Democratic Party Supports Gay Pride Month

The Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin on June 3, 2008 in issuing the following Proclamation marking gay PRIDE Month:

“Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society and reaffirm our Party’s commitment to promoting full equality under the law for every American.

“As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to working together to build an America that is truly inclusive. Every American has the right to live in dignity, with equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law.

“These are our country’s and our Party’s core values. Across the country, at every level of government, Democrats have championed sweeping protections in the areas of employment, housing, domestic partnerships and civil unions, adoption, gender identity or expression, and hate crimes.

“Despite all we have accomplished, our work is not done. We need to fight efforts to write discrimination into our laws and constitutions. [This statement is in reference to H.J. RES. 89, the Marriage Protection Amendment, which makes marriage legal only between a man and a woman. The Democratic Party opposes the Marriage Protection Amendment because they believe it is discriminatory against homosexuals.]

“We need to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, pass the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, and repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We need a comprehensive, science-based strategy for combating HIV/AIDS. We must address the socioeconomic problems, including poverty and limited access to health care, that increase vulnerability to this disease.

“To do all of these things we need to put a Democrat in the White House, expand our majorities in Congress, and elect more Democrats at the local and state level across the country. To do that, we need you. Get active, get involved, and join us so we can take our country back.”

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools. . . .

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:22-27)

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality. . . .” (1 Corinthians 6:9)

“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality. . . .” (1 Timothy 1:8-10)

“And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, He has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day- just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:6-7)

EVIL

In 1937, a radio program titled “The Shadow” officially premiered. Each show was introduced with the unmistakable lines: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!” Psalm 44:21 tells us that God knows the secrets of the heart. “But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 11:21) God too, understands the evil that lurks in the hearts of men and has promised justice.

Evil is not simply a concept; it has substance. It is capable of darkening the mind and clouding judgment. Evil has intent and motivation. It is like a parasite attached to and feeding on its animal host. Evil has a desire and that is to destroy mankind and overthrow the rule of God.

Evil is a grave matter. The slightest indulgence of evil in our habits can bring about its total control of our lives. Most evils that afflict mankind come from pride, lust, covenant breaking and crime. These proceed from a heart that is rebellious toward God and despises His Word. The Bible tells us, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20) God declares, “I will punish the world for its evil. . . .” (Isaiah 13:11)

Karl Barth wrote, “Sin is not confined to the evil things we do. It is the evil within us, the evil which we are.” It is against this dark background that God’s great compassion is revealed to us in the cross. It is the cross of Christ that fully answers the problem of evil. It is by the cross of Christ that God breaks the chains of evil and sets us free.

As a child of God, do not despair – but rather persevere against that evil which would consume your life and soul. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12-13) Do not be envious of evil men. Hate evil or you will not love the good.