Is it responsible for newspapers to reprint other’s hate speech?

A Vehicle for Hate
On July 4, a letter promoting violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community was published in the Duluth News Tribune. To be clear, the letter called for a jihad against gay subculture. Though the author’s definition of jihad is questionable, the message was clear.

Hatred toward LGBT people is nothing new, but highlighting it on a national holiday may be. One can only wonder if a letter calling for a jihad against refugees, new citizens or illegal immigrants would have made it to print.

One way to deal with the anti-LGBT point of view is to simply dismiss it as blatant homophobia or religious fanaticism. But, are we to dismiss the fact that a percentage of anti-LGBT activists encourage violence against an underrepresented population? Or, that opinions inciting violence diminish the possibility of a peaceful exchange?

LGBT Americans pay equal taxes but are not afforded equal rights. Moreover, sexual orientation determines the amount of safety one is granted. And, hate speech, though controversial, is considered by many to be a form of discrimination.

With violent crime on the rise in Duluth and the annual Pride Festival around the corner, it’s likely that opinions endorsing violence against the LGBT community will continue to be a vehicle for spreading hate. Fortunately, each and every one of us has the right to recognize hate speech for what it is.

Lisa Kane