Are you kidding me?

The BBC has come under heavy criticism for hosting an online debate on whether or not gay people should be executed.  Politicians in the UK have demanded an apology from the network.  It really does boggle the mind.  What were they thinking?  I hadn't realized there was a rational argument for slaughtering people because of who they are. 


Here's what the excellent blogger Joe Jervis write about the BBC "debate":

Premoderated posts included one from Chris, Guildford, posted at 8.59am, which attracted 51 recommendations of support. He wrote: "Totally agree. Ought to be imposed in the UK too, asap. Bring back some respectable family values. Why do we have to suffer 'gay pride' festivals? Would I be allowed to organise a 'straight pride' festival? No, thought as much!! If homosexuality is natural, as we are forced to believe, how can they sustain the species? I suggest all gays are put on a remote island somewhere and left for a generation - after which, theoretically there should be none left!" Another, from Aaron in Freetown, said: "Bravo to the Ugandans for this wise decision, a bright step in eliminating this menace from your society. We hope other African nations will also follow your bold step."

Wow.  Is this at all defensible?