Gross Hypocrisy In Anti-Gay 'No Mob Veto' Ad

In a breathtaking display of lies and hypocrisy, a group of anti-gay culture warriors and long-time Mormon bashers placed a full page ad in the New York Times pretending to be both victims of alleged homosexual "mobs" and staunch defenders of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Both claims are absurd and a cruel attempt for the victimizers to claim the mantle of the victimhood - which is a manipulative and cynical political ploy.

The dishonest Times ad essentially claimed that violent mobs of gay protesters were attacking the Mormon Church and its followers in the aftermath of California voters narrowly approving Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in that state. They even launched a website www.NoMobVeto.org. (It seems they forget that they put basic human rights up for a vote, which is essentially mob rule.)

This Times ad is full of blatant lies - much like the immoral television ads attacking same-sex families during the Prop. 8 campaign. The fact is, the vast majority of the rallies across America were peaceful. Considering gay families just got stripped of their basic rights by deception and deceit, the protests were remarkably tame. If any other group had been subject to such humiliation through a multi-million dollar smear operation, there would likely have been riots in the streets - not the fake "violence" conjured in the bogus Times ad.

The anti-gay organizations and individuals who sponsored this "Big Lie" ad are trying to pull off a remarkable feat: They are both crying wolf, while being the wolf in sheep's clothing. The degree of chutzpah is remarkable and eye-popping.

Consider that a few of the unctuous signers of the ad, convicted felon Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship; Rich Cizik, The National Association of Evangelicals; and William Donohue, The Catholic League are now pretending to love Mormons. In the ad they wrote:

"The violence and intimidation being directed against the LDS or 'Mormon' church and other religious organizations - and even against individual religious believers - simply because they supported Proposition 8 is an outrage that must stop."

The ad ended with the following propaganda:

"Furthermore, beginning today, we commit ourselves to opposing and publicly shaming anyone who resorts to the rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry - against any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason."

Well, that is good news. The authors of this hypocritical ad can start by spotlighting themselves:

Hollywood is controlled by secular Jews who hate Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular." -- Bill Donohue, Catholic League

"Mormonism either affirms historic Christianity, or it doesn't. Since it doesn't, it can't call itself Christianity -- a fact that all the good will and public relations in Utah can't change." -- Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries

"While Mormons share some beliefs with Christians, they are not Christians." -- Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries

"Most evangelicals still regard Mormonism as a cult." -- Rich Cizik, National Association of Evangelicals

I really do hope this group shines a light of shame on those who promote religious bigotry - but they better be wearing very dark sun glasses when this occurs, as the glare from the light may be quite blinding. It appears that the only thing these men have in common with Mormons, or any other religion that they don't agree with, is an uncommon passion for anti-gay discrimination. To watch these hypocrites act as the great defenders of the LDS church, and religion in general, is beyond laughable.

If this were not bad enough, Pat Boone compared Proposition 8 protests to terrorist attacks on Mumbai in a column for World Net Daily titled, "Hate is hate, in India or America. Boone wrote, "Have you not seen the awful similarity between what happened in Mumbai and what's happening right now in our cities?"

In his op-ed, Boone also wrote, "What troubles me so deeply, and should trouble all thinking Americans, is that there is a real, unbroken line between the jihadist savagery in Mumbai and the hedonistic, irresponsible, blindly selfish goals and tactics of our homegrown sexual jihadists." I'm not sure if Boone noticed, but it was religious extremism that was responsible for the attacks in India.

If these so-called people of faith have confidence in their beliefs, why must they resort to lying in the name of the Lord? For whatever they gain in smearing the gay community, it seems their religion loses twice as much in terms of credibility and respectability.

I have no problem if these people have a cross to bear, but why must this so often be synonymous with bearing false witness?

Follow Wayne Besen on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Truthwinout

Comments

[Dave01]

Well if they are going to out people who persecute religion, start with me. Bring it on @ssholes!

