Charles Barkley Supports Gay Marriage...

[Daniel]

http://www.towleroad.com/2008/02/charles-barkley.html

Can I say it? I hardly- that is- never watch sports, but this caught my eye this morning.


Charles Barkley Supports Gay Marriage, Slams 'Fake' GOP Christians

Former pro basketball star Charles Barkley appeared on CNN's The Situation Room on Friday and talked about why he's voting for Obama. He also excoriated members of the GOP who use the bigotry and hate of the religious right to move their agenda forward, calling them "fake" Christians. It's not the first time Barkley has spoken out about gay marriage. He gave an interview in August 2006 to Chris Meyers on FOX sports in which he said, "I think if they want to get married, God bless them. Gay marriage is probably 1 percent of the population, so it's not like it's going to be an epidemic. Hey, trust me, I'm never going to kiss you and say, 'Chris, you're sexy.'"

Here's a transcript of Barkley's comments from last week, clip AFTER THE JUMP...

BLITZER: All right. One quick point before I let you go. You used the phrase "fake Christians" for conservatives. Explain what you're talking about.

BARKLEY: Well, I think they -- they want to be judge and jury. Like, I'm for gay marriage. It's none of my business if gay people want to get married. I'm pro-choice. And I think these Christians -- first of all, they're supposed to be -- they're not supposed to judge other people. But they're the most hypocritical judge of people we have in this country. And it bugs the hell out of me. They act like their Christians. And they're not forgiving at all.

BLITZER: So you're going to get a lot of feedback on this one, Charles.

BARKLEY: They can't do anything to me. I don't work for them.

BLITZER: You feel comfortable saying all that?

BARKLEY: I feel very comfortable saying I'm pro-choice, and I'm for gay marriage. Very comfortable.

BLITZER: But you can't lump all these conservatives as being fake. A lot of them obviously -- most of them are very, very sincere in their religious beliefs.

BARKLEY: Well, they should read the part about they're not supposed to judge other people. They forget that one when it doesn't fit what they want it to say.

Charles- I rather like you. In fact, I''m taking a fancy to you. Don't worry. I'm already married.

[Vanessa White]

I do watch sports on occasion, Daniel, although I really don't enjoy basketball. However, I know who Charles Barkley is, and feel grateful that he is able to express his positive opinion about this. The thing about sports is, especially basketball it seems like, is that these prominent sports figures are heroes to many youths; maybe Charles speaking out in this way will help young people to feel more supportive of LGBT people in general.

It is always a plus when a celebrity "comes out" in support of our community. It can only benefit all of us in some way........:love:

[Zerbie]

Well I *didn't* know who the guy is, but I have a response to the interview. Isn't it interesting that the interviewer tries to lead the guy into being "uncomfortable" stating his positions, it being implicit in the question that uncomfortable would be the rule or the norm expected. Bravo to Barkley for tossing that aside.

Last year around the time of 7SN, DH remarked how strange he thought it was that the event was described as "straight people coming out" as "allies" and supporters of equality. He found it strange that straight people who support equality could ever have a difficult time saying so, or feel "uncomfortable" expressing their opinion. He said, "Why not just open your mouth and say what you think?" Which Barkley really does in this interview. Bravo!

I think we need to stop creating scenarios where it's scary, difficult, etc., for straight folk to speak their mind about supporting equality. But the problem is, they too are facing opprobrium in certain situations - consider the stories we've heard from Andy and Jenna, and from Sailor's family.

If we stop acting like supporting equality is some dangerous, scary, maverick idea, we ought to make more progress in the general scheme of things.

[Pablo Rafael]

BARKLEY: Well, they should read the part about they're not supposed to judge other people. They forget that one when it doesn't fit what they want it to say.

I've got to give the guy credit for hitting the nail on the head. My complaint with much of conservative Christianity is that Christians come up with their set of beliefs and then go to the Bible to try to find support for their positions.

I overheard a discussion someone was having with a pastor. The young woman brought up that Jesus said we were not supposed to judge other people. The pastor then brought up all sorts of reasons why we as Christians were supposed to judge others. Another case of believing only what you want and using God to justify your own prejudices.

[tdogg]

Feeling like one has to be accountable to another person and judging others are huge reasons why I have issues with people who call themselves Christians. I mean, those who call themselves Christians but don't act as Christ did or would have them act. There are of course many many who don't need to identify themselves as Christians, as their actions and words clearly show they understand Christ's message of love and acceptance.

I also find it ironic that many Christian sects look down on Catholics, especially on 'confession' time. But really, they do the same thing when judging and demanding accountability. In the past I attended a small church (non-denom but I think it grew out of pentecostal roots), where the pastor and a couple of close people went to a couple's house and chewed them out for 2 hours because it was felt they weren't tithing regularly/enough. This couple gave endless hours and effort to the church, at the same time they held jobs, took care of a household and were raising 2 children. Made it even more shameful as the pastor got up in front every Sunday pointing out the 'agape giving' box, and explaining how he doesn't know who gives what. So, then why would he know what this couple gave or didn't??? Sickening.