When it comes to deciding what to do with gays, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has the lead on President Obama, in the eyes of world-renowned evangelist Franklin Graham.
“In my opinion, Putin is right on these issues,” Mr. Graham wrote, in the March issue of the Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association publication, Decision magazine. “Obviously, he may be wrong about many things, but he has taken a stand to protect his nation’s children from the damaging effects of any gay and lesbian agenda.”
Mr. Obama, on the other hand, has driven the nation further away from God’s biblical teachings.
“Our president and his attorney general have turned their backs on God and His standards, and many in the Congress are following the administration’s lead,” Mr. Graham continued, the News Observer reported. “This is shameful.”
Mr. Graham made clear he wasn’t endorsing Mr. Putin. But the Russian leader’s approval of a bill that fines those who promote — as reported in various media outlets — the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations to minors” is a tough approach that is in line with biblical principles, he said.
He opined: “Isn’t it sad, though, that America’s own morality has fallen so far that on this issue — protecting children from any homosexual agenda or propaganda — Russia’s standard is higher than our own?”
Activists for the gay crowd disagree. Marianne Duddy-Burke, who heads up the gay Catholic group DignityUSA, said in the News Observer that she’s seen first hand how homosexuals in Russia are beaten down, and physically assaulted — and it’s not a pretty scene.
“It’s really disturbing when a religious leader seems to endorse laws that lead to this kind of behavior,” she said, in the newspaper.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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