Jewish Reform Movement Tells Conservatives To Stop Blaming Gays For Foley

[William769]

Washington) The Reform Movement - the largest branch of Judaism in the United States - on Wednesday told a conservative Christian group to stop gay-bashing over the Foley Affair.

Following the disclosure that former Republican Congressman Mark Foley had engaged in a series of sexual emails with teenage pages, Tony Perkins, the President of the conservative Christian group the Family Research Council penned an article for the council and widely distributed by conservative groups titled “Pro-Homosexual Political Correctness Sowed Seeds for Foley Scandal.”

In a letter to Perkins Wednesday, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, disputed Perkins' claims.

"I urge you to apologize publicly for the disturbing article you wrote," Pelavin said in an open letter to Perkins.

"We certainly agree that the actions of former Representative Foley are abhorrent and deplorable. Nonetheless, I was disturbed, but sadly, not surprised, that you used Mr. Foley’s actions to perpetuate an old and despicable stereotype that gay men are prone to be child molesters. Your willingness to manipulate this tragic situation to engage in an anti-gay screed through such spurious and twisted correlations reveals far more about you than about this crisis," Pelavin's letter said.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/10/100406jewish.htm

[Solo_in_MD]

1. The Reformed Jewish movement has no central authority

so by definition the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism can not speak for it.

Also a dupe of http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=41452&mesg_id=41452

[William769]

2. Central authority does not matter.

When they speak people listen. Thats what counts. Also they have accomplished alot.

BTW. I posted it ig GD because alot of people do not go to the GLBT forum.

[Solo_in_MD]

8. Unless they are Smith-Barney (old humor), why would anyone listen

to an open letter from a no profile group with no authority or particular relevance? Their intent is fine, but to give it any bandwidth is ....

[Rex]

3. Shift blame and hate hate hate!

I've never seen another group of people stay blameless for so long. GOPers should at least take the blame for SOMETHING, anything. Just one thing in these past 8 years, maybe without the hate agenda?

[JackBeck]

4. Strong words from Pelavin. I feel his outrage.

So, when will Mr. Pelavin be making media appearances on TV to counter FRC's bigotry?

[William769]

6. Will the media have him?

[JackBeck]

7. Nah. He makes no sense. He's merely stating the truth.

How boring.

[area51]

5. "Pro-Homosexual Political Correctness Sowed Seeds for Foley Scandal"

Whatever happened to the nazi party mantra of "personal responsibility"? Oh, yes, the nazi party is the party of hypocrisy. Mark Foley is responsible for Mark Foley.