Wow. Where to begin…
Perhaps I should start with the comment I intended to leave on Heather’s latest gay marriage article:
I agree that the Indiana legislation is somewhat vague. Legislation is to be written in a way that allows a person of reasonable intelligence to understand its meaning. If reasonable people question what is allowed or denied, it can be declared unconstitutionally vague, and clearly, people are questioning the meaning of this particular measure.
Then I read the rest of her article, and all I could say was, “Wow!”
Heather went on to write:
“I can’t say I’m surprised, intolerance comes in many forms and there is a great fear where traditional marriage is concerned. Yet the same types of conservatives that would oppose state interference in encouraging couples to take pre-marriage education classes to get a license in one state would likely support a measure that would prevent unmarried couples from receiving any ‘legal incidents of marriage’ support from another.”
First, the legislation in Nebraska that “encourages” couples to take pre-marital education is a bit more than encouragement. It coerces couples into doing so by charging them more money if they decline.
Secondly, protecting traditional marriage, which happens to be a fundamental right, is properly within the purview of the legislature and the courts. It is not the same as engaging in the creation of special statutory rights or court imposed rights for a vocal minority and it is not at all the same as government coercion. It’s interesting to see these issues lumped together and defined as government interference.
I respect Heather and her right to express her opinion, but pardon me while I exercise the right to express mine. I take issue with the interjection of the terms intolerance and fear. This is a tired tactic used by many on the left in an attempt to silence those that dare to disagree with any liberal agenda, especially homosexual issues.
Is there a word for one-sided tolerance?
For the record, disagreement, per se, does not equate to intolerance, fear, hatred, bigotry, or any form of “phobia” despite the consistent use of such labels against those that stand up for what they believe or dare to step outside politically correct lines.