Are conservatives afraid of homosexuals?
May 27, 2009 at 5:00 am by Peter SchweitzerBy Peter Schweitzer
PoHo Contributor
Actually, I could’ve titled this post “Are Republicans afraid of homosexuals?” But I’m going to pick on the conservatives for now.
Why are homosexuals necessarily anti-family? Who says homosexuals aren’t religious folks who read their Christian bible, Hebrew bible or their Koran? Why do we have these black-and-white cultural dividing lines?
I bring this up because of the brouhaha over so-called “gay marriage” legislation. Conservatives show their bona fides by fighting gay marriage legislation. It doesn’t make much sense that an anti-gay marriage agenda should be a core conservative principle.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that a same-sex couple wants society to recognize their union. In a pluralistic society that champions freedom of religion and lifestyle, conservatives should actually fight against state interference in the lives of its citizens.
The solution Obama proposed on the campaign trail last year makes some sense. Let religious leaders deal with marriage and the state deal with civil unions. This division of labor should satisfy the parties involved while maintaining and recognizing the proper separation of church and state.
Recognition of same-sex unions is not a statement about morality. Rather, it’s an acknowledgement of a diverse society. The purpose of laws is to promote the general welfare of all, not the preferences or beliefs of a few. Laws have a moral quality insofar that they must treat people fairly and equally. Particular expressions of morality or a certain moral code are best left to faith groups.
Perhaps that’s why many, including myself, mark the advent of George W’s decline as the Terri Schiavo debacle. After he intervened in that morass, he ignored the horror of Hurricane Katrina. As Bush sank into a black hole, conservatives went with him. Perhaps it’s because fear-mongering and creating societal inequality aren’t very popular in a society proud of freedom and equality.
