UK Guardian: "We Have to Protect People" (banning gay literature)

[DeepModem Mom]

NOTE: I think the sub-headline to this story is misleading; while Bush has shown clear interest in Gerald Allen's ideas by meeting with him five times, the article does not state that Bush has publicly supported banning gay-themed literature -- and thanks to Melodybe who posted about this issue in GD.



'We have to protect people'

President Bush wants 'pro-homosexual' drama banned. Gary Taylor meets the politician in charge of making it happen

Thursday December 9, 2004
The Guardian


What should we do with US classics like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or The Color Purple? "Dig a hole," Gerald Allen recommends, "and dump them in it." Don't laugh. Gerald Allen's book-burying opinions are not a joke.

Earlier this week, Allen got a call from Washington. He will be meeting with President Bush on Monday. I asked him if this was his first invitation to the White House. "Oh no," he laughs. "It's my fifth meeting with Mr Bush."

Bush is interested in Allen's opinions because Allen is an elected Republican representative in the Alabama state legislature. He is Bush's base. Last week, Bush's base introduced a bill that would ban the use of state funds to purchase any books or other materials that "promote homosexuality". Allen does not want taxpayers' money to support "positive depictions of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle". That's why Tennessee Williams and Alice Walker have got to go....


http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/features/story/0,11710,1369643,00.html

[Qanisqineq]

1. His second administration hasn't even started and I have a huge headache

I don't dare turn on the TV or open the newspaper or step outside anymore. I'm afraid I'll be bombarded with all of their christian family values. Ban this and outlaw that, what is wrong with these people? Do they seriously think that by banning this stuff homosexuality will disappear? If their children read "The Color Purple" or watch "Will and Grace", they will suddenly decide to be gay?

Tonight I saw 2 minutes of Nightline on ABC. The 10 Commandments statue thing was being taken around to schools in Texas and a guy was basically preaching about his christian values to children at school. I had to turn the channel.

It's now a theocracy, I tell you!

[AmyDeLune]

2. Sooo....

"Last week, Bush's base introduced a bill that would ban the use of state funds to purchase any books or other materials that "promote homosexuality". Allen does not want taxpayers' money to support "positive depictions of homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle".'

So if someone were to donate such books or materials, it would be okay? As long as gov't money isn't buying it...?;)

Book drive for Alabama, anyone?

[ze_dscherman]

3. Gimme a break

Now I can breathe a big sigh of relief. All those world problems must not be that urgent.

I know this for sure, because the prezeldent of the only remaining superpower has time to listen five times to a guy who wants to bury EVIL GAY books.

[Occulus]

13. How long until they try to ban "evil gays"?

Help. Someone. Please.

[beam me up scotty]

4. I sure am glad I moved

to Japan. I can't believe the crap that's cominig from the right. Of course, the first book they'd have to ban is their favorite one, not to mention Lynn Cheney's novel (not that many people bought it anyway). Just saying.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Good point -- Lynne Cheney's book would be banned!

Welcome to DU, bmus!

[beam me up scotty]

6. Thanks

for the welcome. Nice to be here. :toast:

[xchrom]

7. this has rove all over it...

conservative christians are interested in promoting their cultural war... and so is rove.

the question i have is -- bush is re-elected{?}, -- so why the interest in promoting the cultural war?
how does this play into the future?

there's more here than simple bigotry on parade.

[BR_Parkway]

9. it distracts them from worrying about election fraud

[Guaranteed]

8. If it keeps on rainin', the levee's

goin' to breaaak....

[Sal316]

10. I saw this chucklehead on TV the other night.

I was flipping through the channels and the caption on Faux caught my eye. It read "Allen to introduce legislation banning 'homosexual agenda'." The first words out of my mouth were 'you've got to be kidding me!'.

Ugh.. nutjobs.

[liberalcenter]

11. Coors

Will they ban the Coors sponsored gay pride events... wait those were in Canada.

[BattyDem]

12. "We have to protect people"

Um ... what exactly are "we" protecting people from?

:shrug:

Mr. Allen ... I am not a homosexual, but I don't feel the need to be "protected" from homosexuality. When another person loves someone of the same gender, isn't doesn't make any difference in my life. It doesn't change the way I live, work, think or behave. Reading about homosexuality doesn't make me want to "go gay". Watching television programs with gay people, real or fictional, hasn't changed my sexual orientation. All it's done is confirmed my beliefs that gay or straight, we're all the same. Who we spend our lives with isn't as important as how we live our lives - and I'll take tolerance and understanding over hatred and bigotry any day.

The only question I have, Mr. Allen, is ... who's going to protect us from people like you?