By now you’ve probably heard the outrageous quote. Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—very likely a 2016 presidential candidate--told Susan Arbetter of The Capitol Pressroom that “extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay” have “no place in the state of New York.”

In one remarkable sentence, all pro-life people and all those who support a biblical view of marriage were labeled “extreme.”  What’s more, these folks were essentially asked to leave the state.

But this uncharitable blast is at odds with reality.

Poll after national poll shows Americans are divided almost evenly over the issue of abortion.  So…does that make half the nation “extreme”?

Thirty-one of the fifty states have passed constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of same-sex unions.   Does this mean 31 states are now “extreme”?

Please note, now, that if you count the A&E condemnation of Phil Robertson’s stand on homosexuality, this is the second time in a month that conservative Christians have been told—“The public expression of your viewpoint is just not welcome at all.  Kindly shut up.”

Could I just ask anyone who agrees that Christians are “out of step” and ought to “keep their values to themselves”….where is YOUR tolerance?  You’ve preached this gospel so loud for so long…as long as it advanced your objectives.  But apparently tolerance is only afforded those who have the—quote—“correct” viewpoints.  Christian people are just not worthy of tolerance—is that it?

What gives you the right to determine the case is closed and the only right conclusion is yours—when a vigorous public debate is alive and well—despite attempts to belittle it or squash it?

Telling someone that disagrees with us, “You have no place in this state” feels remarkably like hate speech.  Because it is.

I’m reminded of 1 John 3:1: “The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  Attention Christ followers: Fasten your seatbelts.  There’s a rough ride ahead.

Throwing rocks at traditional Christian values is step one.   Be assured there’s a step two.