The Moral Majority Takes Aim At U.S. ‘gay’... (Press, 13 March 1981)

A significant ideological battle is brewing in the United States, spearheaded by the Moral Majority, a prominent faction of the Christian right. Founded by Virginia television preacher Jerry Falwell, this political action committee has aggressively campaigned against liberal congress members and seeks to roll back social changes established since the 1960s. The group proposes a range of initiatives aimed at restricting abortion rights, banning homosexuality, enforcing biblical teachings in education, and regulating media content that it deems sinful. The Moral Majority is particularly focused on San Francisco, a city identified by its leaders as the nation's "gay capital," where over 100,000 residents are believed to be homosexual. Falwell’s movement has labelled the city as “Sodom and Gomorrah,” initiating a $3 million campaign to galvanise heterosexual opposition against the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative has raised concerns among gay leaders, who acknowledge their political strength but fear the potential for increased anti-gay sentiment and violence, already exacerbated by recent incidents. Notably, the Moral Majority has gained political traction, believed to have influenced Ronald Reagan's ascent to the presidency. Such influence is reflected in proposed legislation like the Family Protection Act, which would legalise discrimination against homosexuals, require parental notification for minors seeking contraceptives or abortions, and prevent federal oversight in corporal punishment cases. Despite the group's growing power, their actions often provoke counter-narratives. For example, antics by groups such as the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," a group of gay activists in San Francisco, reflects a growing cultural clash. Recent events included a provocative protest against the exclusion of a gay student organisation, culminating in a humorous yet contentious encounter with real nuns. On a broader scale, within states like Indiana and Maryland, the Moral Majority is pushing for laws allowing physical discipline of children and regulating what they consider inappropriate baked goods, reflecting their intentions to intertwine personal morality with government policy. In California, a recent child abuse law mandates that doctors report the sexual activity of unmarried patients under 18, prompting resistance from medical professionals who deem it impractical. The Moral Majority's crusade has alarmed many mainstream religious leaders, who fear a slide into a form of Christian authoritarianism, reminiscent of more radical groups. Concerns are also shared by Jewish communities, with leaders noting a troubling uptick in antisemitism concurrent with the rising influence of Christian fundamentalism. This sentiment is echoed by black leaders, who observe a resurgence of intolerance linked to the growing membership of racist organizations. Overall, the Moral Majority's influence is reshaping political landscapes, mobilising extensive financial and grassroots resources to challenge prevailing liberal ideologies and push for a America rooted in traditional, conservative Christian values. The group's decisive actions during the November elections have cemented their status as a formidable force in American politics, pledging to counter any opposition to their agenda.

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