In 2008, a homoSEX-U-al terrorist group known as Bash Back! attempted to discredit a christian church by disrupting services at Mount Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan. This is a copy of the group's press release from the time in question.
From Bash Back! News 2008: Bash Back! Raises Hell at Anti-Queer Mega-Church
The Mount Hope Church is a deplorable, anti-queer mega-church in Lansing, Michigan. The church works to institutionalize transphobia and homophobia through several repulsive projects including organized "ex-gay" conferences and so-called "hell houses", which depict queers, trannies and womyn who seek abortions as the horrors. Mt. Hope is complicit in the repression of queers in Michigan and beyond.
Bash Back! ain't down with that. And so on Sunday November 9th, about thirty radical queers from Lansing, Chicago, Memphis and Milwaukee disrupted the church's most well-attended sermon.
At noon, a small group of folks dressed in pink and black, equipped with a megaphone, black flags, picket signs and an upside-down pink cross began demonstrating outside the church. The group was extremely loud and wildly offensive.
The demonstration drew a majority of Mount Hope's security staff outside to watch them.
Meanwhile, with the guards pre-occupied by the distraction, over a dozen queers had put on their Sunday-best and infiltrated the church's congregation. At the signal that the guards had been lured outside, the infiltrators sprung into action.
A group stood up, declared themselves fags, and began screaming loudly. Upon hearing the loud interruption, other affinity groups went into action. A team that had been hiding under the pews in the closed-off balcony dropped a banner and pulled back the curtains to reveal "IT'S OKAY TO BE GAY! BASH BACK!". Another group threw over a thousand fliers to the entirety of the congregation. The fire alarm was pulled. Queers began making out in front of the pastor. And within a matter of minutes,
everyone had evaded the guards and made their escapes.
Bash Back! operatives, still hidden among the congregation observed a person screaming that Satan had come to Mount Hope, that the end was here, that the queers were everywhere. She then began speaking tongues. The dumbfounded pastor, after regaining his composure, went on to speak of the of decadent, depraved wolves that menace his flock of sheep.
Let it be known: So long as bigots kill us in the streets, this pack of wolves will continue to BASH BACK!
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A lawsuit was the obvious result, filed by The Alliance Defense Fund.
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF MICHIGAN - WESTERN DISTRICT
Plaintiff: Mount Hope Church Vs. Bash Back et al., (Link above .pdf copy of court filing.)
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On the About Us page of the Bash Back! website, there is this:
POINTS OF UNITY: Members of Bash Back! must agree to:
1. Fight for liberation. Nothing more, nothing less. State recognition in the form of oppressive institutions such as marriage and militarism are not steps toward liberation but rather towards heteronormative assimilation.
2. A rejection of Capitalism, Imperialism, and all forms of State power.
3. Actively oppose oppression both in and out of the "movement." All oppressive behavior is not to be tolerated.
4. Respect a diversity of tactics in the struggle for liberation. Do not solely condemn an action on the grounds that the State deems it to be illegal.
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This is another press release for another "event" in one week.
Announcing: National Radical Queer Convergence May 28th-31st 2009
Anarcha-Queers! Trannies! Fairies! Perverts! Sex-Workers! Sex-Radicals! Allies!
Bash Back! is ecstatic to announce a national radical queer convergence to take place in Chicago, May 28th through May 31st of 2009! We're pleased to invite all radical queers to join us for a weekend of debauchery and mischief. The last weekend of May will prove to be four solid days of workshops, discussions, performances, games, dancing and street action!
We'll handle the food and the housing. Ya'll bring the orgy, riot, and decadence!
We're looking for folks to facilitate discussions, put on workshops, organize caucuses, share games, tell stories, get heavy in some theory, or bottom-line a dance party. More specifically we're looking for workshops themed around queer and trans liberation, anti-racism, confronting patriarchy, sex work, ableism, self defense, DIY mental and sexual health, radical history, pornography, or queer theory.