[carsntrucks]

What's breathtaking here is the lack of respect for people with a different opinion. I mean, there ARE two sides here, whether you like it or not (hmm, I wonder where I last heard that line).

The anti-Mormon bigotry I've read and seen both here and elsewhere would justify their beliefs to some degree. It's not like people are wiping their noses, and they're claiming people are really smacking them in the back of the head.

[smithshaw08]

Hey carsntruck­s.........­........yo­u are one of the most a.nti-g.ay bloggers on the huff. What's breathtaking is scope of your own fear of including a group of people into the marriage sector. Do you want to know why we are speaking up???? Because there once was a guy named Adolph who ruled a country with fear & lies. As they rounded up the Juden population, others thought, "at least it's not me. And then eventually they came for me." Do you think AH & his comrades were fair in deciding the fate of people they didn't like? So the fear & lie campaign of prop 8, the mormon church along with other self-righteous religious leaders must be enlightened how harmful their deeds can be. I'm telling you why it's dangerous, & why we must not look the other way. If nothing more that to make sure history doesn't repeat an ugly past of discrimination. It must stop, you should try to become enlightened. It will make your burden easier to bear. Everywhere teenagers choose suicide because society deems us unworthy citizens. Think about that the next time you make your comments.

[kps888]

What you are running into are a group of people that have had it with being vilified for political purposes. I am a gay man, and all who know me characterize me as nice, affable, easy to be around, mellow...but I have had it. I have been pushed, demonized and lied about enough.

I am not one of the protesters that the those on the right seem to be terrified of, but I am donating money, sending emails and doing everything in my power to fight back.

I knew this response would surprise the religious right, because bullies hate it when people fight back.

[mercury613]

This is not about "different opinions". This is about one group of people using the legislative process to impose its religious beliefs on another.

[luvobama]

What's breathtaking is you hanging out on every gay thread. It seems to me, you enjoy engaging gay men. It's kind of cute in a tw isted sort of way. Think about it.

[GG1983]

Everyone should go to the No Mob Veto website http://www.nomobveto.org/ and under the "Tell your story" link write a story about your experience with LGBT hate or about one of the many LGBT hate crimes that happen so frequently, such as the NYC story from last weekend about the two brothers who were attacked (one is gravely injured) because someone thought they were gay - see: http://quasisuspectclass.wordpress.com/

Those are the real stories of hate, fueled by demonization by those claiming to be "Christians", that need to be told.

[mercury613]

I doubt that will be effective, since those stories will be subject to the censorship that religious conservatives hold so dear.

[Johnathan Wilber - Huffpost Blogger]

Great use of quotes. A very smart piece.

[CitizenGeek]

The Religious Right is grotesquely misleading everyone with their reaction to the Prop 8 protests. They've bandied about the word "blacklist" (with little care to the concept that word describes) more times than I care to remember. The cross being stomped on in San Francisco is ONE SINGLE event and yet it's the single most used talking point by the homophobic hate mongers on the right.

I think it's just that they know people like Obama and have very little to complain about when it comes to Democrats right now. They beat the Right in North Carolina and Indiana after all! So they are dressing up this gay issue as being a "left" issue and misconstruing it entirely.

[mercury613]

They're using the same tactics that McCain/Palin used: state the exact opposite of the truth, bill it as the truth, and hope that people will believe you if you keep repeating it.

But people are starting to catch on.

[johncomment]

the article implies that those who support the mormon church's right to take a social position must somehow also agree with its theology. the author's attempt to attack hypocrisy is overshadowed by his faulty logic.

an ad in the "Salt Lake" Tribune attacking those who put an ad in the NY Times? c'mon! the ad is an attack on mormons. don't like the vote on prop 8? then force a change by boycotting california for pete's sake.

[CSP]

Um, John, no he isn't. He is pointing out the hypocrisy of these people decrying disrespect, etc. of Mormonism when they themselves have been guilty of it. That is called hypocrisy....jeesh, read something other than the bible once in awhile, eh? then get involved in public dialogue...

