By Otto
Conservatives across the country are trying to save face as
the US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of gay marriage.
This ruling has been an obvious setback
for Republicans and the religious right who have opposed any recognition of
gay marriage or any other forms of gay rights. Most of congress's conservative
Republicans have built up support from conservative churches by supporting
their right to discriminate against what they see as "a sin." The
Supreme Court has struck at the heart of the Republican Party platform.
As an example, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is taking steps to
cover his tracks and prevent the affects of the Supreme Court decision.
The AP
reported that Kansas '
Governor (Brownback) told state government agencies Tuesday that they can't
punish ministers or religious groups for opposing same-sex marriage, and
critics said he is sanctioning discrimination even as the state extends new
benefits to gay and lesbian couples. Brownback issued an executive order in
response to last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling. It is actually a mild
action considering Kansas
religious conservative's opposition to any form of gay rights.
Brownback has steadily opposed gay marriage on the grounds
that Kansans have voted against it in past elections and he has claimed he is
just upholding the will of the Kansas
people.
But many of us have argued that the rights
of minority people should not be put to a vote.[1] Such
people are protected by the constitution. We don't vote on the rights of
Afro-Americans and we shouldn't. Constitutional protection of minorities is not
up to popular support. If it were most minority people would not have any
rights. Minorities are often not popular with mainstream Americans and that is
why such groups need protection in the first place.
Gay marriage is just one more example of cracks in the conservative
Republican's armor. The Republicans have taken over US Congress, state houses
and governorships throughout the country. Except for the presidency and the US
Supreme Court, right-wing Republicans have locked up this country's political
power and systems. Now they are starting to lose their own culture war.
Marijuana laws are beginning to get relaxed due to public pressure and now they
have lost their ability to discriminate against gays. Their power is not
invincible after all.
The Times They Are A Changin' - Tracy Chapman
[1] See also A
referendum is not the way to go when it comes to gay rights or minority issues,
The Guardian, Iowa Senate Majority Leader On Gay Marriage: Minority
Rights Should Not Be Put To Popular Vote, Think
Progress.
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