Indiana has received a lot of attention lately for its new law promoting "religious freedom." I agree that it is nothing more than hatred and bigotry cloaked in the noble pursuit of "religious freedom."
What I think should be the real center of attention is any religion which promotes hatred and bigotry toward the LGBT or anyone else.
If someone's religion supports hatred toward other people then that religion sucks!
Let's ask the basic question: Does religion really preach hatred toward other people or is it just an excuse for personal bigotry and hatred?
If a religion preaches hate then which one? I would like to see the preacher, pastor, priest or minister who will come out and openly say that their belief is hatred toward others. Yes, a few will do it, but not many I hope.
So why don't we do away with the cover of religion and just state that the supporters of Indiana's new law are just bigots and haters? They claim it is their religion? Really? What official religion? Who speaks for that religion? Why do you want to be part of something that teaches hatred? Do you have to follow everything this religion teaches you?
If it is religion then religion has to change. If our institution, like religion, teach hatred then we need a major reform in this country. Any religion which would officially preach hatred toward the LGBT or anyone else should be stripped of any privileges including tax-exempt status. In fact, such a religion should be dismantled as a hate group. While I realize we can no more disband a religion then we can disband other fringe groups, but if hatred is the position of a religion we should start to see them as the fringe just like other hate groups.
So, it is time to ask the people is this hatred really your religion or your personal belief? If it is your religion you need to find a new one. If it is your personal belief you need to change. Either way the bigots and haters have to change.
We should begin to demand that all religions state their official position is love and inclusion of everyone. Those religions which cannot make that simple statement should be treated as a fringe hate group -- no matter how many other good things they do. Anyone who claims their religion is hatred is a fringe member of society.