Quote# 84205
No one would be surprised to learn that there are right-wing Christians in this country who disapprove of homosexuality. Neither would it come as a surprise that in rural parts of this country, Christianity and homosexuality when brought together, can create a highly combustible mix.
But who could imagine the hate and rage that would motivate a Pastor to instruct deacons and members of his congregation, Grace Fellowship Church in Fruitland, TN. to physically attack a couple arriving in the church parking lot last Wednesday?
The fact that one of the gay men attacked happened to be the Pastor’s own son, Jerry Pittman, Jr., no doubt contributed to Pittman senior’s noxious edict. According to Pittman Jr., after hearing his Dad yell, “SICK’EM!:”
“My uncle and two other deacons came over to the car per my dad’s request. My uncle smashed me in the door as the other deacon knocked my boyfriend back so he couldn’t help me, punching him in his face and his chest. The other deacon came and hit me through my car window in my back.”
The attackers also verbally assaulted the couple continually with anti-gay verbiage which continued even after a Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on the scene. Bystanders and other congregants made no effort to stop the assault. For that matter, neither did the Deputy Sheriff. Once the barrage of punches ended, the Deputy refused to let the two victims press charges.
Jerry Pittman Jr. and his boyfriend, Dustin Lee, have since filed charges against two of the men who beat them as well as Pastor Jerry Pittman. A hearing has been scheduled in Gibson County Court for Tuesday, October 4th.
One can’t help but wonder if Pastor Pittman really thinks Jesus would back him up on this assault?
Grace Fellowship Church, Fruitland, TN,
Addicting Info 80 Comments [10/7/2011 2:55:47 AM]
Fundie Index: 152
Submitted By: Jesus Klingon
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#1338410
LeTipex
Seriously? How sick can you people get?
10/7/2011 3:05:23 AM
#1338411
loki
I hope he loses his church and they go to jail for a very long time fucking asshols
10/7/2011 3:11:16 AM
#1338412
rubber chicken
Seriously ? This happened in a place called Fruitland ?
10/7/2011 3:11:35 AM
#1338415
Sadhuman
This is just sickening, the fact that no one helped tells me how sick those people are too. I hope the two attackers and the Pastor all get gaol time and if they don't I hope the two victims press this further and further until they do. The Deputy also needs to be fired and possibly up for going to gaol as well.
10/7/2011 3:16:49 AM
#1338416
Percy Q. Shunn
"There is nothing less christian than a christian."
10/7/2011 3:21:35 AM
#1338420
rebel
You disgust me.
That is all.
10/7/2011 3:32:45 AM
#1338422
Horus IX
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes law - This incident is EXACTLY why that law was passed. Enjoy the 20+ years in jail, Paster Pittman and Co. Also I think the Sheriff Dept could be sued as well.
10/7/2011 3:38:15 AM
#1338423
Mudak
I'm of several minds on the question of why no one helped, as it's simultaneously troubling and not implicitly a consequence of homophobia. Witness apathy happens all the time; look up Kitty Genovese (although some modern scholars question the ongoing notion that people were there and just watched) and the Phil Ochs song "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends".
Sure, homophobia might've been a reason not to help. As could that morbid fascination with watching and not thinking. Or not wanting to stand up to a community leader (which could be related to homophobia but doesn't require the knowledge of who was being attacked or why). Or even not wanting to get hurt.
I'm not saying it's right, but it doesn't have to be homophobia.
10/7/2011 3:40:32 AM
#1338425
Where's the charges against the sheriff? Surely his refusal to step in is against some law...
10/7/2011 3:43:28 AM
#1338426
Jesus
God is love - apparently.
10/7/2011 3:49:03 AM
#1338428
Jackrabbit
People like that should never be in a position of power. They should be locked away.
10/7/2011 4:12:14 AM
#1338429
whatever
The deputy sherriff is obviously in collusion with the now-disgraced pastor. The boys will file charges, and when they describe the actions of the deputy, his career will be over.
However, the most worrying thing is that their prejudices are allowed to take precedence over family ties and social responsibilities. What would Jesus do?
10/7/2011 4:22:55 AM
#1338430
Sevagram
Sad to admit, but it's moments like this that make me think William S. Burroughs was right - Gay people donlt need tolerance and understanding: what they need is GUNS.
