A demographic of far-right religious zealots openly hates the LGBTQ community. These bigots impose death sentences for marijuana dealers. They strictly forbid abortion. They are openly racist, hating Jews and an assortment of ethnic minorities. They despise free speech and cause harm to those who say something they don't like.

Given this group's overt and hateful sectarian crusade, one wonders why its supporters aren't seriously challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and other groups that warn of religious nationalism jeopardizing freedom. Peace and justice centers should denounce these extremists as Public Enemy No. 1.

We expect support for these hateful religionists only from Americans who associate with fringe remnants of the Ku Klux Klan, or neo-Nazis skinhead types.

Instead, a surprising number of ordinary left-wing, mostly secular, "educated," self-identified American "liberals" support these zealots. In doing so, they jeopardize decades of progress toward civil rights and universal tolerance among peaceful populations.

We thought the United States had successfully marginalized racism, antisemitism and other forms of hatred. Not anymore. American politicians and mainstream institutions have shattered that perception by supporting the right-wing religious fundamentalists who make up Hamas — the governing body of the Gaza Strip.

Examples of support for Hamas pile up hourly, including:

— A branch of the American Federation of Teachers at the University of Kansas issued a statement of solidarity with Hamas.

— A union representing 36,000-plus tutors, graduate student instructors and teaching assistants at the University of California expressed written support for Hamas.

— Stories emerge regularly about faculty K-12 schools and elite universities telling students to support Hamas.

— Cornell's Associate Professor Russell Rickford called the Hamas attacks on women, children and babies "exhilarating" and "energizing."

— Demonstrations in Denver, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major cities celebrate Hamas' attacks on Jews.

— White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre downplayed concerns about antisemitism, openly fomented by Hamas, saying "Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks."

Hamas p— along with its close ally, Iran — openly promises the annihilation of Jews, Christians, Israel and the United States. For killing "infidels," these Sharia supremacists expect generous gifts in heaven.

Hamas demonizes Israel and the United States in large part because each upholds civil rights for the LGBTQ community, all assortment of religious and ethnic minorities ("infidels"), and the vast majority of Muslims who are peaceful and don't kill for virgins in heaven.

Israel grants work permits to Gaza's LGBTQ residents who seek asylum from the Palestinian government's lethal cruelty. It grants food, clothing and shelter to Palestinians fleeing a variety of hate crimes committed routinely by Hamas.

"LGBTQ persons living under Palestinian Authority and Hamas control suffer severe persecution and ostracism," explains a United Nations report released in June.

By gratuitously flying a Confederate flag, one normalizes slavery. Likewise, support for Hamas normalizes this latest genocide of Jews, Christians and others these religious tyrants consider evil. One cannot support Hamas without supporting a culture of predatory crimes against women, children and ethnoreligious minorities.

Left-wing unions, activists, educators and politicians support Hamas because it despises the United States and our most important Middle East ally, Israel.

Perhaps they assume the enemy of their enemy (Western society) must be their friend — an assumption they will come to regret. Their support of Hamas suggests they oppose the United States and Israel more than they support human rights.

Support for Hamas is neither progressive, enlightened nor "woke." It emboldens religious-right Sharia supremacists in their mission to kill whomever they hate.

The Gazette Editorial Board

REPRINTED FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE

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