
<p>In terms of gay issues, there are a lot of things the American people can oppose. ; Most notably, the introduction of sexuality – including alternative practices – to prepubescent children.</p>



<p>Several years ago, I suggested to Republicans – and a lot of Democrats, too – that opposition to gay marriage was a loser. ; Even before the Supreme Court decision protecting the right of gay individuals to marry, gayness had become largely normalized in society.</p>



<p>Anti-sodomy laws were taken off the books by legislative action or court decisions – or just ignored in terms of enforcement. ; Activities from which gays were banned became commonplace – such as cohabitating and open employment. Openly gay candidates have been elected and appointed to high office. ; Gays serve openly in the military. ; Gay couples can adopt children. ; Gay life is celebrated with parades, flags, and parties which draw visitors and tourists. ; Gay neighborhoods have become tourist attractions &#8212; such as Chicago’s “Boys’ Town.” ; (Sorry ladies, that is what they call it.)</p>



<p>My son’s Catholic grade school had students with same-sex parents – and a Catholic University my daughter attended had “gay club” events listed on the bulletin board. ; Gay characters are seen in a positive light on both the silver and the small screens.</p>



<p>None of these things were allowed in American society – by law or culture – 50 years ago.</p>



<p>The Supreme Court decision was arguably the final act in the legitimization of the gay lifestyle. ; Just as the American people are not racist in nature, we are no longer homophobic. ; Yes, there is significant disapproval of the lifestyle – especially among religious groups, such as Catholics, Muslims, and Baptists. ; But even those who disapprove have accepted gay folks as part of the society – even part of their own families.</p>



<p>The last gasps of political opposition to gay marriage came at the end of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century when there were still efforts to pass a Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage. It lacked sufficient public support to gain footing in Congress. ; As late as 2008, candidate Barack Obama declared himself opposed to gay marriage – declaring that marriage can only be a union of one man and one woman. ; The shifting tide of public opinions forced him to abandon that position.</p>



<p>Those on the left argue – even predict – that gay marriage will be the next target of the Supreme Court conservative majority. ; I doubt it for two reasons. ; Unlike abortion, public tolerance of gays is much stronger and deeper than support for unrestricted abortion-on-demand. In addition, acceptance – if not always total approval – of gay folks does not involve the killing of a developing human being. ; The gay lifestyle – like it or not – is a privacy matter that does not deprive a “person” of the right to life.</p>



<p>The issue of gay marriage could be cemented more firmly in American law by an act of Congress. ; In fact, it is exactly what the Congress should do – put the issue up for a vote. ; I have no doubt that it would garner enough votes to pass – and that any President, Republican or Democrat, would sign such legislation. ;</p>



<p>So, why is there no such legislation? ; It is the same reason that Congress does not deal with immigration law, the so-called “dreamers,” abortion, establishing a federal budget, and declaring wars. ; Congress lacks the institutional courage to deal with controversial issues and exert its constitutional prerogatives.</p>



<p>I understand that many folks have strong feelings about the morality of the gay lifestyle, but woe on politicians who would campaign on de-legitimizing it by legislation.</p>



<p>Democrats use the issue to fearmonger – claiming that Republicans will do away with the rights of gay Americans. ; Their claims are nothing more than political nonsense proffered solely for political benefit. ; Surely, they know that there is no political gravitas on either side of the aisle to abolish gay marriage. ; It is an issue not worth debating.</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Gay marriage is here to stay … period
