According to a press release sent to me by the American Atheists, an atheist advocacy group has encouraged gay priests to “resign from the church and reject the Vatican’s repressive teachings on homosexuality”. I have to say I agree.

The report also claims that as many as 60% of Catholic priests are gay.

This comes following an expose by the Italian weekly news magazine Panorama titled “Good Nights Out For Gay Priests.” Investigative journalist Carmelo Abbate who spent time undercover filming and interviewing gay clerics who often flaunted their lifestyle, and even hired male escorts for private parties. Panorama’s expose seems to confirm a 2000 study by Father Donald Cozzens whose book, The Changing Face of the Priesthood suggested that as many as 60% of American Catholic priests were gay.

The president of American Atheists, Ed Buckner agrees.

Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, said, “In an institution where men and women are treated as equals–as human beings!–double lives (hypocrisy) aren’t necessary. These men should choose integrity, honest lives, not continuing support for unsupportable, irrational dogma that misleads millions and expands human suffering rather than easing it.”

That makes sense. I understand many priests are proud to be spreading the word of God and all, but they don’t need the Vatican to spout their nonsense. I’m not suggesting that they should leave their religion all together, but at least should distance themselves from this horrible organization.

I’m sure many of you heard about Uganda’s plan to kill homosexuals who have aids. Well Rwanda is taking a page from their book.

The change would have article 217 of their code say this:

Any person who practices, encourages or sensitizes people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice, shall be liable for a term of imprisonment ranging from five (5) to ten (10) years and fine ranging from Two Hundred thousand Rwanda Francs (200.000 RwF) to one million (1,000,000)Rwanda francs.”

Nice. Notice the part I bolded. Especially the encourages part. So basically just standing up for somebody in the LGBT community can get you in trouble with the law. This is a major setback in human rights and free speech. Take action and spread this news to everbody you know.

I saw this over at Pharyngula today. The FUCK Uganda? Here is what is being proposed:

According to Clause 2 of the Bill, a person who is convicted of gay sex is liable to life imprisonment. But if that person is also HIV positive the penalty — under the heading “aggravated homosexuality” — is death.

The Bill has not been endorsed by the Ugandan government but it has allowed it to proceed, and some top officials are said to have praised it.

Yes you read that correctly. As if life imprisonment for being who you are is not totally batshit crazy enough, you put them to DEATH if they have HIV? There is already suggestions that AIDS is on the decline. The bill also spits in the face of free speech as well. More insanity follows:

The Bill proposes a three-year prison sentence for anyone who is aware of evidence of homosexuality and fails to report it to the police within 24 hours. And it would impose a sentence of up to seven years for anyone who defends the rights of gays and lesbians.

Basically this blog post would constitute a seven year jail sentance for me. Just for defending my fellow humans. I’m sure some of you are writing this off because Uganda is still a developing country and all that shit. Let us look at the origins of the bill. A group of AMERICANS known as “The Family“. Hell I’m sure I could walk to the corner of Main Street and Wall Street and sell this idea to plenty of my eager countryfolk. Spread the word about this, it is absolutely fucking nuts.

Many people see the people out soliciting donations for the SalvationArmy as a good thing. Yes charity is good, but you may be curious as to what you are supporting. I find it best to let them tell you. Here is there Position Statement on some key things:

Abortion:

The Salvation Army deplores society’s ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)

They make it seem like abortion is an easy choice. I highly doubt it is a decision made lightly and easily. That does not change my belief that people should have the right to have one. If you are opposed to abortions, you do not have to have one. It’s that simple.

Euthanasia:

Assisted suicide is defined as directly helping or encouraging someone to end his/her own life. Therefore, The Salvation Army believes that euthanasia and assisted suicide undermine human dignity and are morally wrong regardless of age or disability.

God would rather you suffer here than pass on into His Kingdom I guess.

Homosexuality:

Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.

Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.

At least they don’t condone abuse, but they still are not totally accepting…

Suicide:

Taking one’s own life is a denial of life’s value, a denial of hope and of the power of God to sustain and bring people through difficult and trying times (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Suicide is never an acceptable option; we deplore those messages in secular culture that glamorize and promote self-destruction.

Ah it’s the secularist’s fault. Sounds about right…

The Salvation Army is a private organization, so they can do whatever the hell they want. That is 100% a OK with me. I just think people should know what their money is supporting. It has that image of taking people in and helping them, but I could not in good conscience give them any money knowing their stance on some of these things. Why not seek out some secular charities in your area?