DUNKERTON, Iowa — School officials at Dunkerton High School were expecting to deliver a positive message about good choices when they invited the Christian rock bank Junkyard Prophet to perform at a student assembly, but instead were treated to a lecture condemning homosexuality and images of aborted fetuses.
Bradlee Dean
Students and faculty said the assembly started well with music, and a message focusing on how some music can have a bad influence on kids. But after performing, the group reportedly made offensive remarks about gays and transgender people, and told the girls they “were going to have mud on their wedding dresses if they weren’t virgins,” reported the LaCrosse Tribune.
“They told these kids that anyone who was gay was going to die at the age of 42,” said Jennifer Littlefield, a parent upset with the band’s performance.
“It just blows me away that no one stopped this,” she said.
The band is part of the “You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International” Christian youth ministry founded by Bradlee Dean.
According to a 2010 report by Andy Birkey of the Minnesota Independent, Dean — pastor of the “You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International” ministry — has advocated for imprisonment of gays and lesbians, and has said that gay men molest an average of 117 children “before they get caught,” and that Muslim nations that execute gays are more moral than American Christians.
Dean denounced the report and later claimed that Birkey “twisted” his words and that he “never and will never call for the execution of homosexuals.”
A representative for Dean said he “was quoting a study done on gay pedophile (pederasts) and was protecting the children from criminal activity.”
Dean also posted a statement on his website, affirming his stance on homosexuality.
Birkey and MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow are defendants in a lawsuit filed by Dean, alleging that reports by Birkey and Maddow “deliberately” deleted portions of a statement made by Dean “to make it appear that he was in agreement” with an extreme Muslim position.
Superintendent Jim Stanton said the group was invited to share “a very strong anti-violence, anti-drug, anti-alcohol” message, but many of their views didn’t conform to the district’s teaching of tolerance, and now acknowledges it was a mistake to invite them.
Stanton said the group apparently changed and misrepresented its total message going into Thursday’s appearance.
Related articles:
Filed under: Iowa
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Harvey: Gays deserve to be fired for displaying their lifestyles to everyone
Wash. florist who refused flowers for gay couple’s wedding files suit against state
Anti-gay marriage activist commits suicide on alter at Notre Dame cathedral
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Catholic school: Transgender student must wear girl’s graduation gown
ACLU, attorney condemn prosecution of teen who had sex with minor girlfriend
Sex and the teenage girl: The Kaitlyn Hunt tragedy
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Candidate for Va. Lt. Governor warns same-sex marriage leads to bestiality
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Obama delivers LGBT-inclusive commencement address at all-male college
How very sad ignorance prevails
WTF< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>/>
Rock music, huh?
christians bands suck anyway
wow what dickheads its amazing how people who believe in god can be so judgemental
‘Music’ for the dim. >ugh<
Dunkerton was in my high school sports conference. Given the way the State of Iowa has changed in the last 30 years, I can’t say I’m surprised… but I’m disgusted that no one… no one stopped it.
These so-called “Christians” ain’t acting as Jesus might suggest. What about “judge not lest you be judged”, “don’t throw the first stone” etc
its all about justification with what they can get away with and fears. >_< using religion as an excuse. at least what i’ve seen.
Since I have nothing nice to say…
Christianity. It’s not about Jesus any more.
pathetic
This is exactly why I love God by HATE religion. It’s a bunch of conforming degenerates who preach their own views, when in reality they don’t know the true meaning of what it is to be an accepting and living person. They condone not doing all of this stuff, yet they look like homeless beggars. If my child/children attended this school I would be severely upset. This band is morally wrong and needs to be punished. If you do not agree I apologize, but this is outrageous!
those are fakes Christians, guys… I’m christian and am a proud bi-sexual. :) only God can judge- not man
Someone once said, Christian rock doesn’t make christianity more appealing just makes rock less appealing. nothing against christianity personally or any religion, just those who use it for their own reasons. to justify hate. its pitiful. music should unite us all. its something we all can enjoy
Don’t give him any recognition at all and he will evaporate!
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/07/rabidly-anti-gay-rocker-radio-host-sues-msnbcs-rachel-maddow-for-50-million/
Not the 1st time this guy’s been delivering his “positive” message
I think that they should go play with the Westboro, Topeka, KS hate group – & they can all burn in hell together!
I disagree with you Maria. There are quite a few awesome Christian bands. Such as Flyleaf, Skillet Music, Fireflight, The Letter Black, Underoath, etc.
who are they to judge anyone? i can only imagine how some of the students at that school felt. and people wonder why kids don’t feel comfortable being themselves around others.
Nothing Christian about this or the band. I feel for the LGBT students that had to sit through this. Families are divided enough with this hatred.
I bet the band members watch porn and lust at “chicks” and smoke a bowl too. Not saying anything against that but, hypocrisy at its finest.
good luck trying to fine a decent paying gig lmao
Guys, don’t let these guys’ warped opinions and ignorance change your opinion of all Christians and “Christian” bands.
Maria Grace- Christian bands suck? Really? Switchfoot, Flyleaf, Skillet, P.O.D., As I Lay Dying, Red, August Burns Red, Demon Hunter, etc., etc.? One band doesn’t speak for them all.
On the other hand, these people were wrong and it wasn’t their job or their place to talk to these kids about these things. Ridiculous.
The band should’ve have been told to not to express their message of anti-gay on them and when they did the school should have stepped in and asked them to leave.
The fuck?…
This is a prime example of how religion, and in this case, Christianity, has been interpreted, and then twisted and mutated into what the “Christian” wants rather than what the Bible truly says, as specified by the false statistics, and though it can’t be specified by the article, I highly doubt they used Biblical scripture, and in turn used graphic images, and fire and brimstone tactics that has been highly popular with the Fundamentalist belief.
