Activist to AFT: “Leave Naperville Now”

The following is AFT President Peter LaBarbera’s response to an intolerant pro-homosexual activist who urged him (in the name of tolerance!) to “Leave Naperville now.” AFT is based in Naperville, IL, in the western suburbs of Chicago:

Dear Reva,

You are very intolerant, if your letter is any indication. Try to be open to other points of view. Sorry, we’re not leaving Naperville despite the anti-religious bigotry of activists like you. By the way, I have denounced Fred Phelps and his ridiculous “God Hates Fags” message (see the story, “LaBarbera Condemns Fred Phelps’ “God Hates Fags” Message and Threatened Picket at Soldier’s Funeral” on Illinois Family Institute’s website).

Tolerance is all about tolerating dissenting viewpoints, while engaging in civil debate–i.e., refraining from abusive rhetoric and conduct toward your opponents. Sadly, your menacing note does not qualify.

Sincerely,

Peter LaBarbera
Founder and President
Americans for Truth

Original note to AFT:

From: Reva Shayne Lewis [mailto:RevaShayneLewis@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2006 11:02 PM
To: americansfortruth@comcast.net
Subject: [AFT Web Site] Naperville
The following message was sent from the Americans for Truth Web site:

Please take your hate-filled agenda and ignorance to some other town. Naperville is very gay-friendly and is continuing to grow into a gay-friendly town. Hence, the GLBT alliances [“gay-straight alliance” student groups] in our high schools and local gay support groups. You are no better than those hateful Westboro Baptist Church people who picket dead soldiers because of “America’s acceptance of homosexuality”. Leave Naperville now.