ADF Senior Counsel David Cortman writes:

No one likes bullying (except maybe the bully).  It should not be tolerated–regardless of the reason for it.  So is one type of bullying worse than any other?  Does the student that is being bullied feel any better if he is being bullied for certain, more politically correct reasons, but not others?  Don’t think so.  So why does the left play the bullying card so much when it comes to promoting the homosexual agenda in public schools?  And why does the left so quickly accuse Christians of bullying merely because they believe that the Bible teaches against homosexual behavior?  It seems to me that there is a tremendous difference between refusing to condone or approve such behavior and advocating violence.  It’s the old admonition to “love the sinner, hate the sin.” 

I believe that one of the reasons that groups on the left come out so hard against individuals or organizations that stand up for such biblical truths is in part because they don’t like it when the behavior that they are advocating is referred to as “sin.”  They want it to be accepted as “normal.”  They want it legitimized and taught to our children as an acceptable option.  But this is not limited to the homosexual agenda, it is a societal problem.  We all like to make sin more palatable by rebranding the particular practice.  For example, we remove the focus from the taking of an innocent life by claiming a woman’s “right to choose.”  It doesn’t sound quite so bad that way.    

 So how does the left sell the harmful practice of engaging in homosexual behavior to our children?  Groups on the left, such as GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), reframe the issue by hosting an annual “Day of Silence” that plays the bullying card.  Because, after all, what reasonable and responsible person would have a problem with putting an end to bullying?  It’s marketing genius.  It removes the focus from the promotion of an unhealthy lifestyle aimed at our questioning and impressionable youth, and puts it on stopping the reprehensible behavior of bullying.  Again, it’s shear genius.  But it’s also a sleight of hand.

No question that all bullying is wrong, period.  But opposition to bullying should not be used to advance the left’s agenda by singling out special behaviors or “characteristics” for punishment.  Any anti-bullying effort or policy should prohibit bullying for any reason.  But this tactic of singling out homosexual behavior for special treatment should be familiar as it’s the same one used to promote “hate crimes” legislation.  I often wonder, is there a new “love crime” murder that’s not quite as bad?   And why is murder of one person any worse than murder of another?  Shouldn’t murder be treated the same regardless of who is killed?  Are certain people more important or is their life worth more than the rest of us?             

And since when is a religious or moral disagreement with sexual behavior automatically deemed bullying (especially when it pertains to teens or even younger students)?  Are we no longer tolerant of differing opinions?  Are we no longer free to debate controversial issues and offer opinions based on biblical teachings?  Does the left really stand for tolerance and free speech, or do they just want Christian students to be quiet and not become involved in the issues of our day?  It appears that those on the left who are playing the bullying card are often the ones who are doing the bullying.

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Visit the Alliance Defense Fund Public Schools webpage to learn more about how ADF protects religious liberty for students.

Focus on the Family will host Day of Dialogue this April. Find out how students can make a difference and speak the Truth.