We are also looking for copious amounts of glitter, safer sex products, zines, home-made sex toys, balaclavas, pink and black flags, sequins, bondage gear, rad porn, flowers, strap-ons, and assorted dumpstered goodies. You down?
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Some people don't believe me when I suggest radical, terrorist homoSEX-U-als have a transformative terrorist agenda-- to discredit the last bastion of judgement against them, the church. Since the predominate churches in the U.S.A. are christian, naturally their tactics strike the christian churches most often.
This group certainly doesn't represent the majority of homoSEX-U-als, however, where the fringe leads, the mere activist will surely follow, in pursuit of the quest to usurp the authority of the divine institution of marriage, by simply attempting to redefine the word.
HomoSEX-U-al terrorists like this are not content to gain civil and legally binding rights via civil unions, instead they insist upon taking away one of the few words the church claims authority over, as it pertains to their own dogma.
Make no mistake, there is a full fledged culture war going on, and there are in fact, homoSEX-U-al terrorists fighting for the "progressive" side.
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Comments: 53 ( 1 removed by jJack Midknight )
I have absolutely nothing against the GLBT community whatsoever; however, any group that feels it must get attention by depriving another group from holding and expressing their opinion is totally abhorrent. This type of behaviour is what turns people against them in the first place.
Walker, agreed--
I agree wholeheartedly!
Thanks for the input Tammy ! ! !
I agree completely with what has been written here. There is a big difference between being advocate for your position and being intolerant of others. The whole scene as described in the article is very sick.
Thanks for the input Kay ! ! !
Snooper,
I'd really be interested how you managed to twist this discussion into one about raping children. I didn't see anything about that in the article or about the church.
I removed the disgusting comment from "snooper." I won't allow scum like that to post here. As you can see from other comments, I don't mind disagreement.
I will not, however, tolerate pure hatred of christians to be posted.
Well those people really made homosexuals look good, didn't they?
That's one way to look at it *chuckle*
"This type of behaviour is what turns people against them in the first place."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Gays and lesbians do not have to do anything to be mistreated. People work hard to thwart the efforts of gays and lesbians in our mission to be treated as the first class citizens that we are. These churches that involve themselves in the "ex-gay" movement are committing unspeakable crimes against young gays and lesbians. It is not acceptable. Demonstrating against their activities is not only appropriate, it is necessary for gay and lesbian survival. Now, the writer of this article is a bigot, plain and simple. But, I have to ask that the others consider the position that gays and lesbians find themselves in our society. We are denied employment and housing based on nothing more than the fact that we choose same-sex partners in life. Is this a country that preserves the right to the pursuit of happiness or not? Religion is not a factor in a country without a national religion. In fact, religion thrives in this country because of freedom of religion without any establishment of religion. Freedom of religion does not mean that any religious viewpoint trumps the rights of the people of the USA. It simply means that one is free to practice religion as one sees fit. Religious extremists who choose to attack gay and lesbian people who are not harming them in any way need to be put in their place. They are no better or no less than anyone else in the USA. Equality under the law for all people is a constitutional requirement. No exceptions based on religious beliefs.
Attacking Christians while they are worshipping is sick. You are not furthering your cause--grow up!
obviously I agree with you Kay....
Joe, I couldn't disagree more. I am a very religious person. I don't condone homosexuality, and I DO think it's wrong. However I still have several friends who are homosexuals. That is a choice they made in their lives, they know I don't condone it, but I also don't condemn them for their choice and we all accept each other for who we are.
They also don't act like these clowns do, they are civilized human beings. These idiots acting like this make all homosexuals look bad and that only furthers the hatred that some have for them.
If they wanted to make things better they should act like decent human beings. My friends have no problem doing it. It's called being the better person and showing people that many of the sterotypes are wrong. Too bad more of the homosexual crowd couldn't do that, it would make the public view of them a lot better.
It seems like common sense to me Joy--- thanks for the input ! ! !
No way to disagree with that statement Walker!
Thanks for the input Charles ! ! !
