Anti-gay group Mission
America has issued a backhanded condemnation of an attack
on a gay club in Tel Aviv that left two dead and eleven wounded, four
seriously.
In a statement posted at the group's
website, President Linda Harvey offered her condolences to the
victims: “We are deeply saddened by this violent act and the deaths
of these young people, and pray for the perpetrator to be found and
brought to justice.”
But then Harvey strayed from supporting
the victims to attacking their sexuality: “No one needs to be
involved in homosexuality, but unfortunately, these two young people
can no longer hear that message.”
Whether 16-year-old Liz Trubeshi was a
lesbian or simply questioning remains unknown; classmates say she
never spoke of her sexuality. Nir Katz, the 26-year-old gay youth
center counselor, left behind a partner of four years.
Harvey said the purpose of gay youth
centers was to “legitimize this [gay] behavior and draw young
people into claiming a homosexual identity.”
Mission American is the Christian-based
group opposed to gay-straight clubs in public schools, and the
National Day of Silence, which brings attention to gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender bullying in schools.
The statement also included a plea to
end a rush to judgment against ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders who have
vociferously denounced being gay.
“... it is deplorable this incident
is already being used by the homosexual community to blame this act
on those holding a traditional moral viewpoint. Israelis, just as
anyone else on Earth, should still have the right to oppose
homosexuality for religious or other reasons without being called
accessories to murder. The motive is still unknown; why engage in
slanderous speculation?”
“Are those who bravely stand up
against the deviance of homosexuality – which violates the dignity
and worth of those involved – responsible for all crime against
those drawn to the lifestyle? This kind of bigotry has no place in a
civilized society and is wildly irresponsible, unjust and
inaccurate.”
Gay activists have said the attack was
motivated by hate, and suggested that the lone attacker might have
been influenced by the rhetoric of anti-gay ultra-Orthodox Jewish
leaders.
This story was tipped to us from
JoeMyGod.com.