As much as we’re all enjoying the endless Obama/McCain character assassination circus, there are other important things to think about before November 4.
Here in California, one of the most important propositions in state history is on the ballot — Proposition 8 — which aims to enshrine bigotry in our state constitution, so that it can never be challenged again. It was written by people who so cherish their bigotry, and who so fear fairness, that they want to be able to stop thinking about it.
In one corner, people who believe marriage is a contract between a man and a woman, who often intend to create a family.
In the other corner, people who believe marriage is a contract between two people, who often intend to create a family.
It all comes down to “a man and a woman,” and an irrational reluctance to accept that marriage can be anything but.
There are no non-religious arguments against gay marriage. And religion has no place in government. If you support Prop. 8, then you support the idea that tradition and religion — not reason — should be enshrined and enforced by government. Even though our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and says nothing about tradition.
Let me be blunt: If you don’t think gay people should be allowed to marry, you’re a bigot. And your attempt to amend the Constitution is an attempt to inject religion into politics. Worse, it’s an attempt to make unfairness into law.
If you’re a Republican, you supposedly believe in small government. That means the government stays out of people’s business, as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody. Gay marriage doesn’t hurt anybody. Therefore, if you’re a Republican, you should oppose Proposition 8.
If you’re a human, you probably believe government should be fair at the most basic levels. Not discriminating on sexual preference counts as “fair at the most basic level.” Therefore, if you’re a human, you should vote NO on Proposition 8.
If you don’t want to help set a precedent that government has a business in controlling individual freedoms that have no ill effect on society, then you should vote NO on Proposition 8.
Pretty simple, really.
Maybe this song from a long-ago Simpsons episode will help to illuminate:
Matter of fact, there are religious arguments for marriage rights for LGBT people.
Well, that is, as long as you aren’t a “conservative,” evangelical whackjob who uses a shallow, thoughtless Christian theology as a sweet, sugary coating to disguise what’s really bigotry and hatred (which, if you’re still confused, are not real Christian virtues).
Considering how my co-religionists behave, is it any wonder that, as time goes on, I’m more and more likely to adopt the “I’m spiritual, but not religious” meme ? :: sigh ::
David, I can imagine how it would be hard to hold to your association with your co-religionists when so many of them seem not to truly believe in the heart and intent of their central figure (it never ceases to amaze me how of the religious right agenda runs counter to the words and deeds of Jesus). But the important thing is that YOU do. Stick to your convictions. Religion as a whole is better off with people like you in there offering a counterweight to the madness.
Great post Scot. The true, libertarian soul of the Republican party should be outraged about government interference in people’s private lives. It’s despicable to try to write discrimination into the law.