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‘drop dead’” (CNSNews.com, January 24, 2005). Apparently Professor
Throckmorton believes that if people object to homosexuality “on religious or
philosophical grounds” that gives them the right to use derogatory insults and
indulge in hateful name-calling. Religion and philosophy were also used to
justify slavery and segregation; racism is full of name-calling. Dr.
Throckmorton’s “drop dead” suggestion speaks for itself
In early 2005, the new McCarthyism was also being practiced by the
man behind the campaign to recall former California governor Gray Davis.
Armed with the usual stereotypes and myths, Tony Andrade renewed his
campaign to limit sex education in California’s public schools. His motive, he
said, was a fear that “homosexuals are using high schools as a recruiting
ground.” In his campaign, Mr. Andrade dredged up the worst stereotypes and
made them even more vile. He linked classroom discussions of homosexuality
and domestic partnership to bestiality, pedophilia, and necrophilia. This was Mr.
Andrade’s second attempt to restrict sex education in the state’s public schools.
His first effort in 2004 was cosponsored by Louis Sheldon’s Traditional Values
Coalition. As Jackie Biurell reported in The Contra Costa Times (January 6,
2005), Andrade’s:
. . . ballot initiative bans elementary school sexual health
lessons, which in most districts cover menstruation and other
body changes caused by puberty. And it restricts health
instruction—including lectures, counseling, questions, books
and posters on the wall—for older students unless they have
specific written parental permission. The only exception
would be for individual students who request confidential
counseling from a school psychologist or police officer.. . .
If the initiative passes it could restrict not just health
education, but high school history and social studies classes
too—forcing parents to give daily, written permission before
their children could even discuss last winter’s gay marriages.
Catholic church scandals and potentially other current events.
As already noted, Louis Sheldon’s Traditional Values Coalition and
Tony Andrade’s Civil Rights for Families were not the only “Christian” groups
using the recruiting molester stereotype to infuse fear and intolerance into the
political debate over civil equality for gay Americans. Although he began his
career authoring Christian self-help books that encouraged parents to spank their
children, in late 2004 Michael Crowley, a senior editor at the New Republic,
dubbed Dr. James Dobson “the religious right’s new kingmaker” and
“America’s most influential evangelical leader” (www.slate.msn.com). Dobson
and his organization. Focus on the Family, have an ongoing campa