I don't understand how gay and lesbian people can possibly count YOU among their friends, Joy, when you so clearly judge them based upon a lifestyle that is not of their personal choosing. In the 21st century, it is preposterous that you continue to believe that homosexuality is a choice. Was your heterosexuality a choice? Did you one day decide to not be homosexual? Neither do gays or lesbians have a choice to be who they are born to be. Seriously, Joy, educate yourself, and start living a life of Christlike values, not "Christian" bigotry.
it is preposterous that you continue to believe that homosexuality is a choice
No, it isn't-- what is preposterous however, is someone so arrogant, they believe they are without error, and anyone that dares to disagree with them is just stupid.
Was your heterosexuality a choice?
Yes, it is-- every time I decide who I'll have sex with.
Neither do gays or lesbians have a choice to be who they are born to be
Of course they do-- if they didn't want to engage in sex, they don't have to-- many people are celibate. If they wanted to have sex with the opposite sex, they could, but they choose not to-- and instead have sex with willing, same sex partners.
YOU seem to suggest homoSEX-U-als have no free will.
Seriously, Joy, educate yourself, and start living a life of Christlike values, not "Christian" bigotry
A "christian" life DEMANDS FIDELITY TO THE DOGMA, which BY DEFINITION, defines all attitudes toward homoSEX-U-ality through the word of G-d, which CONDEMNS homoSEX-U-ality, and therefore MUST be defined, by heathens like you, as "bigotry."
I was not addressing any of my comments to you, jJack, because clearly you are unteachable. I had hope for Joy - not for you.
I don't care who you were addressing, when you comment publically, you comment for all to respond. Clearly, you are intolerant of free will, and believe everyone should simply agree with you and your bigotries.
I have no hope for heathens like you.
Equality under the law for all people is a constitutional requirement. No exceptions based on religious beliefs.
That can be accomplished from civil unions, then there's no need to attack churches.
Hi jJack.
I learned some new words from that article. :)
Is that you Moggy ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ?
Probably some words you never wanted to know.... *chuckle*
Yes its me, as usual Gather's "upgrade" seems to have screwed some things up. I'm having an identity crisis right now. :(
Moggy I know what you mean, still a few bugs crawlin' round *chuckle*
The group was dead wrong, but remember the pain and frustration that gays have endured. Gays must fight to gain their rights but not in this way.
I've suffered pain and frustration, and never felt the need to lash out at people that disagreed with me. I am part of a minority group as well, living with a chronic disease as a result of congenital spina bifida.
This type of emotional childishness is little more than throwing a temper tantrum simply because they don't think the world is listening to them and that just will not STAND ! ! ! So they act out, irrationally, emotionally, childishly.
Of course, I see your reasoning, Joy. I have to say that until you have walked in the shoes of gay and lesbian people, you might never understand what it is really about. It is simply insulting to claim that sexuality is a matter of choice. I'm sure that you never once sat up and decided to become a heterosexual. It is just who and what you are.
To everyone,
Demonstrating against a church that makes the false claim that gays and lesbians can become heterosexual is not only a worthy endeavor - it is necessary. Those people have caused grave harm to their foolish prey who actually believe that sexuality is a matter of choice. As to those who continue to insist that it is a matter of choice even after all of the scientific research that concludes that it is not: I question your ability to use rational thought. Even those obsessed with religion have to rely on rational thought to work out their lives.
In the meantime, thank our lucky stars that there are still gay activists out there who are willing to take the risk of exercising their free speech rights in such dangerous territory as this church. These were clearly non-violent protests and did not harm one member of the church. What nonsense to suggest that they were temperamental.
It is simply insulting to claim that sexuality is a matter of choice.
Only to a homoSEX-U-al.
I'm sure that you never once sat up and decided to become a heterosexual
Of course I did-- and do-- everytime I decide who I'll sleep with.
Demonstrating against a church that makes the false claim that gays and lesbians can become heterosexual is not only a worthy endeavor - it is necessary
They aren't "false" claims at all, simply claims that YOU reject. It is THEIR religious dogma, and YOU have no say in what they will or won't believe.
