Regardless of whether homosexuality conflicts with your personal beliefs, a homosexual human being deserves the same freedoms that every other human does. One’s religion may condemn being gay, but the beauty of America is the supposed division between church and state and an esteemed Constitution that stresses the importance of our individual equality.

On Sept. 23, Judy Shepherd, mother of Matthew Shepherd, spoke to NIU about hate crimes. Although many of us felt for Judy and realized that these crimes still occur, we have trouble bridging the gap of blame between everyday politics and this almost inconceivable violence.

While there is no simple explanation as to how someone could commit an act so malicious, there is reason to believe this behavior is more justifiable in an environment in which certain views are tolerated. For this reason, the gay community is extremely vulnerable.

There are few areas of the public spotlight in which gays are represented as normal and healthy. Although homosexuals are more widely accepted today than ever before, there are still enormous sections of the country that view homosexuality as detrimental to society.

Also on Sept. 23, Christine Iverson, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, confirmed that members of her party sent out mailings that included images of a Bible labeled “banned” beside a picture of a gay marriage proposal marked “allowed.” This religious propaganda obviously was meant to influence voters. And according to recent polls, 10 states are likely to vote to ban gay marriage on the November ballot.

Unfortunately, groups who condone gay lifestyles also should be held partially responsible for the negative light in which the gay community is seen. Although popular television shows such as “Will and Grace” and “Queer as Folk” appeal to gay and straight audiences, they do little to represent the gay community as anything but stereotypical. Homosexual promiscuity is emphasized; social eccentricities are overplayed. As a result, many homosexuals are viewed unfairly and inaccurately.

And now that such a large portion of the country sees gays as unfit to marry, perhaps certain gay stereotypes such as promiscuity will be enforced. By voting to ban gay marriage, the public is also refusing to allow gays access to the health care and tax benefits that civil unions won’t provide. This robs homosexuals of, among other benefits, their right to the inner sanctity that a marriage could bring.

By promoting the notion that gays present a threat to religion, by not allowing gays to marry and by emphasizing superficial elements of gay culture, we are publicly painting gay people as villains. This negative portrait will do nothing but compel the intolerance that breeds the violent behavior called hate crime.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.