Eugene Volokh posed an interesting hypothetical about gay marriage. The comments are amazing. Homosexuals are put on the same level as drug dealers. "Randy R." just body slams the bigots. His comment is a must-read. Here is the intro:
Love this thread. Finally, the real feelings come out in the wash. As I've always suspected, people aren't upset about [same-sex marriage], they aren't upset about judicial tyranny, and they aren't upset about gays adopting kids.
The only thing that upset them -- very greatly -- is the notion of homosexuality.
To these people, all gays are on par with drug addicts, abusers, and the lowest levels of society. All other issues pale by comparison, and nothing, I mean NOTHING, will disabuse them of this notion. You simply can't talk to them, because they're hearts and minds are closed. Just try to tell them that there are good people who happen to be gay, and they will say no gays can be good people.
You know what: My mind is now closed on an issue. I used to give people who opposed same-sex marriage the benefit of the doubt. Many of my friends oppose gay marriage on religious grounds. But I've seen the light.
If you oppose same-sex marriage, you are a bigot. I grew up around racists, and I know bigotry when I see it. You may as well throw around the n-word so far as I'm concerned. You're not different from a hateful racist who burns crosses into the night.
Sure, your interpretation of the Bible might support bigotry. But guess what: Two-hundred years ago the popular interpretation of the Bible supported slavery. And one-hundred years ago, the popular interpretation of the Bible supported segregation. The popular interpretation of the Bible was wrong then. And it's wrong now.
It's time to reflect: Does the Bible truly support your views? Does Christ ever speak on the issue? Or do you simply harbor a disdain for those who are different, and thus feel inspired to read words that are not even there?
I'm reminded of Thomas Jefferon's remarks on slavery: "Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice can not sleep forever: that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events: that it may become probable by supernatural interference!"
May God have mercy on your bigoted souls.
UPDATE: Steve Dillard disagrees.
