I'm not sure when it started, but for some time now, I've felt very strongly about gay rights in this country. Specifically the right to marry. I've often felt I should right about this subject on my blog, but have never really found the words to express my ideas. After all, so much has already been written on the topic--and by far more intelligent and eloquent people than I (think Andrew Sullivan and Jonathan Rauch). But from time to time I will link to these writers and others when I come across something that strikes a chord with me. Like this Sullivan quote of the day from Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin.

The [Canadian Bill of Rights] was enshrined to ensure that the rights of minorities are not subjected, are never subjected, to the will of the majority. The rights of Canadians who belong to a minority group must always be protected by virtue of their status as citizens, regardless of their numbers. These rights must never be left vulnerable to the impulses of the majority.

This obviously applies not only to gay rights, but to the broader issue of Christians (in America at least) trying to force their particular morality on society at large. They are in the majority, so they assume they can get away with it. But, like Canada, our Bill of Rights is also there to protect the minority from the majority. It seems some of us have forgotten that living in a democracy is not as simple as winner take all. We must strive to protect the rights of those with whom we disagree, even hate--otherwise we're no better than a weak-kneed benevolent dictatorship.

Posted by Hey Paul   |   Friday, February 18, 2005