Change.org Petition: Tell the Minnesota GOP: Stop Supporting Anti-Gay Extremists

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http://www.change.org/petitions/view/tell_the_minnesota_gop_stop_supporting_anti-gay_extremists

The Minnesota Independent has uncovered very close ties between a number of Minnesota GOP officials, including both Tom Emmer and Rep. Michele Bachmann, and a band that has continually used extremist rhetoric to advocate violence toward gays and lesbians -- You Can Run But You Cannot Hide.

In a May 2010 expose, the Minnesota Independent noted that the band, led by their front man Bradlee Dean, have said some very damaging and dangerous public comments as it relates to homosexuality. On a recent radio program, Bradlee Dean went so far to say: "Muslims are calling for the executions of homosexuals in America. This just shows you they themselves are upholding the laws that are even in the Bible of the Judeo-Christian God, but they seem to be more moral than even the American Christians do, because these people are livid about enforcing their laws. They know homosexuality is an abomination."

Rhetoric like this only serves to demonize gays and lesbians, and spur others to act violently toward gays and lesbians. It is unacceptable, and under no circumstances should a Minnesota politician of any party support such rhetoric.

Yet, as the Minnesota Independent noted, the Minnesota GOP has become very close with this band. Rep. Bachmann has used them in campaign appearances, and Tom Emmer has done the same (and even gave money to the band in 2008). Moreover, the band was offered a booth by the Minnesota GOP at this year's Republican convention.

This type of rhetoric and language should not be condoned by your party. I urge you to make a public statement denouncing the extremist and violent language used by You Can Run But You Cannot Hide, and to disassociate yourselves with this band. Their words amount to nothing short of hate speech and a call to violence against gays and lesbians, and should not be supported by the Minnesota GOP.