Engage people of faith for more than politics

A criticism of the anti-gay campaign in Maine came from the right -- you're being inconsistent. You can't say we tolerate gays and that they can have civil unions (which they continue to have in Maine), yet deny them marriage. Therefore, you must also deny all gay rights and be intolerant. Yeah, they are inconsistent. The critic just reached the wrong conclusion.


All of the gay marriage votes have lost because of religious reasons and actions of religious people. What must be done to stop that from happening? Justin Lee of The Gay Christian Network says we need to reach people of faith. Why have we been so ineffective in doing that? We've been attacked by religion so thoroughly many of us want nothing to do with it. There is no way we're going to take on organized religion and win. Too many people profess faith in God and consider it a core part of their lives.

* Engage people of faith. Many are for us. And even those who aren't don't treat them as a lost cause. Too many gays think the enemy is conscious oppression and we win through power. But our enemy is ignorance and we win through understanding.

* Think outside politics. This isn't a battle of voting blocks. Laws won't stop the gay kid from being pressured into a straight marriage to "cure" him. We have to change the culture -- culture affects politics.

* Listen to the faith leaders who support us. They're a valuable resource and not a photo prop. They can explain how to reach the faith leaders who support us. Too often these leaders feel ignored by gay leaders.

* Tailor the message. Don't try for a joint statement of interfaith leaders. Different denominations (and different faiths) look at gays differently. A Mormon needs to hear from a Mormon leader, not a Catholic priest.

Alas, many of the replies to this post insist the proper response is to show up Christianity for the fable and fantasy they claim it is. Ain't gonna happen. But such talk reinforces how deeply hurt gays have been by religion.