
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of all the issues that divide the American people, none is more vexing than gay rights. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We can differ whether the border is secure … or not. ; Whether the last election was stolen … or not. ; Whether we should have surrendered in Afghanistan … or not. ; They are contentious issues, to be sure – but are still debatable on facts, perceptions, and beliefs. ; None of those issues directly question the fundamental constitutional rights of a segment of the general population.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have within society a large segment of the population that believes that gay sex is a moral transgression and a threat to the health and future of the species. ; Those beliefs are often the result of deep religious convictions. ; Two of the biggest religions in the world – Christianity and Muslim – oppose homosexuality. ; In the most extreme cases, sexual acts between same-sex persons are subject to harsh punishments – even death. ; In theocratic states, gay relationships are banned by law.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We grapple with this issue on a daily basis. ; The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, but our Founders gave us a secular Constitution that protects the rights of those who are not affiliated with a special religion. ; In America, atheists have the same rights as Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With that in mind, do gay people have the same rights as heterosexual people – even those with strong religious convictions? ; ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For some populations, that question evolved from “no” to “yes”. ; The most notable example is black Americans. ; But also, Asians – and more specifically – the Chinese. ; Women.  ; They all evolved into greater constitutional rights.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today, gays enjoy the full range of constitutional rights. ; They can co-habitat … be employed … join the military … live wherever they choose … get married … raise children … buy homes together. ; All things that were disallowed in the not-too-distant past.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There has also been a cultural change. ; Gay people can live openly. ; They are accepted in careers where their sexuality would have ended them. ; Openly gay people can be seen in entertainment and the newsrooms. ; Even Christian denominations have opened the doors to gay clergy – to the level of bishops.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, there is still a significant portion of the population who morally abhor gay relationships. ; It is both a matter of religious fervor and personal anxiety. ; But the religious intolerance is losing out to secular acceptance – and there is no going back.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While there are still deep feelings regarding homosexuality – on both sides – as a civic or public policy issue, the game is over. ; Those who oppose homosexuality have few public policy issues to advance. ; There is some room for civic debate when it comes to limiting salacious aspects from the youngest children. ; Extreme or harmful sexual practices can be outlawed. ; But that is also applicable to straight sexual practices. ; Examples of explicit gay sex can be restricted by location and age group. ; Same for hetero performances.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are folks who not only hate the “sin” but the sinner as well. ; Some display hostility against gay people. ; Some get violent. ; But none of that will change the fact that gay relationship is fully protected by the Constitution and the courts. ; Intimidation or violence against gays is a crime … period</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Through my commentaries, I have occasionally advised political candidates to leave the gay issue off their brochures. ; There are very few civic, legislative, or constitutional options that can be pursued by public officials to limit the rights of gay people. ; ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you do not want to have a gay person cross the threshold of your home, you have that right. ; You can feel however you like about gay folks. ; But to try to inhibit their rights individually or collectively will only cause problems for everyone – and ultimately fail.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gay life has been normalized both legally and socially. ; There are not long two sides to that debate.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, there ‘tis. ;</p>

Getting it right on gay rights … or at least trying
