Columnist criticized for ‘faggot marriage’ remark

[davidinalameda]

http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=7021

In an attempt to criticize what he considers an “unnecessary and mean-spirited” state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, political commentator Bill Shipp used language that some gay rights activists consider mean-spirited.




Georgia journalist Bill Shipp, who opposes a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, angered gay activists by referring to ‘faggot marriage’ during a recent episode of Fox 5’s ‘Georgia Gang.’
During the May 21 episode of “The Georgia Gang” — a weekly political program on Fox 5-WAGA that features a panel of journalists — syndicated newspaper columnist Bill Shipp referred to same-sex marriage as “faggot marriage.”


“Mr. Shipp’s reference to calling us ‘faggots’ is clearly indicative of the way some feel about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Georgians,” Georgia Equality Executive Director Chuck Bowen said in press release. “These are the same people who support spending over one-hundred thousand dollars to call our General Assembly back into special session to address an issue that is already illegal in the State of Georgia.


“Either you feel as Mr. Shipp does that we are faggots and not entitled to basic human rights, or you support equality for every American,” continued Bowen, who also called on Fox 5 officials to publicly apologize for Shipp’s remarks and sever all ties with the commentator.


with friends like this...

[Dunvegan]

1. All happened on a FOX affiliate? Why am I not surprised?

We need not only the "Fairness Doctrine" back in in place under the FCC...but we need to add a "no hate speech" clause.

[JoshWatermanMN]

2. Umm, Am I Missing Something?

It seems like the commentator was using the word "faggot" to underline the way opponents to same sex marriage see gay people. He is after all working against the anti-gay amendment. I don't think we are doing our cause any justice by railing against someone who is trying to help us.

[davidinalameda]

3. using the word "faggot" doesn't help anyone

I don't care how it was being used, the word is hateful