"The Best Message We Can Give To The Middle East"

Some choice quotes from the House floor yesterday as they debated whether to codify antigay discrimination into the constitution:

"It's part of God's plan for the future of mankind," explained Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.).

Rep. Bob Beauprez (R- Colo.) also found "the very hand of God" at work. "We best not be messing with His plan."

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) agreed that "it wasn't our idea, it was God's."

"I think God has spoken very clearly on this issue," said Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), a mustachioed gynecologist who served as one of the floor leaders yesterday. When somebody quarreled with this notion, Gingrey replied: "I refer the gentleman to the Holy Scriptures." ...

I refer the "gentleman" to those parts of the "Holy" Scriptures which forbid the consumption of pork and endorse the institutions of slavery and polygamy, and inquire what he plans to do to iron out those inconsistencies with US law?

I'd also remind the "gentleman" that his religious beliefs are not necessarily mine, and the law must govern us all, regardless of faith (or lack thereof). So, "because the Bible says so" is not a good enough reason to do ANYTHING. (I think they do things your way in Iran, though.)

But this is my favorite part:

Gingrey, the floor leader/gynecologist, posited that the debate was "about values and how this great country represents them to the world." After the vote, he elaborated: "This is probably the best message we can give to the Middle East in regards to the trouble we are having over there right now."

Ah, yes, we may be in the midst of a great Clash of Civilizations, but at least there's one thing we can all agree on: God Hates Fags. Fred Phelps will be so pleased Congress sees it his way.