Bible Called Hate Speech

[turnorburn]

This happened in 2004.. 12 years ago.. Are you prepared for the coming persecution?

NARRATIVE OF INCIDENT AT THE LANSDOWNE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING ON JULY 21 7/21/04


Written and compiled by Michael Marcavage

[Please note: The following incident occurred at the 7:30 p.m. Lansdowne Borough Council meeting on July 21, 2004 in the presence of all council members, the public, a Comcast television news camera, and other members of the media.]

Yesterday, July 21, I attended the Lansdowne Borough Council meeting concerning a comment made to the Philadelphia Gay News by Kevin Lee, who is the newly-appointed gay activist to the council. Several people spoke during the public comment/question period, in which I then followed. I addressed the council by saying [on camera] "Good Evening. I just wanted to express a couple of things this evening. First being at the direction that the council is leading our community. I recently read a statement by Mr. Lee, the newly appointed council member, in the Philadelphia Gay News. And he had confessed that 'the gay community and the borough council hope this [his appointment] will lead to more gay and lesbian people moving to town.'" I then asked, "I'm just curious if that is the consensus of the council. Is that the desire the council wants to proceed in is leading more gay and lesbian to the town?" Mr. Norman Council, president of the borough council, then stated, "My desire is to have anybody who wants to come to Lansdowne and live to be able to come to Lansdowne and live." I then said I would like to share from the Scripture concerning homosexuality. It was apparent that Mr. Council was angry, as he informed me that "we are not going to have this discussion." I then told him that "I would just like to read the scripture verse, and then I'll sit down." He prevented me from reading from the Bible through interruption, referring to the Scripture I was about to read as being "hate speech" and that I twist Scripture. I then informed him that I will "read it as it is". Mr. Council replied, "I understand, but we're not gonna have it. It's not gonna happen." I told Mr. Council that he may be able to limit my time, but could not change the content of my speech. He said, "Ok well, what I'm going to do is limit your time. It's up!" I then stated, "That's just an unfair practice... You have to stay consistent with the other speakers." Mr. Council continued, "I am not going to allow you to come before this council and use it as a forum to engage in hate speech, it's simply not going to happen." I then said, "Mr. Council the Bible is not hate speech." Mr. Council further insisted that I twist Scripture. I respectfully petitioned him to allow me to proceed as motions were made to adjourn the meeting. The motion to adjourn passed as I began to read from Romans 1, although the council left the room completely, residents of the borough still remained.

Nearing completion of the Scripture reading, Chief Kortan placed his hands on my arms, as I got down on one knee, he then dragged me into the hall. During this time, I asked him, "Am I under arrest?" He said loudly, "You are not under arrest." "Am I breaking the law?" I asked. "The council does not want you here anymore!" he angrily replied. In the hallway, I contested with him and said, "This is a public meeting, and I have the right to speak during the public comment period." He then said, "They don't want to hear from you anymore!" He was extremely angry as I continued to explain why I had a right to be there and to address the council.

While speaking to the angry police chief, council member Elliot Borgam aggressively approached me in the hallway while yelling, and then hit me as hard as he could on my left arm with the back of his semi-clenched hand. I then said, "I was just assaulted by Mr. Borgman." Chief Kortan ordered Mr. Borgman into the room and said, "I saw it." He assured me that Mr. Borgman would be charged with "Disorderly Conduct." Chief Kortan then stated, "We need to talk about it downstairs." During one point, I asked Mr. Kortan if I was being charged with a crime, in which he replied, "No, you are not." As soon as the elevator door opened, I was grabbed by Mr. Kortan and physically thrown into, and slammed up against the back of the elevator wall. It appeared from my quick glance that everyone in the nearby council meeting room (through the glass window) turned to see what happened, after hearing the loud noises that were created by Mr. Kortan's physical actions against me. While the door was closing, I told Chief Kortan that "this is a violation of my civil rights." Getting right in my face, he angrily replied, "F--k your civil rights!"

Since we were on the second floor, it did not take long to reach the first floor. When the door opened, we exited the elevator and were then in the presence of police dispatcher Jo Pannell, Officer Lawrence Smalley, and an unidentified officer in another hallway who was walking about and occasionally glancing in our direction with heightened curiosity.

