Gender Controversy - A Little Compromise Is a Big Deal

Ben Hicks

[Editor’s note: This article comes from our July/August 2023 edition of FrontLine. The issue focused on “The Gender Controversy.” You can access the opening editorial and contents here. Check out our accompanying podcast interview of the author Ben Hicks, here on our substack.]

On my drive home every day I see a small, jet-black sign with a rainbow border at the top and bottom. The text of the sign simply reads, “No slate of hate.” Looking at that sign makes me feel conflicted. As a Christian, I agree with the words themselves. I strongly oppose people showing hatred. Yet the rainbow banner makes clear exactly what “hate” the sign has in mind—any opposition to the LGBTQ agenda. A quick Google search revealed that, sure enough, these signs are responding to bills proposed by my state’s legislators. The “slate of hate” includes things such as prohibiting discussion of LGBTQ issues in K-3 classrooms, preventing schools from secretly affirming a child’s gender identity, and forbidding surgeries that mutilate confused children.[1] To some this is a “slate of hate” which demand citizens stand up to an out-of-control government.

The evolution of the gay agenda has been interesting to watch. What started off as “decriminalize such behavior” quickly became “treat gay people the same as anyone else” and then morphed into “accept them for who they are.” Now if you do not celebrate their lifestyle, you must be homophobic. Within the church we face pro-gay theologians who argue that homosexuality is compatible with the Bible. And outside the church our society has become increasingly hostile toward those who don’t go along with its most recent opinions on sexuality. For the Christian who simply wants to continue holding to God’s Word and standing for righteousness in the public square, the opposition is becoming quite intense.