan men believe that men are for pleasure and women are only for procreation. They even have what is called "man-love" Thursdays.
God bless PUTIN and mother RUSSIA!!! Hopefully they can stamp out all the gays and the pedophiles out of their society. The west is just about to catch fire and burn to ashes. Christ has risen!!! Indeed he has risen!!!
You've got a very warped mind, pal. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable living in Russia where you'll fit right in.
You are right on, SRBINAT!! When people think it's archaic to ban homos, they should remember homosex perverts are as old as time. Rome can blame part of its ancient demise on them.
Christ didn't have a problem with gays. Jesus refers to "eunuchs who have been so from birth." This terminology ("born eunuchs") was used in the ancient world to refer to homosexual men. Jesus indicates that being a "born eunuch" is a gift from God. However, the bible has many passages condemning gays. You're going to have to choose, the bible or Jesus, because they contradict each other. One was the son of God and the other was written by men, choose wisely.
riverboy, show me that passage of the Bible
"Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can." (Matthew 19:11-12)
Let there be light on this passage, may it strike down those who covet discrimination and hate so that the world may bask in love as opposed darkness. < My best impression of how you guys post comments.
Very good. Eunuch are those who choose not to marry, who have been confused, since birth. Gays and lesbians want the world to allow them to marry and to continue living the lifestyle without God, that is, their goal is not to reach the kingdom of heaven, but only to pleased the flesh.
The sacred commandment of God still stands, Jesus did not come to reject the teachings of His Father.
Why is it that religious people feel they can pick and choose whatever parts of a passage, book, history, or even sentence to fit their bigoted agenda? Student, is your skull so thick that's how you enterpret it? You challenged riverboy and he rose to the occasion and showed you up with your own good book. You doubted him, asked for evidence, got provided with evidence, and then ignored it completely. Why do you have such a problem with homosexuality that you think a government should outlaw even speaking about it, please look at this ever so important part "Let anyone accept this who can." If someone is gay, let them accept it. It is their life, not yours. Your entire argument is based on your belief being different, there are dozens of other religions who think everything Christian is incorrect based on your same exact argument. Are you so blind you can't see that?
I do not care what other religions think about Christianity. Christianity was founded by the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus, who does not err. Christianity will not compromise with the opinions of men.
I do not have a personal problem with homosexuality, I care about the will of the Father.
It is a Holy commandment to obey our father, even if it means going against the flesh, even if it means dying for our Faith. The commandment is very clear, I will not try to bend it, or hide it.
It is wicked, hatred for the flesh of a man to lie with another man, without any procreation, it is going against Life, who Jesus is Life. It is hatred to obey the flesh, and at the same time tell the world that you follow God. It is prostitution to be a friend of satan, in honoring the flesh, ignoring the commandment of God.
You can not have two lovers, it is either Satan or Jesus, you choose.
I can not be blind in defending the commandments of our Father. Am I severe in defending God's commandment? so is God severe in punishing wicked sinners.
And you just proved my point, if you replace Christianity with Islam, Christ with Muhammad, and God with Allah, that is the same exact argument a Muslim or Islamist would use to "prove" other religions are wrong and why they don't care what you think. So why is your view right and their's wrong? You are blind.
To Riverboy21: Sometimes we leave behind other passages when we "quote" verses, so here it goes:
Question: "What is a eunuch in the Bible? What does the Bible say about
eunuchs?"
Answer:
The eunuchs of the Bible were castrated males
or those born incapable of reproduction due to a birth defect. The purpose of
intentional castration was to induce impotence and remove sexuality. It was a
common practice in ancient times for rulers to castrate some of their servants
and/or advisers in order to subdue and pacify them. It was especially common to
castrate those who tended the royal harem.
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus mentions eunuchs. He says, “There
are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are
eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made
themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to
accept this, let him accept it.” This discussion of eunuchs was in the context
of the question asked of Him about whether it is good to marry.
Because
Jesus says that some eunuchs are “born that way from their mother's womb,” some
gay Christian groups argue that He was referring to homosexuals. Others
disagree, arguing that the Bible's use of the word “eunuch” refers only
to those incapable of sexual intercourse through castration or birth defect,
those who choose a life of celibacy and those who perform the work typical of
eunuchs though they remain perfectly capable of having sex (and thus receive the
title by association). The Bible never uses the words “homosexual” and
“eunuch” interchangeably. Furthermore, eunuchs are never referred to in
Scripture as being in sin, while homosexuality is universally condemned in both
the Old and New Testaments
riverboy, eunuchs were not homosexuals. They were emasculated men. A common practice then for servants and slaves to keep them from getting "distracted". Nice try though.