At this point, Mr. Kortan became extremely verbally abusive, making all kinds of outlandish statements with the use of profanity. I told him that "we should take a few moments to collect our thoughts." He refused, and continued to yell as loud as he could. I sat down in a nearby chair, but he leaned over and continued to yell in my face. I told him that he was "out of line" and that he needed to "calm down." He continued to yell and use profanity stating that he is a citizen too, and that he can do as he pleases. I said "you are currently acting in the capacity of a police officer" and concluded with "Mr. Kortan, this needs to stop." He then replied, "Don't call me Mr. Kortan! Only my friends call me Mr. Kortan. You are to address me as Chief Kortan!" I stepped further away from him because it appeared that his irrational anger could lead him to more violence. During Chief Kortan's fit of rage, I told him that I never seen such behavior by a police officer before. "It's about time; it should have been done to you a long time ago," he responded. I then telephoned 911 for advice on the situation. The dispatcher informed me that I need to report the matter to the DA's office, in which they provided a telephone number.

Before leaving, I contacted 911 and asked if would be possible to file a report about what happened. The dispatcher told me that they would have someone come to the borough hall to take my report. The radio call went to Officer Lawrence Smalley who was standing directly in front of me. I provided him with all the information, and he told me that “the report will be available for you tomorrow.” During the final moments of my departure, I asked if charges were going to be brought against Mr. Borgman. Chief Kortan stated, "If you want charges brought against Mr. Borgman, I will do so." I told him "yes."

After leaving Lansdowne Borough Hall, the location of the meeting/incident, I drove to the nearest Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Media, Pennsylvania, and filed a report with Corporal John T. Malone (tel: 484-840-1000).

No charges were brought against me, and according to Chief Kortan, none will be.

Update: Chief Kortan called me the next day stating that he "thought about it overnight and decided to charge you" with "Disrupting Meetings and Procesions" and "Disorderly Conduct."

Final Update: The charges were dropped by the District Attorney's Office due to "insufficient evidence" approx. 7 months later on February 18, 2005.

http://www.repentamerica.com/narrative7-21-04.html

 

[Eugene]

Brother turnorburn, it appears with his history that Michael Marcavage purposely attended that meeting for confrontation. Does he indeed gain fame and possibly fortune in such debates. Is he following the example of Dan 6:10 for instance to kneel upon his knees three times a day, and pray, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Many Christians today seek acclaim it appears; is this the light we should present to the world? I wonder if Michael would have extended his scripture reading to Lev 20:13? If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death . .

Does Michael truly think he is going to change the world? Only God is going to do that, and it will be in His timing; not ours. I truly believe the times of the Gentiles near an end. Blessings in Christ Jesus my friend.

 

[turnorburn]

i get this on the streets, when you use scripture to reveal what God considers sin people react with "more hate speech" they don't want to hear it, matter of fact its the last thing they want to hear. We all go places to purposely say things, its what we do..

 

[turnorburn]

i remember hearing about this a few years ago.. maybe some of you remember?

LAW OF THE LAND
'Bible as hate speech' signed into law
Canadian measure said to 'chill' opposition to homosexual behavior


© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com | April 30, 2004

Canada's governor general, the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, signed into law yesterday a controversial measure opposed by religious believers and free-speech advocates who say it will criminalize public expression against homosexual behavior.

The bill, passed 59-11 by the Senate on Wednesday, adds sexual orientation as a protected category in Canada's genocide and hate-crimes legislation, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

The House of Commons passed the bill in September, 141-110.


As WorldNetDaily reported, opponents have feared if it becomes law, the Bible will be deemed "hate literature" under the criminal code in certain instances, as evidenced by the case of a Saskatchewan man fined by a provincial human-rights tribunal for taking out a newspaper ad with Scripture references to verses about homosexuality.

The bill's sponsor, openly homosexual MP Svend Robinson, has insisted it protects religious expression, but opponents, such as the Canada Family Action Coalition, note recent court cases in which judges have favored homosexual rights when they clash with the rights of religious believers.

Some members of Parliament have called it a "dangerous" law that muzzles free speech, including Liberal Party member John McKay, who dubbed it a "chill bill."

"Anybody who has views on homosexuality that differ from Svend Robinson's will be exposed rather dramatically to the joys of the Criminal Code," McKay said last fall.

Robinson, who recently in a tearful apology to supporters admitted stealing a $50,000 ring, has said fears that freedom of speech and religion will suffer are "a mask for homophobia for people who don't want to be honest about the real reason why they don't want to include sexual orientation in the law."

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils in Government/Police State/hate-bible.htm

 

[turnorburn]

Sweden isn't immune..

Swedish Pastor Sentenced for 'Hate Speech'
By Dale Hurd | CWNews | September 10, 2004

CWNews.org –A lot of people think of Sweden as a 'tolerant' nation. But lately it's starting to show intolerance towards Christianity. A pastor there has been sentenced to jail for preaching against homosexuality and other sexual sin.

