Is Assault a Part of God's Plan?

No? Someone should tell that to Catholic Citizenship; their leader definitely never learned to "turn the other cheek."

Sarah Loy, 27, of Worcester was holding a sign in defense of same-sex marriage amid a sea of green "Let the People Vote" signs when Larry Cirignano of Canton, who heads the Catholic Citizenship group, ran into the crowd, grabbed her by both shoulders and told her, "You need to get out. You need to get out of here right now." Mr. Cirignano then pushed her to the ground, her head slamming against the concrete sidewalk.

John of Live, Love, Learn emailed me about this when he got back from the rally. He was stunned. However, should anyone be surprised that the leadership of an organization that's so hateful would - in fact - be hateful? They definitely aren't your standard-bearing "judge not, lest you be judged" Catholics - those kinds of Catholics wouldn't care about Civil Marriage, because it has nothing to do with what the official Catholic Church considers marriage (the only kind that counts to them is performed by priests - and that's their right).

So the leader of Catholic Citizens, one of the organizers of all these mini-rallies that were held across the state - including New Bedford - thought it okay to assault a woman at a rally (who isn't even gay). What are the consequences facing him? Is Cardinal O'Malley going to publicly say "that's not acceptable" and apologize? Will Cirignano be removed from his position? He can't very well claim to represent the values of Jesus in the New Testament and then assault an innocent woman.

Update: It looks like Cirignano had a few choice words for LGBT blogger Chris Mason via emails. Here are a few of the funnier, laugh-so-you-don't-cry ones:

"Chris we pray for your recovery from same sex attraction everyday."

"I pray that they do not find a "gay Gene" or most gay people will be aborted."

"You might have a homosexual inclination or be bi-sexual BUT you choose to be gay and celebrate your sexuality. Its not okay and never will be."

"Black people are born that way and Gay people to choose to act that way."

"What about celibate instead of celebrate?"

I certainly find it humorous that he implies African Americans aren't as worthy - after all, according to him, they're "born that way" while gay people choose to "act that way." While I'd normally correct people by saying gay people typically know they were gay from as early as they remember, I get the distinct impression that Cirignano knows exactly what it's like to have a "homosexual inclination." Come on, Cirignano, learn to celebrate!