You are truly in darkness if you believe that Jesus is softhearted, and that God is weak. God is love, but He is also Justice, and wicked creatures do injustice by not following His commandments.
You choose to believe only what is convenient to you, you want God to be all loving and all forgiven, and to forgive everything. The Ten commandments are for the unjust, because the just already follow it, suffering to obtain the God, the God who wants purity.
I'm not blind in saying that God's will comes first, and I'm correct in saying that we must protect and preserve the love of God first. on the other hand, you are selling Jesus, to defend your friends, you want them to continue on sinning, because you think that the laws of God do not apply on them. You are selling Jesus for a few coins.
to Millknee: Thanks for clarifling;
Question: "What is a eunuch in the Bible? What does the Bible say about eunuchs?"
Answer:
The eunuchs of the Bible were castrated males, or those born incapable of reproduction due to a birth defect. The purpose of intentional castration was to induce impotence and remove sexuality. It was a common practice in ancient times for rulers to castrate some of their servants and/or advisers in order to subdue and pacify them. It was especially common to
castrate those who tended the royal harem.
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus mentions eunuchs. He says, "There
are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are
eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made
themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to
accept this, let him accept it." This discussion of eunuchs was in the context
of the question asked of Him about whether it is good to marry.
Because Jesus says that some eunuchs are "born that way from their mother's womb," some
gay Christian groups argue that He was referring to homosexuals. Others
disagree, arguing that the Bible's use of the word "eunuch" refers only
to those incapable of sexual intercourse through castration or birth defect,
those who choose a life of celibacy and those who perform the work typical of
eunuchs though they remain perfectly capable of having sex (and thus receive the
title by association). The Bible never uses the words "homosexual" and
"eunuch" interchangeably. Furthermore, eunuchs are never referred to in
Scripture as being in sin, while homosexuality is universally condemned in both
the Old and New Testaments
And here I though bible was calling for peace and kindness.
Then again, people have been using bible as an excuse to fry somebody extra-crispie for centuries.
Forget the way you feel about gays, do any of you really believe that you can get into heaven by biting the crap out of somebody?
At the Birth of Jesus the angels sang "Peace on earth to man of good will". Peace onto him who has a good will. Peace to a being who honors peace. Peace and kindness to brothers and sisters who worship the same God. Beings who are anti-peace, who worship their bodies, who reject the commandment of God, refused peace.
Christians can not be friends to demons, God will not allow it. A Christian must be firm when it comes to the Laws of God. There is no such thing as to defend the wicked sinners from punishment, when the wicked creature does not want God. A Christian is willing to die and help a sinner who wants to find God, who wants to be saved.
We are not attacking lesbians and gays for rejecting the commandments of God, it is the Word of God; we are saying that the Word of God, is Holy, and must be follow. It is out of love that we impose the word of God, not out of hatred. We are not condemning anyone, we are rejecting the universal acceptance of wicked behavior unaccepted by God.
There is a problem when you take a religious name, Christ! Give Christ some rest now and then.
""We live in Russia, not Sodom and Gomorrah," United Russia deputy Dmitry Sablin said before the 388-1 vote in the 450-seat chamber. "Russia is a thousands-years-old country founded on its own traditional values - the protection of which is dearer to me than even oil and gas.""
This getting hung up none too important issue like gay/lesbian, then they are indicators of intoxication of too much of religion, highly corrupt and useless govt and or highly degenerated societies.
One is unnecessary giving too much importance and so cheap publicility to gays/lesbians.
A lot of religious 'types' (on this comment page, and beyond) are seriously, pathologically twisted. What sort of God do you worship? Mind you, all of the major 3 "Middle Eastern Mythologies' are screwed up: Myopic, Misogynistic, Medieval (and Homophobic as well apparently). It sounds as though your God is some kind of celestial Dictatorial Autocrat whose worshipers claim stands for Love and Peace, but in fact promotes, intolerance, prejudice, bigotry and hatred. Where is your sense of 'Humanity?' At least many so-called 'Pagan' religions had their priorities straight; with respect to worshiping the Earth, and the preservation of the world and all the life-forms contained therein. Even worshipping the 'Sun' makes more sense; it is after all the energy source which allows life to exist on this beautiful planet in the first place.
