Respect Rights of All .:. grubbykid.com

Respect Rights of All

We have discussed the notion of "spheres of individual liberty" before, and how it is the government's duty to protect and extend that sphere. We support gay marriage because consenting adults must have universal rights so that their spheres of liberty are not encroached on by government, other citizens, or religion.

So it is quite refreshing to read this snippet of a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in support of legislation that legalizes gay marriage:

For gays and lesbians, evolving social attitudes have, over the years, prompted a number of important changes in the law. Recall that, until the late 1960s, the state believed it had the right to peek into our bedrooms. Until 1977, homosexuality was still sufficient grounds for deportation. Until 1992, gay people were prohibited from serving in the military. In many parts of the country, gays and lesbians could not designate their partners as beneficiaries under employee medical and dental benefits, insurance policies or private pensions. Until very recently, people were being fired merely for being gay.

Today, we rightly see discrimination based on sexual orientation as arbitrary, inappropriate and unfair. Looking back, we can hardly believe that such rights were ever a matter for debate. It is my hope that we will ultimately see the current debate in a similar light; realizing that nothing has been lost or sacrificed by the majority in extending full rights to the minority...

To those who would oppose this bill, I urge you to consider that the core of the issue before us today is whether the rights of all Canadians are to be respected. I believe they must be. Justice demands it. Fairness demands it. The Canada we love demands it.

Ask yourself if those against marriage equality hold the moral high ground, or in fact, any morals at all.

Respect Rights of All

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