This post has nothing to do with The Simpsons; I like this picture. Maybe Homer could marry the husband and me once Texas legalizes gay?
This post is about gay marriage...
In the comment section of a blog I read "Eric" made a comment in support of someone else that doesn't believe in gay marriage. Eric commented as follows: "Oh, I can't wait to hear the righteously indignant vitriol spew forth. She shares her views with the majority of Californians, Americans, as well as the President. Let's remember that." Grrr. Those comments still get me going. However, the next comment posted anonymously was brilliant...
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Eric,
Your first comment seeks to validate the majorities prejudice. Which has in fact on a number of well worn issues been proven to be insane and or immoral in the rear view mirror of history. Regardless how many view a subject a certain way. It does not justify the tyranny of a majority creating second class citizens. It is one of the reasons we have the judicial system we do, to check and balance such things. As has been proven by our own countries history on civil rights, time and time again. The tyranny of the majority had to be checked.
There is absolutely zero reasoning beyond personal distaste or religion(neither of which have any place in a secular and just country). To deny equal, not special or different, just equal, rights to all.
Marriage provides many protections and benefits due to government laws and recognitions. As the government views marriage. Which has nothing to do with how a church views marriage. Nor would any church be affected in any way in that manner.
Our secular government is denying full rights to people who pay all the same taxes you and every other straight person does. They work and grow their communities the same. They are however not allowed to enjoy the full benefits provided by their secular government. Because they love someone of the same sex. That is wrong.
It is not the right of a majority to oppress a minority, who has no impact on their lives. Beyond they simply disagree with who the minority is and would prefer they be allowed to legally discriminate against that minority and treat them as less of a citizen of this country. Those people who think they do have such a right, are on the wrong side of history. Just as those who thought slavery was fine, as a majority once did. Just as those who thought interracial marriage and the children it bore an abomination (one of those children sits in the white house)were once a majority. They were wrong. The people who impose their views and fears on the lives of others, to limit a minorities rights are wrong. And you for your original comment seeking to justify and your follow up, seeking to side step, are wrong.
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Exactly!
ReplyDeleteThe Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison to convince people to adopt our US Constitution argued the same thing. One of the main purposes of the checks and balances and separation of powers in the Constitution was to prevent the tyranny of the majority.
The following are all from James Madison, father of the Constitution -
In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority.
In no instance have... the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people.