You just invalidated your own argument there. We ARE as old as time and aren't going anywhere any time soon.
@student- if your god isn't powerful enough to get his number one fan into the superbowl, he's not much of a god now, is he?
Riverboy
Eunuch
Claiming that Eunuch and Homosexual is nothing more than a false distortion meant to change the meaning so people will accept a chosen errant behavior as okay.
First God created gays. Then, God punished men and women for being gay. Isn't religion charming?
sikchimp
Really?
Pretty big to be making every decision on every outcome of every decision people make, how it will affect them, and all those involved. Yes, a winner of a Super Bowl actually comes from god, but the reason for one being the winner and another is not always easy to understand.
Quite the contrary.
How would you feel if your gave your son everything he would need to live a good life, money, cars, large house, not have to work, and all he had to do was talk with you and participate in activities with you, and don't do one thing. Then after receiving those things does that one thing you asked him not to do?
I'd bet you'd take everything back you had given him if you could.
God hasn't, but rather is exercising restraint in that as soon as you disobeyed he could reclaim everything you have including your life as punishment. Instead, he holds off punishment, and is asking for you to voluntarily give him everything you have including your life. If you return to him and give him everything including your every breath, there will never be punishment for disobeying. But, if you don't, you will at some point receive punishment for what you have done.
Although he is everywhere, he is out of your physical sight. Otherwise, he would be a tyrant.
Brian,
There is no "gay gene". Love is a series of choices, not a hormone. You can chose to love a Rock if you want.
I have to say there sure are a lot of homophobic posts on this vine today. Just one question: What did gay people ever do to you?????
I'm not the least surprised. The Soviets and now the remnant of the Republic called the Russians have lived lives at least 40 years behind the rest of the industrialized nations. I've often wondered if they will ever experience the joys and pain, and the succeasses and failures of the modern world.
Not if they can help it...
I kind of doubt that you've "often" wondered about such a thing, Jack. Yes, I'm sure Russia's army is still stuck using spears and the country is missing out on life on this planet just because they're not embracing gay rights. So, yes, Jack...by all means, continue reflecting on what they're missing out on in life.
The country is not "missing out on life on this planet just because they're not embracing gay rights", but they are missing out on decency.
Russia is at crossroads right now, they can choose to become a civilized and tolerant society, or they can go back to becoming a dictatorship.
I have grown up in Russia, it means a lot to me, and it breaks my heart that the likes of Putin are steering it backwards.
I know that there are many in the country who disagree with Putin's policy, and I hope they will gain enough strength to oppose him some time int he near future.
And no, Millknee, advanced weaponry does not make a country developed. A savage with a rocket-launcher is still a savage. The only way out of savagery is to develop the values of civilized human beings.
Sorry about your homeland Eli100, but Czar Vladimir is hellbent on wrecking the place and avoiding any semblance of democracy as he outlaws dissent. And I see little hope for people there or here on this board who seriously don't understand or accept that homosexuality needs no "promotion". Babies are born, most right-handed, some left-handed, some blue eyes, some brown, most heterosexual, some homosexual. Sadly, disastrously, many people are raised to believe the "wisdom" of ancient leaders who had no clue what a sperm or egg was, or to worship a fantasy.
Thank you Justme,
But I am still hopeful. Leonid Illich Brezhnev, who was still in charge of Russia when I was born, made Vladimir Vladimirovich look like a humanitarian, yet people of Russia saw him as a soft leader, because they still remembered Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. So, there is a minor progress in the long-run, after all.
Russia is spiritually strong. I congratulate Russia. Gays and lesbians are infected with a spiritual disease, and Russia nor the world must accept their disease as normal. One of the reasons Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed is because the entire society accepted gays and lesbians and were doing the un-speakable.
It does not matter if gays and lesbians kill you because they think you are unjust, the will of the Father comes first, and the will of the Father is to forbid them from sinning.
I would guess that your mother still dresses you funny?
Student441456 Just a little help; Question: "What is a eunuch in the Bible? What does the Bible say about eunuchs?"