[donnerstag]

I fail to see where the lies are in the NYT ad. Christian religious leaders that normally oppose the Mormon church have banded together to show that their churches will NOT tolerate the dispicable post-election actions of the GLBT. The other churches have a strong self-interest in the aftermath of the political process in future elections, so I fail to see how the sincerity of the ad is far-fetched. Moreover, there have been several well documented events that have crossed the line from the GLBT community. I can cite you to numerous youtube videos of the protests if you need evidence.

Speaking of hyopcritical, how is that tolerance and love campaign coming along?

[smithshaw08]

Therein lies the problem.
-"Churches have a strong self-interest in the aftermath of the political process of future elections."
Churches have no business in government or the political process. Hence~ separation of church & state. Keep it in the church, there will be no need for protests.

[donnerstag]

Let's see where separation of church and state comes from in the consitution:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"

Where in that clause do you get that religions can't participate in the political process? There are 2 implications based on the framer's intent: 1) The government will not endorse a religion and 2) The government will not interfere with the free exercise of religion.

[onthelam84]

Despicable? The despicable ones are those financing campaigns to remove rights. The gays weren't always the ones starting those fights fyi if you would follow the news. In my opinion, they brought it upon themselves. Not to mention the despicable actions of those people committing hate-crimes BEFORE and AFTER the election. The only thing I've seen is tolerance and love from the campaign - so yes, it's coming along well. Climb back into your hole and get out of our website.

[donnerstag]

You must have the wool pulled over your eyes if all you've seen is tolerance and love from the GLBT. What I saw in the youtube videos I posted was hate and intolerance. The actions of those in the videos are despicable. You are right though about one thing: Hate crimes are inexcusable and despicable.

[CSP]

The lie is that the attacks never happened. Duh. You folks never cease to amaze....

[donnerstag]

Try these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrRxFoBSPng&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDdgoBI_e9E&feature=related

These don't include the white powder, threats, and book burning.

[mercury613]

You want us to be tolerant and loving toward people who have maliciously denied us our rights?

I don't think so.

[donnerstag]

That attitude will get you far in the political process

[piperflyer]

I am a Christian and credibility is not a concern for me at all. The first Christian was discredited and vilified, torn to shreds and hung on a tree---and he changed my life. I am willing to be of such ilk as to draw scorn and hatred. The gays have nothing on me in regards to villiany. Being maligned and cast out is prophesied by Jesus himself: "They hated me, they will hate you." And another, "we are appointed to persecution." I have been scorned for more than 50 years for my faith, but to paraphrase John Bunyan: "it's only in the prison of hatred that we can see the celestial city."

[smithshaw08]

Oh you poor thing! At least you weren't hung on a fence post & left there to expire like Matthew S. or beaten to extinction like Barry W. or just gunned down like Harvey M. What a cross you have to carry. Spare me!

[mercury613]

Or Lawrence King, who was only 15 at the time of his murder.

[DMHopper]

"Being maligned and cast out is prophesied by Jesus himself: 'They hated me, they will hate you.' And another, 'we are appointed to persecution.'"

Sounds to me like Jesus was talking about the gays as much as he was talking about his nuttier followers.

[Rogan]

Seems like BOTH of you are forgetting: Jesus was talking about the Jews.

[kevinlangendorf]

If you notice, for the last eight years, the Christian right has controlled the White House, for the last six, they controlled Congress. The courts, from the Supreme Court down, are staffed with the religous right, as well as every department in the cabinet.

I hate to be the one to point this out, but you are not oppressed. Your little group has been running the show for quite some time now. The only time Christians are really persecuted is when they actually follow the teachings of Christ: Unconditional love, even for your enemies, passivism, poverty, and respect for your fellow man. People who adhere to these these ideas are vilified almost universally, especially by the "Christian" right.

[research]

Bold Lies, deception and Projection

Are the standard conservative tactics.