Those who are Christian should act “like Christ,” as suggested by the name, but in this case, they’re just flinging the same unethical, “immoral” bull shit that they claim is being “committed” by the LGBTQ population of America, and the world.
And people wonder why most have lost respect for christians?
Christian coalition, a bunch of biggoted, hypocrits.
Well they got what they wanted if they hired a christian band, isn’t that the whole GOP message they were representing……I mean if you hire a hateful group then why be shocked !
…sooo.. How did this specific band get asked to play anyway? Wonder if this was the intent all along…?
I’m tired of the “so-called ‘christians’ ” thing. Just because they believe (more) ridiculous things than you doesn’t mean they’re any less christian.
It’s called the no true Scotsman fallacy, and it’s a disgusting way of trying to exempt your religion from atrocity. Stop it.
Don’t care for the aborton. Not really for it. Not really against it. I was a child that resulted from rape. And I kinda am glad my Mom didn’t give up on me when she could’ve. But so not into the condemning gays thing. Im gay too.
A Christian band should not be playing in a school assembly in the first place.
This is why religion doesn’t belong in schools – many Christians I know are pro choice & pro gay rights. Maybe the teacher leading prayer doesn’t share your level of or lack of fundamentalism?
Jim- the meaning of “Christian” is ‘to strive to be like Christ.’ Did Christ condemn gays? No. Was Christ judgmental? No. Was Christ a bigot? No. That is why we don’t consider these hypocrites “Christians.”
Underoath is a Christian band? Oh man… I’m glad I don’t listen to them as much as I used to. I don’t know what their stance on LGBTQ people is and since its likely that its not positive, I’ll be stearing clear of them. I think Flyleaf while phonetically appealing, is crap based on the fact that the lead singer was once part of the all girl metal band Kittie and then she ditched them to create a Christian band. Just my opinion though.
Christian band goes to hell!
They believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and through worship of him they attain eternal salvation. They’re christians.
Do you believe that Jesus cast demons out of suicidal pigs? If not, I could say you’re not a christian, because you don’t recognize all of the miracles he performed in the bible.
Well, all I need to do is take one look at the clown in this picture to realize that there is no way they were intended to be taken seriously. Axl Rose meets the WWF. So lame. I hope every kid in that school knew better. I am surprised these duncecaps didn’t get pelted off stage with rocks. …Nice Viking helmet, a’hole.
On a side note anyone else think Mr. Wacko rocker looks like Jason Mews? Lol
Nicole- Where do you get your information on Flyleaf? It isn’t accurate. She wasn’t part of any band before Flyleaf.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacey_Sturm
It isn’t right to assume one’s position on any issue. I’m a Christian, a pastor’s son, I listen to Christian music 24/7, etc. I’m gay. Don’t assume anyone’s position on anything simply because of their religion.
Oh I’ll bet that makes the Salvation Army so happy…homophobic bastards…
Jim- Yes, I do believe that. But again, you have to look at the terminology.
The real meaning of the word “Christian” was supposed to be “One who preached about the ‘Anointed One’ (which is ‘Christos’ in Greek.l” Jesus’ followers in the 1st Century AD NEVER called themselves “Christian.” It was Greek-speaking pagans who coined the word to make fun of those who talked about Christos. Jesus’ followers called themselves “Believers.” The word “Christian” only appears 3 times in the New Testament.
Jesus did not cast demons out of pigs; he allowed them to enter the pigs and leave the man possessed by a legion of demons.
What does everyone expect from Dunkerton, Iowa? I was thinking New Age spiritual healing.
^You’re right about the pigs. Thanks, that went right over my head; didn’t register.
I don’t care for bands with members who look like rebellious punks and call themselves “Christian.” The guy in the photo of the article could be accused of trying to look like a girl with his long red hair.
Ethan Smith: Don’t get your factual information from Wikipedia. Any moron can change it.
I too am a gay christian, but I have to agree with a lot of what has been said in these comments, It is my belief that not only should christian musicians not be broght in to play for a school assembly, but nor should they have christian speakers. That is unless of course it is a christian school.
Mike, that was just the quickest. Her autobiography is all over the Internet.
HORRIFIC!!!! Nothing Loving About What They Did!!!!!!!!!
The school officials must have known what they were inviting. It doesn’t take much research on Bradlee Dean to find out what he’s about.
Yes I know, and I know she wasn’t in Kittie. I’ve been a fan of Kittie’s since Brackish.
Talk about hate speech. I hope Christians keep this sort of rhetoric up. Fairly soon they get banned from all sorts of places.
this jimmy dean or whatever his name is looks like a thor wannabee who fails and comes out looking more like ann coulter
Christians… two thousands years of killing, forced conversion, and other hate crimes.
It’s Creed 2.0
this is disgusting. I don’t want to go to jail or be stoned for liking women!!!
Were in the 21st century. Act like it!
Sounds like the perfect antidote for bullying…NOT!
I agree – Abortions should be banned at school assembly’s, duh should not be printed that way.
yuck
I have to address some of the comments, I am a Gay woman and I have gotten alot of love and support from the christains I know. ” True christains love everyone and they are out there.
Ya’ just gotta’ love these loving charitable Christians, doncha’ ya’!
What did they expect….Christians as a whole are so judgemental….
The bigger question is: Why is a Christian rock band playing at a public school assembly? Parents should sue the school district for ignoring the separation of Church and State.
They have a right to express their opinion, but not at a school.