Answer:
The eunuchs of the Bible were castrated males, or those born incapable of reproduction due to a birth defect. The purpose of intentional castration was to induce impotence and remove sexuality. It was a common practice in ancient times for rulers to castrate some of their servants and/or advisers in order to subdue and pacify them. It was especially common to
castrate those who tended the royal harem.
In Matthew 19:12, Jesus mentions eunuchs. He says, “There
are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are
eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made
themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to
accept this, let him accept it.” This discussion of eunuchs was in the context
of the question asked of Him about whether it is good to marry.
Because Jesus says that some eunuchs are “born that way from their mother's womb,” some
gay Christian groups argue that He was referring to homosexuals. Others
disagree, arguing that the Bible's use of the word “eunuch” refers only
to those incapable of sexual intercourse through castration or birth defect,
those who choose a life of celibacy and those who perform the work typical of
eunuchs though they remain perfectly capable of having sex (and thus receive the
title by association). The Bible never uses the words “homosexual” and
“eunuch” interchangeably. Furthermore, eunuchs are never referred to in
Scripture as being in sin, while homosexuality is universally condemned in both
the Old and New Testaments
homosexuality is a sin period, and your a fool to denounce God to justify sin !
Homosexuality might be a sin, but it's not a crime, it does not cause any harm to the rest of society.
Persecuting people just because you don't like their lifestyle is in fact a crime, and violently attacking them is both a sin and a crime.
A sin is an insult to God, it is a crime against the Spirit of love.
We are not persecuting anyone.
To hate God is a horrible crime, not to give homage to a God who created you, is indeed a crime.
To disobey the law of God, is a spiritual suicide, that it hurts the creature, and in fact causes pain to a God who is in the creature.
A wicked creature should say "I am making Jesus suffer for disobeying Him, who died for my sins, and who will continue on suffering as long as I keep on sinning". A wicked creature does not say that, but he says "I can do whatever I want, it is my body, it is my life, and I'm the master without God, I'm god"
Eli -
"Homosexuality might be a sin, but it's not a crime, . . ."
Depends on where you are, of course.
The crimes of Sodom and Gomorrah are not defined. Many scholars believe that the authors intended for the crimes to be inhospitality towards strangers.
This cartoon describes Christofascists like you perfectly:
http://s1172.beta.photobucket.com/user/dmillerparker/media/glbt-religious-freedom.jpg.html
Student and Mpa,
A civilized society does not declare every sin to be crime.
That kind of approach prevailed in the Middle Ages and had to be abandoned because it lead members of the Church to feel like they have assumed the role of G-d on Earth, and that in turn tempted them to committing all sorts of sins and crimes.
The criminal law of a civilized society is based on what threatens the well-being of it's members, not the general concept of sin. We punish murderers and thieves not because they are sinners, but because if we don't punish them they will keep killing and robbing us.
Gays might be sinners, but they are no threat to us. Their presence does not keep us from living as we should (not if our righteousness is sincere, that is), and if their sin is so great, it will be punished by G-d in the afterlife.
Picking punishment for a sinner is His job, not yours.
Also the concept of sin varies from cult to cult, and a free society doesn't enforce the sharia laws of any cult. That's why we are free to drink coffee and eat pork, even though those are sins for certain cults.
In general we only criminalize things which cause harm to other people.
Good on Russia drop the hammer on them!
Traditional values: even more important than oil and gas! Russians are starting to think like Americans.
empiricalmag.blogspot.com
You mean the way Americans used to think. Liberals tend to soil themselves when traditional values are mentioned.
Are traditional values outlawed in USA.
You are more than welcome to live by traditional values, just don't force them on others, that's all.
Russians banning propaganda...isn't that an oxymoron????????
What the hell you gibbering about? The US OF Gays does the same thing!
You make it sound as if somebody is forcing you into homosexuality.
paragus, is your hold on your own sexuality so tenuous that you feel threatened by gays? Are you afraid that if you even come within 50 yards of an Abercrombie & Fitch store that suddenly you're going to go all glitter and disco ball?
Come to the Dark Side sweetie, we have cookies!
I think the Russians are trying to give the Chinese a run for the money in the aggressive stupidity contest.
This is a classic example of one's inability to present an opposing view....just call them stupid or another name. Your point makes no sense.
