THE ORLANDO MASSACRE

THE ORLANDO MASSACRE

 GAY AMERICA’S WATERSHED 

   A public or private statement involving the intent to inflict harm to another person is a threat. When the threat includes the word KILL it becomes a death threat. Death threats are against the law, and when a death threat is made, the FBI is required to take immediate action. The individual is placed under surveillance, questioned, and possibly jailed. 

   In recent days, many statements have been made by preachers, television evangelists, and elected officials including the words “ALL GAYS SHOULD BE KILLED.” These statements meet all the requirements of a death threat. If a person of Middle Eastern descent were to make these statements, that person would be in jail. But because these people are from a so-called Christian background, absolutely nothing has been done.  The FBI should treat these threats the same way as if they were made by a person outside the Christian coalition.   

   If Americans truly believe the constitution of the United States—as in the Fourteenth Amendment when it directly states, “All citizens must be given equal treatment under the law”—then several preachers, evangelists, and elected officials would be in jail.  No one should be allowed to use the Bible as a reason for violence.

   It is common knowledge that the hate radiating from the pulpit is partly to blame for the acts of violence against gays. For over two hundred years gay Americans have been verbally and physically abused. There are laws in place, and, if enforced, they would stop this kind of the abuse. There should be a nationwide ban on death threats.   

    A tribute should be made to the 49 innocent Americans who lost their lives in Orlando and the 53 other individuals who have suffered terrific pain. The Orlando Massacre should be recognized, not only as a Watershed Moment, but also as a Pulse Point in the entire LGBT Movement.

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