NOM's and Harry Jackson's Stand4Marriage Rally flops; Marion Barry spouts off about morality

The National Organization for Marriage and Bishop Harry Jackson were expecting thousands of "Christians" to show up at today's rally in Washington, DC that was supposed to intimidate the City Council, which recently cast a preliminary vote in favor of recognizing same-sex marriages.

Peter Montgomery of People for the American Way and Right Wing Watch was on site for the festivities.

Jackson had a much smaller crowd than the thousands he had hoped for. As the rally began, there were well under 100 people; by the end there may have been close to 200. They were an enthusiastic bunch, shouting the Devil is a liar and other encouragement to the speakers. Jackson made excuses about how little time they had to mobilize, but promised to pack the Council chambers on May 5 for the next vote. Jackson said his group would be distributing inserts for churches to include in their bulletins this Sunday.

Also making an appearance was former DC Mayor and current councilman Marion "The bitch set me up" Barry.

Jackson was joined at the podium by representatives of the Missionary Baptist pastors network as well as several Hispanic pastor group representatives, as well as the Family Research Councils Tony Perkins, who made a few unremarkable remarks. Focus on the Familys James Dobson sent a letter supporting Jackson and attacking the members of the D.C. Council. To this D.C. resident, the most disappointing moment was former Mayor and current Councilmember Marion Barry leading the crowd in chants against marriage equality (though he noted that he supports civil unions).

...There was also some edgier anti-gay rhetoric. Jackson compared marriage between gay couples to marriage between close relatives, or between "a man and a three-year old." One of the final speakers was a Rev. Daniels, who Jackson recruited for the rally from Florida. He was fixated on gay sex acts, repeatedly urging people to "explain the act" because it would turn people's stomachs and turn them against marriage equality.

Why are these people fixated on sex acts? I swear to God, these bible beaters have more sex on the brain than most gay folks I know. According to the WaPo, its estimate of attendance was "about 150."

Here's Jackson's speech, via the Washington Blade's coverage. On the right, Marion Barry spouts off about morality, of all things (video courtesy of Right Wing Watch). It's sad to see all those black people out there supporting bigotry.

Below the fold, another special guest that breaks the insanity meter. Kyle at Right Wing Watch did a follow up post to share the news that fundie Cindy Jacobs was also one of the speakers at the event. Who is she? Protect your keyboards, people - "Prophet" Jacobs set out to cure homosexuality along I-35 a couple of years ago, calling it the "Highway of Holiness" Initiative. It was covered by the 700 Club:

What if the yellow cloud surrounding I-35 isn’t an “invasion” from Mexico but an “invasion” of God? That, apparently, is the theory of the youth-oriented church activists profiled on yesterday’s “700 Club,” who are running “purity sieges” at clinics and porn shops, where they claim to be “moving angels and demons” by, for example, “setting free” an inebriated young man from “the desires to be with men” through the laying of hands at a gay bar.

Kyle @ RWW::

Honestly, the fact that this woman was invited and given a speaking slot at this rally pretty much tells you all you need to know about how desperate the Religious Right is for allies in this fight and how just how radical Jackson and his efforts really are.

My favorite headline so far about Barry is over at PageOneQ.com:

"4x married, Ex-con Mayor says gay marriage immoral"

Related:

* Bishop Harry Jackson: Point Man for the Wedge Strategy of the Religious Right

* PFAW Report on Harry Jackson