T P is a racist. Hates whites, hates Asians, hates Christians.
How tolerant.
TP is a FAGGOT he or she is butt hurt that people still hate gays...
And you my dear are a serious closet case. Come out, come out wherever you are!
This nation should have the guts to ban gay activities like Russia. kudo to Putin.
Fancy to see you here. Any other old missions you plan on reviving?
fancy to see you here too. don't tell me you are gay.
Are you asking him out on a date?
sieg Henrich!
No Henrich,
I am very straight, but I do feel solidarity toward gays, see as your Reich put gays and Jews on the same hit-list.
If MSNBC ever has an article about persecution of Gypsies, and you join in calling for their extermination, expect to see me there as well, defending them.
wrong assumption again, three strikes you will be out.
I am not sure what assumptions you are talking about, but if you are referring to me disagreeing with you on a third issue, that already happened, or did you forget the issue of Tibet?
So, do tell me what exactly it is that I am out of.
Preposterous assumption:
1. I am part of Third Reich
2. I will call in the termination of Gypsies
One more wrong assumption you will be out!
I didn't expect you to admit to the first (no matter how much your behavior confirms that one), and I never assumed that you will do the second, I am just staying ready for that possibility, see as it would fit the pattern, that's all.
I still wonder what exactly is it that you expect me to be out off.
America's demise is near , when a country ignores God's Law, nothing good ever happens, and there is an almighty .....
funny, i've read that bible thingie of yours, and it talks so much about how that Jesus fella loves everyone. it's amazing how much hate some of his followers have. they'll get on the interwebbies and hate on the fags, the godless heathens, the moooo-slims, the democrats, the commies, the jews, and then condemn us all to some fiery pit of hell that only they believe in. it would be funny if it wasn't so sad. you are making jesus cry.
Kudos to Putin.
Eunuchs are not the same as homosexuals.....in the Bible, or anywhere else, for that matter. Eunuchs are those that, because of some physical problem, or because of an injury, cannot have sex. Homosexuals......well, never heard of them having problems having sex. To spout that Eunuchs and homosexuals are the same is disinformation at its best. (Disinformation = lie) Christians should not hurt or harm homosexuals. If they do, they need to go back to the Bible and do a re-study of the Word. BUT, Christians should tell everyone what the Bible says.....somethings are good and to be practiced....i.e., prayer, helping the widows, sick, orphans, etc. And, somethings are wrong and not to be practiced....i.e., lying, stealing, and having intercourse with anyone other than a person's wife/husband. That means me, who am married, cannot have sex with any other woman I want to - even tho she and I might be of age and consenting.....it is wrong. As wrong as a homosexual having sex with their partner of the same sex......don't even say, husband or wife.....This is based completely on the Bible. Of course it is. There are other compelling reasons why a person wouldn't want to do it.......health, expulsion from a society, etc. That is why we are against it. It is that the Bible, which is our book, says that it is wrong. That is the same book that our Founding Fathers saw fit to build America on.
Putin saying that homosexuality is wrong......what a farce!!! He who has reestablished the structure of the old Soviet Union, and its hideousness......what a hypocrite!!!
Ludmila Alexeyeva needs to study the Patriot Act, the kidnaping and jailing of Human Rights activist Ernst Zundel.He wrote a book as a political prisoner in the US and Canada "Setting The Record Straight"describing his ordeal.On his website he showes a video how his house in Toronto was burned by a mob, how he was attacked . In Austria David Irving was jailed for expressing an opinion as a historian 16 years earlier.In Germany a number of people went to jail for expressing an opinion. Gunther Deckert, A German politician and a ski champion went to jail for expressing a politically incorrect view in January 2013 !!!!!!!!!!. The E.U. has draconian laws for the outspoken individuals and Inquisition like Courts. The EU is ruled by Globalists from Brussels that shove the Globalist Agenda -the Gay Propaganda is a part of it , down people's throats.The Russians are not buying the Globalist Agenda ,similar to Communist Agenda-they had a fill of Communism that can only be compared to the Holocaust. Communism destroyed millions,destroyed family structure, churches and brought them to bankrupcy. Many countries put gays in jail because they feel that gay propaganda is desruptive to functioning of a society. As someone put it , gays and stray dogs have more rights in the E.U. and the U.S. than the unemployed.
