Friday, August 1, 2003
Nice post regarding some of the Gay-Rights "backlash" over at Classical Values.
Classical Values: Curtains for gay rights?
Con artist that he was, the Wizard knew something that is being forgotten: Human dignity cannot be simply granted or bestowed from above. The American people seem to understand this principle, and I think this latest bit of Gallup Poll insolence poll proves it.
Impression: True indeed. The Courts must tread a fine line. On the one hand, the people will let the courts know when the laws are behind the times - their legislatures will change their laws. On the other hand, the courts have a responsibility to protect the basic rights of individuals against the tyrrany of the majority. In all cases, organic struggles result in more fully-formed, fully respected end results, as the ground-work has been laid on the way to the goal. Judicial fiat is something of a quick fix - right or wrong, it doesn't guarantee the struggle is over. The law may settle its opinion (for the moment), but that doesn't mean the people accept the law as just, and it doesn't mean the benficiaries of the law's results are ready, by laying the groundwork in their own communities, for the rights bestowed.
As I've said before, I think (hope!) the Lawrence decision is a good one, but that doesn't mean it comes without baggage and continuing concern.
