Are libertarian-leaning Republicans responsible for legalized
same-sex marriage in New York State? Gary Bauer addresses that
question in Human Events today. It’s a case study in
the tension between libertarianism and traditional
conservatism.
It’s a tension that needn’t exist. Capital “L” libertarians — as
in, the Libertarian Party — typically take an active stand in
support of same-sex marriage on the basis of individual freedom and
expression. I’ve found that small “L” libertarians — those who
identify with the philosophy, not necessarily the party — tend to
ignore the issue in favor of fiscal matters.
Taking an honest assessment of the political playing field,
which side in the equation is more freedom loving, the liberal or
the conservative?
Bauer provides a few examples of same-sex marriage advocates’
anti-freedom inclinations:
Same-sex marriage is already having a chilling effect on
religious freedom. In states that have legalized civil unions or
gay marriage, Catholic adoption agencies have been shuttered or
lost their tax-exempt status for refusing to let gay couples adopt
children.
Last week in Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn affirmed a decision by the
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services not to renew
adoption contracts with Catholic Charities for the same reason
because of the state’s law recognizing same-sex civil unions.
The radical homosexual rights movement is also trumping parental
rights. In California last week, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a
first-of-its-kind bill that requires public schools to add lessons
about gay history to their social studies classes. Other states
have incorporated the homosexual agenda into their curricula. In
2007, a federal judge ruled that Massachusetts public school
students would not be able to opt out of lesson plans that
normalize the homosexual lifestyle and promote same-sex
marriage.
Even more, recall the outright harassment,
threats, and intimidation that supporters of California’s marriage
amendment have faced in recent years. The idea is to erase any
public disapproval of homosexual behavior (or any exaltation of
traditional marriage), through any means necessary.
Already, First Amendment freedom of speech and freedom of
religion protections are falling under the homosexual-marriage
juggernaut. Which freedoms do Libertarians value more? Soon, will
any public disapproval of same-sex marriage be rendered “hate
speech,” and sanctions enforced through the hand of state and
federal government?
It’s intellectually inconsistent, and self-defeated to their
cause, for Libertarians to support that shift. Same-sex marriage
never has been about a desire among homosexual couples to enter
into long-term, committed relationships. They can do that now in
all 50 states without punishment or sanction. Rather, it’s been
about forcing society, through government mandate, to put
homosexual relationships on par with heterosexual marriage —
through a marriage license.
Reeks of big government to me.