[Wayne Besen - Huffpost Blogger]

Today, my organization, Truth Wins Out, decided to fight back. We will place a full-page ad in the Salt Lake Tribune tomorrow, calling these men out on their hypocrisy. The headline for the ad is, "Lies In the Name of the Lord." View the ad here:

http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressreleases/two-fights-back-against-lie-campaign-with-hard-hitting-full-page-ad-in-the-salt-lake-tribune/

or here:

http://www.truthwinsout.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/two_ad_large.jpg

[MormonsRock]

Someone help me out here. I sat down and viewed all the Yes on 8 commercials via Youtube. Not one of them mentions "gay" or "gay marriage". Everyone of them mention reasons to keep marriage between a man and a woman, which is a subjective view, but not one of lies.

Also, because one has religious views, does that preclude them from voting at the polls or participating politically? Of course not. I would think that the problem doesn't start with the Mormons, but with the political process.

I think your anger and activities would best be suited in changing the laws of the land. Going after the Mormons (no matter how much material you think you have on them) will not change any laws, or hearts for that matter. I would suspect it only emboldens the religious communities.

If you can't get the laws changed, because the majority still clings to personal views, I suggest you accept it, move, or find an uninhabited area of the world and start you own community....much like the Mormons did in the 1800's.

[Nikola Tesla]

A Vote CANNOT strip Americans of their rights. The idea is fundamentally un-American.

[Strywever]

What does the fact that the ads you saw didn't include lies have anything to do with the full-page ad in the NY Times that WILL include lies?

And who said anything about "going after Mormons?" I believe the intent of the rebuttal ad is to inform citizens of Salt Lake City (some of who are Mormons, some of whom are not) that religious supporters of the anti-gay marriage effort who SAY they oppose gay people's supposed religious bigotry in reality are religious bigots themselves! According to the quotes, they have publicly denigrated Mormonism -- which exposes their own religious bigotry, exposes them as lying hypocrites, and may indicate that they are not people with whom Mormons might want to associate themselves.

Of course, the Mormons will overlook THAT religious bigotry. As an ex-Mormon, I can almost guarantee it. They very often conflate religion and politics.

[jpopphan]

Wow... just wow.

"I think your anger and activities would best be suited in changing the laws of the land."

Well, we are in fact fighting to uphold the Equal Protection clause of the US Constitution. The law is in fact on our side; those who seek to prevent same-sex marriage are in violation of the law.

"Going after the Mormons (no matter how much material you think you have on them) will not change any laws, or hearts for that matter."

There is quite a bit of "material" on the Mormon involvement in the Yes on 8 campaign in California. A significant amount of the money donated to the anti-gay campaign came from Mormons; the leadership of the LDS required Mormon churches to instruct their members to donate money to the cause and to vote to deny same-sex marriage rights to the people of California. The Mormon church has a long, sordid history of anti-gay bias and outright lies about homosexuality.

We're not trying to change "hearts"; Mormons and others are free to carry as much hate in their heart as they want. They are not free, however, to deny me or anyone else the rights recognized by the US Constitution.

[jpopphan]

One more thing:

"If you can't get the laws changed, because the majority still clings to personal views, I suggest you accept it, move, or find an uninhabited area of the world and start you own community....much like the Mormons did in the 1800's."

Ha, ha, ha. That is cute. Are you freaking serious? Gays and lesbians are not members of a fringe religious organization founded by a charlatan and devoted to polygamy. Remember - plural marriage is why Mormons moved in the first place. Besides, where would you find room for the millions of gays and lesbians who live in the United States? We've added a lot to our population over the past 200 years.

[jpopphan]

Also note that the lies Wayne refers to not only include lies told during the campaign, but especially the lies told in the full-page NYT ad that Donahue, Colson, etc. bought.

[NewsReader92103]

I'm not surprised by this ad. What I am surprised at is the deafening silence from the Human Rights Campain, Equality California, No on 8, and the rest of the so called gay leadership. Since no one has take out an ad repudiating the outrageous claims made by the mormons, I can only conlude that HRC, Equality California, and No on 8 agree with it.

