I should warn that this
post may ramble a bit as I am still trying personally to get my arms around
what my response should be to Friday’s gay marriage judicial coup. And not just what my response should
be, but the response of states, churches, religious institutions, and all
citizens because the ruling undercut the constitutional rights of all of these.
And yet the responses of
all these should not all be the same.
For one thing, states are not churches. Yes, I love Texas, but it is not a church.
Also, there is a difference
between what an entity has the right to do and what would be wise to do. My initial response was that states
should defy this ruling. And
states most definitely have the right to refuse to give away their rights under
the Constitution. But now I
am not so sure defiance is the wise way to proceed.
If states do attempt to
defy or even nullify this ruling, they should beware that it will be
misinterpreted as being homophobic (Yes, I hate that word but anyway.…). The Democrat News Media will be only
too eager to portray it as a repeat of the Southern defiance of the 50’s and
60’s. At the least, state defiance
would not unify. It would further
polarize and divide the country and defiant states would likely be on the
politically losing side of the divide.
I say this with some
reluctance as the lack of defiance of judicial coups such as this one and Roe v Wade enable judicial tyranny. But I suspect there is a better way at
this time.
As much as I hate to
agree with establishment Republicans*, I think a better and wiser way for
states and concerned public officials to proceed is to buttress protections of
freedom of religion.
*(I do think the words of
establishment Republicans such as Lindsey Graham and John Kasich advocating
protections of freedom of religion are just words. When the time comes for real action, they will fold like a
cheap tent. See Indiana.)
Although rolling back
judicial tyranny is vital, that is a long-term project that cannot be done
tomorrow. But measures to protect
freedom of religion can be taken up and passed relatively quickly . . . and
should be passed quickly given that attacks on religious freedom have already begun.
Yes, there will be
resistance to these measures and vetoes even, but that may be good in the long
run. For the fight for freedom of
religion is one that can be won politically.
Although it is
questionable whether a majority of Americans really support freedom of religion
anymore, it is certain that, say, at least 35 to 40% do so and strongly. And if the issue is presented to them
effectively, they would willing to turn against those opposing freedom of
religion. Yes, I think this could
pry many votes from the Democrats and even a few from those who support gay
marriage and motivate the conservative base to turn out.
Perhaps that seems
optimistic now. But I expect
events will strengthen and motivate support for religious freedom. There will be more and more attacks on
freedom of religion as Pink Shirts and other assorted Leftists attempt to
punish those who do not submit to the new gay marriage regime. Lawsuits against businesses and
churches will multiply. Some
governments and regulatory bodies will also demand submission or else,
regardless of deeply held religious convictions. As the heretofore scattered attacks on religious freedom
become numerous, more people will be appalled and angered and will see the need
to protect freedom of religion.
Think about where this
issue would then put someone like Hillary Clinton. She would have a choice between enraging the Leftist base of
the Democrat Party by supporting measures to defend freedom of religion or
between enraging Middle American by opposing freedom of religion and not taking
up for those under attack. (By her
past record, I think she will choose the latter.)
IF Republicans are not
cowards on freedom of religion, they could put Democrats in a bad place. Yes, that is a big “if”. A lot will depend on whom they nominate
for President. A Scott Walker
would be willing to fight for freedom of religion and lead the GOP in doing
so. A Jeb Bush? Not so much.
But in short, defending
freedom of religion is an issue on which we can succeed – and the need for
success here is urgent.
Yes, I have rambled as I
warned. But I think defending
freedom of religion is both more urgent and politically wiser than direct
defiance of the Supreme Court ruling.
And it could turn out to be a more effective way of eventually rolling
back judicial tyranny as defeating Democrats (and establishment Republicans) is
necessary to bring that about.
It at least is worth a
try, is it not?
Of course, I am also
thinking about how churches and Christians should respond in the non-political
sphere. But this post is too long
already.