Was Canadian same-sex marriage a mistake?

By David Benkof

Today's National Post (Canada) contains an op-ed suggesting that same-sex marriage in that nation was a mistake:

The most important section is at the beginning:

What makes the national mistake of legalizing same-sex marriage unique in Canadian history is that to even discuss the issue is considered by many, particularly our elites, to be at the very least in extraordinarily bad taste. Although this is a valid and vital debate about social policy, anyone critiquing the status quo is likely to be marginalized as hateful, extreme or simply mad. Social conservatives aren’t just wrong, they’re evil.

The discussion, we are told, is over. Which is what triumphalist bullies have said for centuries after they win a battle. In this case, the intention is to marginalize anyone who dares to still speak out. In other words, to silence them.

It’s important to emphasize that this is not really about homosexuality at all, and has nothing to do with homosexual people living together. Opponents of same-sex marriage may have ethical and religious objections to homosexuality, but they are irrelevant to the central argument. Which is not about the rights of a sexual minority but the status and meaning of marriage.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the same-sex marriage debate in the United States is the accusation among proponents that opponents are "taking away rights." Any honest look at the history of this debate has to acknowledge that traditional people did not seek out this fight. It was the gay community and their allies - and a few judges in Massachusetts - who thrust this debate upon the nation. Given that overwhelming numbers of Americans support the existing definition of marriage (as shown by vote after vote and the fact that proponents have tried to prevent votes in Massachusetts and elsewhere), it should come as no surprise that opponents have mobilized to preserve traditional marriage.

Labels: Marriage

posted by David Benkof at 3:23 PM | link

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