Horrific News Out of Tennessee -- Again

I'm a Christian -- a Lutheran, it should be noted -- so this story is probably much more appalling to me than, y'know, the stereotypical gay person who mistrusts religion. Not that I don't understand where that mistrust is coming from. It's coming from bullshit like this:

Unicorn Booty: Pastor Orders Congregation to Attack Gay Couple for Attending Church

Now, that headline is sort of incorrect and it certainly simplifies things down a lot. The pastor, for instance, was also the father of one of the victims. Yeah, take a minute to let that sink in. There's always stories about father's who disown their kids, or even fathers who try to beat the homosexuality out of their kids. This is a whole new level.

This father sent to deacons (one of whom was the son's uncle) of the church to physically beat his child for him. And his child's boyfriend. At church.

Now, that's bad enough, right? But that's not as bad as it got. First of all, the entire congregation is there watching the deacons beat the shit out of these two guys and didn't do a damn thing. And then, when the cops came at the call of the two gay guys who'd just been attacked..... they spoke to the pastor, didn't stop the deacons from shouting homophobic slurs, and then didn't take a statement from the victims or allow them to press charges.

Tennessee is vying for the "Worst Place to be Gay in 2011" Award. Back in April, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill which forbids any discussion whatsoever about homosexuality before the ninth grade. Tennesse was also the location of comedian Tracy Morgan's homophobic rant during a show -- during which he said he'd kill his son if he was gay. An employee at Dollywood made a lesbian turn a marriage equality shirt inside out before she entered the park -- also in Tennessee. And if that weren't enough, let's not forget about the neighbor who graffitied the barn of his lesbian neighbors.... after burning down their house.

I'm not sure just what can be done when you have a state that is not just permitting such outrageous homophobia, but seems to be encouraging it.... y'know, short of toppling the government and taking it over for ourselves, but I feel like that would probably end badly. But I am all ears if anyone has any more legitimate suggestions. Please?