This place is probably not where you'd expect to find a man like Ake Green. In the little village of Borgholm, in southern Sweden, this quiet Swedish pastor of a small Pentecostal church decided to stand against what he says is his nation's 'embrace' of homosexuality.

But because of what he preached, Pastor Green has been sentenced to a month in jail under a 'hate speech' law.

Pastor Green said, "I was watching television, reading the newspaper, listening to high profile people - actors, singers - glorifying the homosexual lifestyle. And I was worried, and was concerned, and I felt a deep burden in my heart to speak on that topic."

Green prepared the sermon last year, on what the Bible says about homosexuality, with the intention that the townspeople of Borgholm come to hear him. But attendance was disappointing.

So Ake Green had his sermon published in the local newspaper. In it, he compared the sin of Sweden to the sin of Sodom.

He warned, "Our country is facing a disaster of great proportions! Of that we can be sure. God said the land would vomit out its inhabitants. Our country is facing a disaster."

But it was how he described sexual practices like homosexuality that brought the charge against him: Green told us, "What I said was that sexual abnormality was like a cancer of the society." In more precise English, a "cancerous tumor."

He ended his sermon speaking of God's grace and with respect for those living in sexual sin.

He said, "What these people need, who live under the slavery of sexual immorality, is an abundant grace. It exists. Therefore we will encourage those who live in this manner to look at the grace of Jesus Christ. We cannot condemn these people. Jesus never belittled anyone. He offered them grace."

But his ending didn't matter. The printed sermon was seen by local homosexuals and the district prosecutor, and Green was convicted in a district court and given a month in jail.

A sentence he has not yet served because he is appealing the conviction. Green's defense attorney is Percy Bratt, the Chairman of the Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights.

Bratt said, "The very basic question that is raised in this matter is: to what extent it is criminal to teach from the words in the Bible, so to say."

The hate speech law used to convict Green was first intended to protect Jews and other ethnic minorities from Nazi sympathizers. But in more recent times the law was amended to also protect 'sexual orientation.'

Bratt said, "The wordings of this provision are very general, so the area that shall be criminalized is up to the courts."

The district prosecutor in the case refused to speak with CBN News. But we were able to speak with Sweden's national gay and lesbian organization in Stockholm, the RFSL, which supports Green's conviction.

The RFSL spokesperson said, "Hatred and defamation is not to be accepted, just because it's based on religious beliefs or religious scriptures. You have some limits when it comes to the freedom of speech."

But the Ake Green case is becoming an embarrassment for a nation which prides itself on its tolerance. It may also be a catalyst.

Josef Östby is a noted Missionary and Pastor in Sweden's Pentecostal Movement. He said, "I felt it's like a prophetic message - for our time -in Sweden."

Östby also hopes God is using an unknown preacher from a small town to awaken a nation.

Östby said, "A kind person like Green, silent, is working in a small church. [Then he spoke up.] And today, the whole country is talking about it, and [even other] countries are touched by his simple message."

But support for Green among some Swedish evangelical leaders has been surprisingly lukewarm. Green blames them for acquiescing to the homosexual agenda. He said he draws his inspiration from the Old Testament prophets.

Green said, "We have read about Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, and Amos. They were living in times of spiritual decline. I believe we are dealing with a spiritual dimension here. The Evangelical churches don't want a confrontation with what's going on in Swedish society, and that makes them silent."

Green's attorney says the case will now go to an appeals court, and if necessary, to Sweden's Supreme Court, and even to the European Court, if necessary. He says the district judge misapplied the law.

Bratt said, "The court must, when applying this provision, make a balancing act between the right of homosexuals and the right of the freedom of religion and the right of the freedom of expression. And we say that the court has not made a proper such balancing."

But other nations are moving in the same direction or already have similar laws, including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Östby calls Green's conviction a tragedy for democracy in Sweden. He said, "We cannot, in Sweden, be known for things like putting a pastor in jail for a sermon! This is impossible!"

But the spokesman for Sweden's national gay and lesbian organization said one month in jail is not long enough for Green. It hopes a higher court will impose a longer sentence.

The RFSL spokesperson said, "The district attorney has said 6 to 8 months would be more appropriate when it comes to this crime and we cannot do anything else but to agree with that."

Ake Green says he's not afraid to go to jail. Green added, "I am not a criminal, I don't feel like a criminal, but this new law makes us preachers 'as criminals' if we speak up."

