Talk show host Montel Williams compares gay marriage opponents to ISIS, Taliban
JACKSON, Tenn. (Christian Examiner) -- Talk show host Montel Williams compared opponents of gay marriage to ISIS and the Taliban on social media over the weekend, and then doubled down when challenged on his logic.
Williams made the comments Friday, hours after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. On Facebook he criticized those on the "uber-right," which apparently is a synonym for most if not all social conservatives. In the same context he referenced Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. Williams said that "hate, ignorance, fear and bigotry" had lost when the Supreme Court handed down its decision.
"In its typical fashion, the uber-right that so many of us on the center right find to be akin to the American version of ?#?ISIS or the Taliban, frezilly predicted the end of the world, including several members of Congress, who with all the style and hyperbole of an ISIS recruiting video, yes, let's start with Louie Gohmert, proved they lacked the mental fortitude and emotional stability to hold elected office.
"Some members of this, the American Taliban known as the far-right, even threatened to move to Canada without realizing GAY MARRIAGE HAS BEEN LEGAL THERE FOR IONS. Frankly, I'd be happy to see them go, I just think it would be akin to an act of war to dump the uber-right on another country, sort of like dumping radioactive waste on a neighbor's yard."
That statement led to a lot of pushback from fans who agree with him on other issues.
"So, if a person doesn't agree with same-sex marriage, or any other issue for that matter, based on their personal beliefs, they are unquestionably full of fear, bigotry, ignorance, and hate? Wow," a Facebook fan named Vince Sartini wrote. "Tolerance is a two-way street, Mr. Williams, but it seems that your post is filled with the same fear, bigotry, ignorance, and hate that you detest. You are granting no tolerance whatsoever. I have a lot of respect for you, but that statement really disappoints me."
Another fan, Cate Richards, wrote, "Montel -- the Taliban would whack the heads off of you and all gays. You have disgraced yourself in saying that any American who disagrees with YOUR opinion is the Taliban or ISIS."
Williams also stirred controversy on Twitter.
"Those who went into full scale freak out today over #LoveWins threatening to leave USA ARE AMERICAN ISIS/TALIBAN," Williams wrote.
Later, he retweeted a Tweet from someone who agreed with him: "Montel, I agree with u completely They hate the same people ISIS hates 4 the most part & they ignore Christs words 2."
One person, Mike McIntyre (@mcintyremike), wrote, "Montel, I have long respected you. You don't think someone can like the outcome but hate the way it came to be?"
Another follower, TJ (@chinn_tj), replied, "WOW! I may be on the right but I've never threatened to blow somebody up!"
A third person, "Janilyn" (@Geckogal55), wrote, "So I see the persecution of #Christians has now started."
Billy Hallowell of The Blaze wrote, "YOU CALLED ANGRY AMERICANS MAKING A SILLY COMMENT ISIS. I'm perplexed." Williams retorted, "feel free to unfollow me then. Don't let the door hit you."