[Nikola Tesla]

What a cute logical fallacy.

[smithshaw08]

Apparently you are not a HRC member. Therefore you have no clue what is being done. Run along now.........

[Dan4Equality]

I'm glad they're saving their money. We have bigger fish to fry than getting in an adwar with these folks. They self-evidently make themselves look bad.

[farnie]

Quick clarification. People see this as a fight between gays and the LDS. This is wrong. The church did not put out that ad or any other that ran in California against Prop 8. The members donated money to people that were making ads. They didn't know or necessarily approve of what was said, and neither did the leadership of the church. This article was about how people taking out these articles are actually enemies of the church, and trust me that Mormons know this. We did what we wanted and will not be involved in any of this back and forth. If the vote ever comes again the members will once again donate and vote, but don't associate us with this ridiculous fighting that is currently going on.

[BobinABQ]

Some Christians feel so emboldened and empowered by their beliefs regarding gay people that any despicable behavior is justified -- as in "I'm doing God's work, and anything I do to fight those horrible gay people is okay." I've seen this first-hand many times. They lie easily and say the vilest things about gay people and then have the gall to act as if they were victims of intolerance because we call them on their foul behavior.

Then there are the platitudes that Christians offer when challenged on their anti-gay attitudes. "Hate the sin. Love the sinner" and "we're all sinners." These formulaic expressions are simply hollow and devoid of any real meaning, and I don't think that these people actually believe what they are saying -- they are just mouthing the words so as to free themselves from any feeling that they are treating gay people badly.

[jpopphan]

That is little more than bigotry and hate wallpapered over with tired rhetoric. They're hiding behind their religion to justify their hatred.

[TheWanderer]

"Most evangelicals still regard Mormonism as a cult." -- Rich Cizik, National Association of Evangelicals.

They are ALL cults, Mr. Cizik. Merriam Webster: CULT - a system of religious beliefs and ritual . Not to mention I can't think of a single religion that doesn't do all it can to extract money from it's members, that doesn't worship and venerate some ordinary human being, that doesn't arrogantly proclaim itself the one true religion, that doesn't indoctrinate its children through fear, that meddles in secular affairs but refuses to pay taxes.

[ESerafina42]

If you had "worship OR venerate," Wanderer, your claim might be true, but as far as I know, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism do NOT worship any human being, nor does Judaism proclaim itself the one true religion. (I can't speak for any others on that.) Almost 2,000 years ago, the rabbis of the Talmud said, "The righteous among the gentiles have a share in the world to come," something that a lot of Christians and Muslims STILL haven't figured out.

[Rogan]

Judaism may not proclaim itself to be the one true religion; but we Jewish children are raised to believe that we are "God's chosen people," and Bible education for Jewish children heavily stresses the many Old Testament "plot points" that support this idea, that we Jews are God's favorites. (Though maybe the way the temples run religious education for children has changed since the seventies... I'm not holding my breath.)

[jpopphan]

I don't recall ever having seen or heard of Hindu missionaries or Buddhist ones either. It seems that only Christians, Muslims and Mormons take it upon themselves to inflict their religion on other people.

And yes, technically you are right that all religion can be referred to as a cult. But the truth is that in the popular understanding of the word, Mormonism is certainly a cult. It was centered around a cult of personality of one man - Joseph Smith - and his "revelations". It wasn't very far off from the whole Jim Jones thing.... moving the membership of the cult to a remote location so that they could be dominated without interference from the Federal government or others.

The only difference between Joseph Smith and Jim Jones is that Smith was more successful in establishing his church so that it survived his death. (Well, I guess it would also be fair to point out that we don't have any evidence of Smith making his members drink poison.)

[Strywever]

You might be interested to know that Mormons believe in Jesus, that he was the son of god, and that he died for "our sins." In other words, they consider themselves to be Christians.

[ctrandrm]

Now we are comparing Joseph Smith to Jim Jones? Joseph did not ask anybody to drink poisoned kool aid. Give me a break!