Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson’s views on
homosexuality have been condemned by many as “hate speech,” yet his
words were infinitely less savage than those contained in the Old
Testament.
If we are to accept that Robertson’s rhetoric represents
hate speech, then the Bible should immediately be banned because it
openly incites violence against gays.
Compare what Robertson told GQ Magazine to what appears in Leviticus 20:13.
Robertson: “It seems like, to me, a
vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s
just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer.
I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s
not logical, my man. It’s just not logical…Start with homosexual
behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with
this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”
Leviticus 20:13: “If there is a man who
lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have
committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their
bloodguiltiness is upon them.” (NASB)
“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them
have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their
blood is upon them.” (ESV)
Robertson also paraphrased another part of the Bible –
Corinthians – when he stated, “Don’t be deceived. Neither the
adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual
offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they
won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not
right.”
Robertson expresses his disagreement with the homosexual
lifestyle and characterizes it as a sin. The Bible characterizes
homosexuality not only as a sin but as an abomination punishable by
death.
According to the Supreme Court, hate speech is permissible under the First Amendment unless it is likely to lead to imminent hate violence.
Since the Bible openly and aggressively advocates that
homosexuals be put to death, it can easily be argued that such rhetoric
is likely to lead to imminent hate-driven violence.
Indeed, there have been numerous cases around the world of pastors being arrested under hate speech laws for quoting Bible passages which relate to homosexuality.
Given that conclusion, the characterization of
Robertson’s words as “hate speech” must automatically mean that the
Bible – to an even greater degree – also represents “hate speech” and
should immediately be withdrawn from 37 million Christian churches
worldwide and treated in future only as a historical relic.
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