10/7/2011 4:25:39 AM
#1338433
checkmate
One can’t help but wonder if Pastor Pittman really thinks Jesus would back him up on this assault?
Now, now, we have to understand that Pastor Jerry Pittman was being persecuted and accordingly was forced to retaliate against the wrong being done to him.
Jesus would surely sympathize with him.
Well, maybe.
Didn't he say something about throwing the first stone and loving your neighbor?
On the other hand, what does it matter what Jesus would think? We're talking about traditional Christian values and not about Jesus.
Oh crap, now I'm all confused. :-(
10/7/2011 4:36:42 AM
#1338435
Pup
Sad face.
10/7/2011 4:53:04 AM
#1338436
Mister Spak
"One can’t help but wonder if Pastor Pittman really thinks Jesus would back him up on this assault?"
One can't help but wonder, since Jesus hung out with 12 guys for 3 years, if pastor Pittman would assault Jesus.
Edit: @Ergo: If the deputy won't arrest anyone, it won't get to a court of law. The victims can sue, but that's civil court.
The only way the law can get involved is if a prosecutor decides to try for an arrest without waiting for the deputy to act.
10/7/2011 4:56:09 AM
#1338439
ergo
"Deputy refused to let the two victims press charges."
Uh...how is that going to hold up in the court of law?
10/7/2011 5:03:00 AM
#1338446
Doctor Whom
10/7/2011 5:24:56 AM
#1338448
D Laurier
Ugh.
10/7/2011 5:32:36 AM
#1338451
dionysus
Neither would it come as a surprise that in rural parts of this country, Christianity and homosexuality when brought together, can create a highly combustible mix.
With ignorance being the primary catalyst.
But who could imagine the hate and rage that would motivate a Pastor to instruct deacons and members of his congregation, Grace Fellowship Church in Fruitland, TN. to physically attack a couple arriving in the church parking lot last Wednesday?
I could, because I've seen how crazy a conservative Christian's intense, irrational hatred can make them. The same exact type of scenario was the norm after the end of slavery all the way through he civil rights movement.
The fact that one of the gay men attacked happened to be the Pastor’s own son, Jerry Pittman, Jr., no doubt contributed to Pittman senior’s noxious edict.
You attacked your own family?!? You psychopath! You fucking monster!
Bystanders and other congregants made no effort to stop the assault. For that matter, neither did the Deputy Sheriff. Once the barrage of punches ended, the Deputy refused to let the two victims press charges.
Stunning work, officer. Way to protect and serve, asshole! Gay or not, this is fucking assault and your actions show that you are unworthy of having a badge.
Jerry Pittman Jr. and his boyfriend, Dustin Lee, have since filed charges against two of the men who beat them as well as Pastor Jerry Pittman. A hearing has been scheduled in Gibson County Court for Tuesday, October 4th.
Good, and if that court decides to be as stupid as the deputy sheriff, keep appealing the case until you get to one that'll bring justice.
10/7/2011 5:44:31 AM
#1338452
Zeus Almighty
Hate the sin, assault the sinner.
@ Mr. Spak
"If the deputy won't arrest anyone, it won't get to a court of law. The victims can sue, but that's civil court."
In some states individuals can bring criminal charges through magistrate court. However, judging from the attitudes of this town it may be difficult to get a judge or jury willing to hold these people criminally accountable.
10/7/2011 5:48:42 AM
#1338454
the_ignored
And don't forget: It's those who say it's ok to be gay who are the ones who are reaally responsible for gay people who feel bad enough to commit suicide!
</sarcasm>
Fuck, I have no words.
10/7/2011 5:50:52 AM
#1338459
Scorpius
Blergh,not really a thing to read first thing in the morning. Entire group of low-life's.
10/7/2011 6:08:08 AM
#1338460
Doubting Thomas
WWJA - Who Would Jesus Assault?
I seriously hope that deputy lost his job. Two men being attacked & beaten by a crowd and he refused to let them press charges? I think that's dereliction of duty.
I'm sure Fred Phelps is reading this thinking, "Hmm...."
10/7/2011 6:08:39 AM
#1338467
LDM
Feel that Christian love.
10/7/2011 6:39:23 AM
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