Those people have caused grave harm to their foolish prey who actually believe that sexuality is a matter of choice.
That's because it is a choice, despite the fact YOU reject your own free will.
I question your ability to use rational thought
Funny, I was thinking the same thing about YOU.
there are still gay activists
homoSEX-U-al TERRORISTS you mean---
These were clearly non-violent protests and did not harm one member of the church.
See what I mean about you being unable to think rationally ???
What nonsense to suggest that they were temperamental.
Not only were they temperamental, they were childish, and doing something ILLEGAL.
"I'm sure that you never once sat up and decided to become a heterosexual
Of course I did-- and do-- everytime I decide who I'll sleep with."
jJack ~ if you have to make such a choice every time you decide to sleep with someone, nothing more needs to be said. Natural inclinations never involve choice. The choice is only what to do with those natural inclinations.
- it is not illegal to peacefully protest anyone in this country, jJack. Read the US Constitution and then learn a little something about the history of social change and what it takes to make it happen. There will always be bigots like yourself who distort the truth. But, there will always be good people who are able to sort out the issues and be supportive. There isn't one "ex-gay" movement or organization that has any success stories. And, for over one hundred years, the psychiatric profession attempted to change gays and lesbians to heterosexuality and failed. They admitted that they did not have one success in all of those years at many symposiums during the 1960s and 1970s. Rational people listen and respect the results. You are quick to criticize and accuse, but you aren't thinking correctly on the issue of sexuality. You are not alone. There are many sad stories of young people who have been taught ridiculous notions about sexuality and regretted listening to their parents and other authorities. In fact, these misguided attitudes do nothing more than cause unnecessary harm to our young people. Sometimes, the majority is just plain wrong.
Natural inclinations never involve choice
Perhaps YOURS do not, however my "inclination" are FULL of choices. It's natural to eat, but I decide what to eat. It is natural to drink, but I decide what to drink, it is natural to have sex, but I decide with whom.
Read the US Constitution and then learn a little something about the history of social change and what it takes to make it happen.
It's only your arrogant assumption I haven't read the Constitution. THE FACT IS, nothing about what these circus freaks did was "peaceful."
There will always be bigots like yourself who distort the truth.
What truth have I distorted ??? All I've done is disagree with your opinions.
you aren't thinking correctly on the issue of sexuality.
Coming from someone practicing an abnormal sex life, I'll add the salt such a statement is due.
Sometimes, the majority is just plain wrong.
And sometimes, minority groups want special treatment, like YOU.
jJack,
Good article as usual! I find some divergent things there. First, I'd have to say that actual violence appears to have been avoided and that is good. Second, I believe that the group should think long and hard before they condemn the power of the state. The horrible power is the only real protection these people have. Were there no state power to protect them, gays would still be in the closet and afraid.
Finally, no one, in my opinion, has the right to be that disruptive of another's peaceful practice of their religion. It does not serve their ends well to be that disruptive and will generate a negative backlash. And I believe that the action of the group in disrupting the church actually committed a crime against the parishioners and against their fellow man. That it did not turn violent is actually a surprise, considering the level of attract.
That's my opinion, at any rate!
actual violence appears to have been avoided
Not to my mind.
the group in disrupting the church actually committed a crime against the parishioners and against their fellow man
Obviously.
Why do you spell "homosexual" like that?
It's an attempt to spell it, with the same sneer with which I say it.
funny stuff *chuckle*
Thanks, Tom, for pointing out the obvious. It's amazing to me that in 2009 that there are people who continue to remain ignorant about sexuality. There isn't one heterosexual on the planet who chose to be heterosexual. It is just who and what they are. That reality alone should end any discussions of choice when it comes to gays and lesbians. It isn't important to me to educate people, however. I live in a country where equality under the law is guaranteed. All that I want is for the country to do something about the inequality that gays and lesbians face in so many areas of life. Just like the laws made it possible for African Americans to receive equality under that law, I want the same for gays and lesbians. It is that simple. Some hearts and minds changed after civil rights laws went into effect for African Americans. But, many people did not change and hang on to outdated notions of race. I expect that the same will be true when equality under the law is achieved for gays and lesbians. It is not my concern what people have decided about us. I'm too old and too intelligent to suffer fools on the matter. I'm concerned that if the US Constitution guarantees certain rights for "all persons" that it includes gays and lesbians. It is the promise of America and I'm interested in seeing the promise upheld for all people, including gays and lesbians. So, I'm happy to encourage and applaud those gay activists out there who demonstrate and work towards that end.
