Old chestnut for New Orleans

Gay.com reports that religious groups link Hurricane to gay event.

Like holy terrorists the right of the religious right rush to blame gays and lesbians for any natural occurrence – aptly-named by the insurance companies as “an act of god”

We’re used to it by now – after the tsunami, the BBC canvassed religious leaders to find out what they thought. To their credit, they included an atheist who, in my view produced the most humane and sensible response. Hanne Stinson, the atheist, said:

Religion cannot provide an explanation for the tsunami, and while prayer for the victims may comfort those who pray, it will not provide practical help to the people whose lives have been devastated by this appalling disaster. Science can explain earthquakes and tsunamis, even if we are still unable to predict where and when they will happen. Our response to this and other disasters, as compassionate human beings and regardless of our religious or non-religious beliefs, must be to provide whatever help we can.

That idiot Fred Phelps is usually first in line to blame “the fags” for any catastrophe, including the 9-11 attacks in New York.

Today “Repent America” issued a statement saying that Hurricane Katrina is God's judgment against New Orleans for holding festivals like the annual gay Southern Decadence party.

“Jesus wept" said the Rev Susan Russell, president of Integrity, an LGBT Episcopal (Anglican) group.

Amen.

The American Red Cross is appealing for donations to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. There is another list of charities here. (Many are affiliated to evangelising religious groups. Perhaps a reader might recommend good secular humanist charities.)

UPDATE: A reader has recommended a secular humanist charity collecting for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Donations can be made through the Center for Inquiry appeal.