Sally Kern and the Power of Hate Speech

In recently reported news, Oklahoma Representative Sally Kern spoke out against homosexuals, claiming that they are "worse than terrorists" and accusing homosexuals of engaging in indoctrinating behaviors that could destroy the nation. Sally Kern also claims not to be engaging in "hate-speech" and is appalled that anyone would think so, but her direct quote, which she does not dispute, is quoted on GayWired.com as this: "There are indisputable facts that show it's a deadly lifestyle." By linking homosexuality to terrorism and claiming that God is specifically against such a lifestyle, Sally Kern does not stand alone.

As a parent to a young child and as a homosexual, I know that I will often have to defend myself to others. The Sally Kerns of the world often feel that their own right to free speech takes precedence over the right of homosexuals to feel safe. My partner and I surround ourselves with people who feel as we do: our child is safe and loved, our lifestyle is not an abomination. But as time goes on, we know we will meet others who do not feel as we do. We will meet people like Sally Kern, who not only disagree with our lifestyle, but who will feel the need to make broad, sweeping statements about the nature of us and our homosexuality. Prior to our child, we were met with statements like Sally Kern's, and our suspicions are that it will only get worse.

When my partner and I were quite young and newly in love, we were in a crowded mall together Neither of us stand out particularly as homosexuals, but there are those who can tell. From the floor above us, a teenaged girl, not much younger than us, called out in a demeaning and derogatory fashion, calling general attention to us. Since we were not doing anything to bother any mall patrons, particularly since both of us count public displays of affection as rude, regardless of who the participants may be, we certainly were not even acting in an obvious fashion. However, we ducked our heads and stumbled away, contrite in our love.

The response we gave to this nonsense was indicative of much larger societal issues. Societal issues that Sally Kern unwittingly references. Yes, there are many who feel as Sally Kern does, and, technically, the right of free speech does protect those people. However, does that teenager's "right" to scream obscenities at us take precedence over our freedom to feel safe? Does Sally Kern have a right to espouse her beliefs, even if, in doing so, she does lasting harm? The repercussions are mighty. That teenager at the mall did not act alone. Her words were the product of parental influence, which was the product of media and political influence, among other things. Sally Kern and her ilk claim to speak God's word and claim that the Bible backs their statements. Based on that same Bible and the same zealots who read only those portions that make the most sense to them, I have had friends who were raped and beaten. I have witnessed young teenagers, trying desperately to find themselves, become suicidal or even attempt suicide (no one I know has managed thus far, though some do) because they hate themselves and the abomination they have become.

My partner's father has never once met his granddaughter, or even seen her. His hatred, supported by people like Sally Kern, disallow a meeting. On a regular basis for years, he threatened to murder us, his words and even actions implicitly supported by a society that refuses to acknowledge that homosexuals have a right to freedom from fear. With a little regret and no small amount of sadness, we "rejoice" in his determination that his daughter, my partner, is no longer his daughter. Though she is deeply saddened by the loss of her father, the loss of those threats and cruel remarks make the wound less deep.

Hatred drives statements like that of Sally Kern, and hatred is a powerful force. What could be dismissed as drivel suddenly becomes strong and opinion changing. While we have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who support us, our experiences with hate-speech few and far between, this is only because we stay away from people like Sally Kern.