Our friends at the Family Research Council had an interesting morning. A small group of protestors attempted to silence the organization by pushing their way into the first floor lobby of the FRC's Washington, D.C. location.
In a press release, Tony Perkins explained,
"This gang of individuals who make 'tolerance' their motto have no tolerance for the law, the democratic process or anyone who disagrees with them. This small group of activists cannot silence those who proclaim the undeniable reality that abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage are the only formula for 'safe sex."I don't know about you, but I'm going to take a little time today to express my support and encouragement for the noble stand the FRC is taking for traditional family values and the sanctity of human life.They can attempt to stop our work today but they cannot stop the people of faith from involving themselves in the political process."
Update- Here is additional information from the FRC regarding the attack:
The same radical group that last week disrupted a Baltimore speech by Claude Allen, today struck at Family Research Council's Washington headquarters. Allen, who is President Bush's Domestic Policy Advisor, was speaking at a national abstinence education conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This morning, between fifteen and twenty radicals entered FRC's building carrying placards, chanting anti-abstinence slogans, and demanding condom distribution. The protesters, including some from the violent homosexual group ACT-UP, chained themselves to a statue of an American eagle in the FRC lobby. The group that invaded FRC's private property disrupted work, defied orders to disperse, and seemed to invite arrest by the D.C. police.The radicals honed in on statements I have made against homosexual sexual activity and drug needle distribution. "Hateful!" "Ignorant!" That's how these radicals characterized my statements. This is not debate. This is not democracy. What we see is the attempt by a radical few to intimidate, to shout down, to forcibly prevent the expression of any ideas they disagree with. It does not matter that these ideas are based on indisputable science and on timeless Judeo-Christian teaching. Is this the future of freedom in America? Will your church or para-church organization be invaded next? Will your business be targeted by radicals because you support abstinence? We will not give in to fear.
Bigotry is not a traditional family value. Never was.
Why don't you try feeding some homeless people instead of spreading filth and hate?
Isn't "protesting, carrying placards, and chanting anti-abstinence slogans" a part of the democratic process?
A group of individuals who force their way into a private building, shouting and chanting ad hominem slurs, and chaining themselves to the lobby is intimidating. It is demonization not democracy and intimidation rather than than expression.