Activists in Quebec have established a “registry of homophobic acts”, and have called on members of the public to report to the registry any acts or words that they think are “homophobic”.
The registry, launched by homosexual lobby group Gai Ecoute, will be backed and funded by the Quebec Government’s Justice Department, and will use the data collected “to know the real situation of homophobia” and “act at the level of prevention”.
A press release from Gai Ecoute states that incidents of homophobia “must” be reported to the registry and include “any negative word or act toward a homosexual or homosexuality in general”.
Criticism
Georges Buscemi, of the pro-family group Campagne Quebec, criticised the registry for being a “means to instil a climate of oppression and fear to anyone who disagrees with any of the opinions of the homosexualist movement in Quebec.”
He added: “It’s the beginning of a soft persecution. It is really about inciting a climate of fear using the media, especially with the presence of the police. Any criticism will be interpreted as homophobia and eventually down the road there will be consequences.”
Mr Buscemi stated further that complaints to the registry could result in churches losing their charitable status and those in the teaching profession losing their jobs.
Steve Jalsevac, of Life Site News, said: “Quebec’s government-funded ‘registry of homophobic acts’ tempts one to question the very sanity of those who support this extreme, totalitarian measure.
“We have gone from, ‘if you don’t want to have a same-sex ‘marriage’, don’t have one’, and ‘why are you so upset about gay rights legislation since it won’t affect you?’ to now, threats of ‘you will be punished by the state, the courts and the police if you are reported by anyone to have said or done something critical of homosexuality.’”
Comment
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said:
“The attempt by certain groups to undermine freedom of speech and belief is becoming a global phenomenon. Those with deeply held religious beliefs are being penalised for following their consciences. Anyone who expresses an objection to the practice of homosexuality is deemed ‘homophobic’ and risks being punished.
“It is not a surprise that this has happened in Canada, where same-sex ‘marriage’ was legalised in 2005. Since that time there has been a huge assault on religious freedom in that nation. The same will happen in the UK if same-sex marriage is introduced here.”
Resources
Sources:
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom
Christian Concern: Sexual Orientation