It's amazing to me that in 2009 that there are people who continue to remain ignorant about sexuality
Embracing one's chosen religious dogma does NOT qualify someone to be defined as "ignorant."
There isn't one heterosexual on the planet who chose to be heterosexual.
Of course there are. The fact YOU deny such things, leaves YOU seemingly "ignorant."
That reality alone should end any discussions of choice when it comes to gays and lesbians.
It does, within YOUR mind, as it is obvious your mind is closed.
I live in a country where equality under the law is guaranteed.
That means I am free to embrace the religious dogma of my choice, and also gives me the right to define homoSEX-U-ality as an abnormal choice.
All that I want is for the country to do something about the inequality that gays and lesbians face in so many areas of life
Then urge all homoSEX-U-als to quit insisting upon the use of the word "marriage," and urge them to accept the terminology of "civil unions." There cause will be advanced when they no longer insist upon redefining a divine institution, marriage.
I'm too old and too intelligent to suffer fools on the matter
And yet, here you are, attempting to change the "hearts and minds" of people that disagree with you, based on their own personal choice of religious dogma.
I'm concerned that if the US Constitution guarantees certain rights for "all persons" that it includes gays and lesbians.
There isn't ONE "Constitutional right" denied to homoSEX-U-als. There is NOTHING in the Constitution that guarantees the "right" to sex. The Constitution is SILENT on the subject, and therefore BY DEFINITION is left to the States to define, and regulate.
I'm happy to encourage and applaud those gay activists out there who demonstrate and work towards that end.
Exactly as I would expect-- anyone that lives an abnormal lifestyle, would have no problem with illegal behavior to achieve their ends. When you're willing to disobey the word of G-d, it hardly seems surprising you would have little problem disobeying the laws of men as well.
Well ,jJack, I think that you give yourself away when you make the comments that you do about sexuality. Heterosexuality is not about sex and neither is homosexuality. You have every right to choose the religion of your own choosing. That is a major principle of the US Constitution. And, so does everyone else have the same right. No religion is sanctioned by the state. All religions are equal. Your religion is not different than the Wiccan or the Hindu. In America, all are on the same playing field. That is the responsibility that all religions have to accept when they choose to advance their ideals within our nation. So, citing religion as an excuse to remain ignorant about sexuality is never acceptable in a society that has learned better.
You equate Wiccan beliefs to Christianity, or Islam, as if such a comparison is apples to apples. This alone discredits you completely.
No one said religion was sanctioned by the state, but legally binding civil unions are, and MARRIAGES ARE SANCTIONED BY THE CHURCH.
Until the irrational insistence upon the useage of the word "marriage" is removed, your "cause" will go on, uninterrupted by change.
The simple truth is, the vast majority of Americans still call themselves christians, and still believe in things like marriage, IN THE CHURCH, and the committment of one man, and one woman.
You cannot alter that truth to suit your needs, it simply stands as it is, unalterable, except perhaps by a slow erosion into secularity over time.
One day, our society perhaps, will decay to the point where churches are no longer afforded protections set forth in our Constitution. That day however, obviously, has not arrived.
I don't agree with the actions taken by the Bash Back, however a group like bash back could be useful. As long as people believe that homosexuals or gay people are lesser beings, there will always be someone out there trying to bash them. Why shouldn't they bash back.
As long as homoSEX-U-als continue to insist they are "special" and "deserve" special laws like "hate crimes" -- and the right to redefine words like "marriage," there will always be people willing to fight for the right to say they believe such things are "wrong."
Question!
