Comments on: Boston Globe highlights intolerance by gay marriage supporters

By: Jacoby

Jacoby — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:30:09 +0000

I don’t regard the redefinition of marriage as a civil rights issue; nor do I buy the argument that laws barring same-sex marriage are comparable to the laws that once barred interracial marriage. But I recognize that many people - sincere and decent people - do. By my lights they are mistaken, not evil.

Why do so many same-sex marriage advocates find it so hard to see marriage traditionalists in the same light?

In a recent paper for the Heritage Foundation, Thomas Messner surveys the “naked animus’’ that was directed against supporters of Proposition 8, the California marriage amendment that voters approved last year. His meticulously footnoted study makes chilling reading, with example after example of the blacklisting, vandalism, intimidation, loss of employment, anti-religious hostility, and even death threats to which backers of Prop. 8 were subjected.

Of course not all proponents of gay marriage display such vehement intolerance. But far too many do to shrug it off as insignificant. And voters don’t have to be paranoid to wonder: If this is the kind of abuse that opponents of gay marriage can be subjected to now, how much more intolerance will dissenters face if gay marriage becomes the law?

After 31 losses in 31 states, it’s time for same-sex marriage activists to seriously consider a piece of advice Barney Frank offered a few years ago. “There’s something to be said for cultural respect,’’ the nation’s most prominent gay political figure said in 2004. “Showing a bit of respect for cultural values with which you disagree is not a bad thing. Don’t call people bigots and fools just because you disagree with them.’’

By: Chairm

Chairm — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:11:21 +0000

Steve, maybe Jacoby misquoted Barney Frank?

Your comment illustrates what Jacoby described. Thank you.

May I quote you?

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:21:39 +0000

It's not the "Boston Globe" or their "editors". Jacoby is a conservative right-wing columnist who's incapable of looking at any issue objectively. His rants are typically illogical and irrational and, much like this blog, ignore the facts and twist the truth.

By: Jill

Jill — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:26:51 +0000

Oh the hypocrisy, that one set of Americans would be so intolerant of another! It is a militant movement that forces people to believe in some kind of homogeneous culture. We are a diverse people. Gay marriage supporters would do well to have a measure of goodwill for others who happen to disagree.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:14 +0000

Thanks Jeff,

Thanks for standing up for Traditional Marriage. Gay marriage advocates if nothing else be tolerant of the views held by many many Americans. Traditional marriage activists no ill will toward them, we allow them civil partnerships, if they are homeless we help, they are welcome to attend churches, they are welcome to their opinion and have a right to express views just as well as the Traditional marriage supporters.