I'm not religious at all, but I have to agree with the Russians on this. I strongly dislike being told I have to accept gays or their lifestyles. I especially disagree with them being allowed to adopt children so they can be indoctrinated with their perverse lifestyles at a younger age. Queers are of no real value as they do not contribute to the gene pool which is the basic motivation of all organic species.
Homophobes, deiphobes - the usual suspects.
"deiphobes".......you mean the folks who think that the 1st Amendment is a great idea, and think that your cult and imaginary friends belong in your life and not the lives of other people?
Just an FYI, most of those folks are Christians themselves. They simply understand that church and state must remain separate. They understand precisely what Christofascists like you don't.
I, for one, will certainly not look to Russia for any type of so-called moral leadership. Oppression has been the hallmark of Russian society for centuries, and this latest pronouncement is just one more example of Russian oppression.
And (bringing this issue to a more accessible basis), why should anyone care if someone else is "gay"?
"Russia is a thousands-years-old country founded on its own traditional values - the protection of which is dearer to me than even oil and gas."
More than oil and gas even? They are very serious.
Wow. This article really brought out all the trolls. The amount of vitriol from some of these gay-bashing posters... Their loyalties obviously lie with Russia or even Al Qaeda, the way they support their ideals.
I never thought I'd agree with something from Russia, but I DO!!!
Lonesome! I've missed you, sweetie! Why weren't you at BoyBar last night? Cruella and the girls were looking for you!
As hey are arrested move them to Siberia where they may establish their own communities and live the life style they want
We need to do this for the stupid people like yourself. There you stupid people can believe in your imaginary gods and tell yourselves the world is only 2000 years old. You can pray to your walls and have all the guns you want. You can live in your good old western style where everyone is on their own. Those who can afford healthcare can have it....same with education. You stupid stupid people.....
Christians don't say the world is only 2000 years old. They say that Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago. B.C. = Before Christ. Get it?
Anniegh,
Ok...I concede your point. But let's not pretend that Christians believe the world is billions of years old as all current data suggests. That over millions and millions of years that species have evolved as all data and scientists now see it.
My overall point is that most religions use old and outdated thinking to justify all that is despite all that we know today. And it is this religion that slow downs progress and it is religion that is often used to discriminate.
This is what the republicans want.
I would really watch what you say when you have a person who hangs around with known communist in the White House. Kinda the whole pot calling the kettle black thing.
atony,
Does Obama hang out with communist on a regular basis? Have you witnessed it? And if that is true...what does it matter?
Obama's policies are not communist policies. However, your side does discriminate and hold similar views to the taliban. That is a fact unlike your completely irrelevant point.
I'm sorry I think America should do the same thing. If a straight person tried holding a straight pride day they would be called a bigot and be looked down on. The event would not be allowed. But yearly around this whole country People are allowed to hold Gay pride parades through our city streets? This is supposed to be a country on equality is it not? The word propaganda is correct here. And it has been allowed to run unchecked.
No, I'm sorry. Straight people holding a straight pride day would not be called bigots. That title would be strictly reserved for people like you.
Interesting, how would I qualify? I don't care if Homosexual people are allowed to get married just don't force it down mine or everyone elses throat. I believe in EQUALITY, and that being PURE EQUALITY, so either it's one way or it's no way. And you are rather clueless if you think a straight person wouldn't be called a bigot because they would and have been.
Were women marching for the right to vote at the turn of the century "forcing it down people's throats"? Were the black protests for equal rights "forcing it down people's throats?" What you lack is a sense of fairness and perspective.....which, unfortunately, it the plight of a country that does not value critical thinking. One of the primary traits of a bigot is that he or she only sees one side of an issue. If that defines you, then so be it.
I'm sure you could get a permit and have your own heterosexual parade if you want to.
The Russian deputy states "Russia is a thousands-year-old country founded on its own traditional values". Yes, traditional values like oppression, autocracy, and complete obliteration of civil and human rights........the Mongols, the czars, the Communists, and now Putin and his band of corrupt political cronies. This is a society that is largely indifferent to the meaning of democracy, freedom, and humanity towards its fellow citizens. And the existence of a nation that is so large and so inherently corrupt should be a concern to all.
Ah yes......Russia, the traditional bastion of human rights.
No surprise that the Christian Taliban in America thinks this is a great idea.