US Christian group wants homosexuality to be illegal again

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

A US Christian group is campaigning to recriminalise homosexuality.

Yes, you read that right. A Christian group out of Maine called ā€œEqual Rights, not Special Rightsā€ is campaigning to recriminalise homosexuality in the US.

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The group, whoā€™s name is painfully contradicting, was created by former heads of the Christian Civic League of Maine ā€“ a far right conservative advocacy group.

The leader of the group, Michael Heath, said, ā€œthe war is onā€ after Christians have been ā€œforcedā€ to accept homosexual lifestyles.

ā€œEqual Rights, not Special Rightsā€ is working to repeal marriage equality and are firmly against any public displays of affection by members of the LGBT community.

However, the first move in the groupā€™s campaign is pushing for a citizenā€™s initiative to get ā€œsexual orientationā€ removed from the Maine Human Rights Act, which prevents discrimination in employment, housing, loans and in public places.

Mr Heath said: ā€œIf itā€™s removed, what does it do? It very simply moves something, a behaviour that belongs in the closet back into the closet.ā€

ā€œThere is conduct that ought to be punished, and Christianity teaches, has always taught and still does teach, that sodomy is such a behaviour,ā€ he continued.

Another member of the group, Paul Madore, held up a banner during the meeting showing two men in military uniform kissing.

ā€œThese are two military men, at least one, and thereā€™s an open expression of homosexuality and sexual expression that is totally out of line for a country as great as the United States of America,ā€™ Mr Madore said.

The group hopes they will be able to collect all the signatures they need before this Novemberā€™s presidential election.

If enough signatures are received citizens in Maine would be forced to re-vote on a law passed 11 years ago.