Some say Pastor Green has awakened Swedish evangelicals on the issue of homosexuality. He's certainly created an uncomfortable dividing line for church leaders, whether to speak boldly what the Bible says about homosexuality, or not.

An otherwise overlooked pastor has done something to grab the attention of a nation. Ake Green says he was "only obeying God."

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils in Government/Police State/pastor_punished.htm

 

[Eugene]

i get this on the streets, when you use scripture to reveal what God considers sin people react with "more hate speech" they don't want to hear it, matter of fact its the last thing they want to hear. We all go places to purposely say things, its what we do..

Why? Do you really believe people are unaware?
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

What do you think of Westboro Baptist Church? Are they winning many to Christ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church

 

[Sinthesis]

There is nothing surprising about the bible being misused to support hate speech. What is surprising is how a secular government is willing to defend the bible being misused to support hate speech. It is as if a secular society is better at reflecting Christian values than rabid religiots.

 

[King Dan of Great the 1st]

If it doesn't suit someone its hate speech, that's the pathetic PC world we live in.

The biggest hypocrates are the ones who don't believe the bible or in God, then try use God or the bible scriptures as there witness against believers.

 

[turnorburn]

Why? Do you really believe people are unaware?
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

What do you think of Westboro Baptist Church? Are they winning many to Christ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church

i believe people that are dead in their trespasses and sins are unaware.. I've not been to Westboro Baptist Church so i can't say..

John 7:7, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”

Jesus preached the truth for 3 years and when the world couldn't take it anymore they crucified him..

 

[smaller]

Some brands of Islamic people (the majority) are peaceful and passive.

The problem remains with the people, the zealot adherents.

So people want to "make a stand" against homosexuality? Maybe as soon as the complainers are sinless they can start throwing stones?

 

[th1b.taylor]

Smaller,
The largest two groups are the Shia and the Sunni. The Sunni is the more Peaceful of the two but that does, by no means, make them peace-loving as defined by scripture nor by Christian and Jewish positions. From my studies the Shiite form of the structure is what is recorded as what Mohammed taught. In their Qur'an we find one hundred and sixty-four suras that demand the removal of all Followers of the Book (Christians) and of every Jewish Believer. So it is my logical position that if they believe and they profess openly, or secretly, the Qur'an as God's word through the itinerate Prophet, can I ever trust them as I trust Jesus?

 

[turnorburn]

Should we give the world a false sense of assurance? Being peaceful has two meanings.. peace that the world gives and the peace that Jesus gives.. an example of coming in peacefully..

Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

 

[th1b.taylor]

Should we give the world a false sense of assurance? Being peaceful has two meanings.. peace that the world gives and the peace that Jesus gives.. an example of coming in peacefully..

Daniel 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Ah, but there is, according to Islam, a third peace that is achieved through the slaughter of everybody that is not a Muslim and when they say peace, that is the peace they discuss, the peace after world carnage.

 

[turnorburn]

Their entire premise is based on a false sense of assurance.. a false sense of peace on earth and false promises of a blissful afterlife..

 

[smaller]

Smaller,
The largest two groups are the Shia and the Sunni. The Sunni is the more Peaceful of the two but that does, by no means, make them peace-loving as defined by scripture nor by Christian and Jewish positions.

There is plenty of passive animosity and disdain between all sects to go around. Even within christian denominations as we so well see here for example.

My point is, from a scriptural standpoint I don't see myself as better than any other sinner. Paul teaches this truth in Romans 3:9 and I accept that as true for me and I see everyone in the same LIGHT of NEED for Grace regardless of anyone's particular brand of sin slavery.

Too many christians like pick their sin and then rail about it continually. They seldom see their own sins in the same list as the homosexuals:

1 Cor. 6:
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

And for the record I accept Jesus' definition of ADULTERY as defined in Matt. 5:28 and guess what? Probably about 99 out of 100 heterosexual men INCLUSIVE of believers are GUILTY.

And they want to rail on homosexuals?

Spare me.

 

[turnorburn]

i read this statement yesterday.. should we as Christians remain silent and pass this off as business as usual?

The Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches have voted to allow gay and lesbian clergy into their churches. It is apostasy and wickedness in the sight of God. Someone needs to cry aloud against such wickedness!!! God makes no apologies for His Word. The Bible is the most offensive Book in the world, mashing on sinner's toes and testifying against the sins of men. John 3:20 tells us that those who do evil hate the Light, neither will they come to the Light to be saved. My ministry is to uplift the precious Lord Jesus Christ Who is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12).

 

[turnorburn]

Brother Eugene gave a good scripture reference to this kind of behavior..

Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.