Throughout history, who has killed more? Have gays killed more Christians or vice versa?
Another ?
Why did they target this Church?
Question!
Why do you believe your question is relevant?
I have no idea why this particular church was "targeted." Why did the right wing target Jeremiah Wright's church?
Ask them.
"As long as homoSEX-U-als continue to insist they are "special" and "deserve" special laws like "hate crimes" -- and the right to redefine words like "marriage," there will always be people willing to fight for the right to say they believe such things are "wrong."
I think the perception of "special" or "deserve" that the gay movement is trying to present is a direct result of the movement trying to "ride the coattails" of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The gay movement has always presented itself in the same "We Shall Overcome" manner as the African-American equal rights movement, with marches and boycotts and protests, and even riots and acts of vandalism.
The gay movement has also presented itself as the victims of suppression, discrimination, persecution, prejudice, and unequal rights in exactly the same manner as African-Americans did in the late-1960s. I think that, if the gay movement had been more organized or had had a leader of their cause similar to Martin Luther King Jr., many things would be a whole lot different today.
I think you're right berf....
"Great article Berf"
This outstanding and thought-provoking article was written by
THE ONE AND ONLY jJACK MIDKNIGHT!!!!
Not by me........
Hmmm. So when gays attack a church during a worship service, why isn't that considered hate speech?
I think it might be, but I don't agree with such a designation.
Hey jJack. You seem like quite the ring leader. I don't see why they're being labeled terrorists other than the emotional value it inspires. My brother would constantly get a kick out of seeing me and my siblings get freaked out when he jumped out from behind one of the banisters or from behind a door. Did that make him a terrorist? Hardly in our eyes, but by yours -possibly.
The idea that this group in any way defines the GLBT community would be similar to the thoughts that Sodam Hussein or Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda represent Islam, and Timothy McVeigh representing all those who believed in G-d. So a group of people who happen to be gay interrupted a church sermon. :-/ No biggie. They did no harm to anyone and if you read the fliers they dropped (I found them on their website thanks to you!) they're actually letting people know that despite what they've been told G-d loves them. How evil of them...
As to your point on choosing heterosexuality all the time you claim by choosing your sexual partner you choose your sexuality. Not true in the slightest. When you choose your partner you affirm your sexuality. I wake up everyday an honest to goodness queer. I'm a gay homosexual (a happy one that is) :). I also happen to be a virgin who has not done more than a kiss (once). Everyday I've chosen to not have sex does NOT make me asexual. It just means I'm not acting on it. If I CHOSE to engage in heterosexual sex it would not suddenly make me straight. It would just mean I was engaging in heterosexual intercourse. If I CHOSE to have homosexual sex it wouldn't make me a homosexual -that I already am. It's just that I'd have chosen to act upon it. Sexuality is not solely about whom you wish to have sex with. Though I've chosen to save myself for marriage (yes, we gay people can now get married in some places -Love ya lots!) that does not stop me from thinking about a particular member of the same sex in a sexual and loving manner.
I really appreciate your opinion and concern about my people, but I really think you just have a lot of (as Bill O'Reilly would say) Kool-Aid drinkers. :)
Best of wishes in realizing where in history you will fall and I wish you nothing but love. Feel free to message me sometime because really I harbor nothing but love for y'all!
I don't even know what the GLBT community is, and since you do, I don't care what you have to say.
Thanks for a worthless comment, even when they are as stupid as yours, they still accrue points.
Thank you for responding. I only joined this site so that I might make a comment seeing as how the posts here were very skewed. I don't care about accruing points (and apparently I don't get any from this as I have zero on my account). I just chose to see how you might argue with a logical argument and seeing as you have just turned childish rather than argue the real issues. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Much love! -Mike.
Post Script: I do doubt very much that you have no idea what the GLBT community is or hate or disregard me just for being a part of it. What if I told you it was the G-d Loving Bible Team! :) Loving the Lord and our fellow brethren. I really do wish you love in life and hopefully a love for others that matches the love of yourself and your esteem. Shalom! :)