Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

Today I wrote about the culture of intimidation in academia , a mentality confident that it should censure and punish traditional views of sexual morality.

Although it was not available when I wrote the column, this morning I was fascinated to read Judge Walker’s decision to rule California’s Proposition 8 unconstitutional.

From the “Findings of Fact” section, #77: “Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationships are sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays and lesbians.”

The implication is chilling. One of the jobs of government is to protect citizens from unjust harm. If, as Judge Walker seems to believe, as do many others, traditonal views of sexual morality unjustly harm gays and lesbians, then the next step is clear. We’ve got to stop the harm, which means putting an end to the religious beliefs that homosexual sexual acts are immoral.

Perversely, in the testimony Walker cites, one of the clear signs of harm inflicted on gays and lesbians can be found in this fact: 84% of regular church-goers voted for Prop 8. In other words, what’s so bad about traditional views of sexual morality is that they are . . . opposed to progressive views about sexual liberation. And that’s an injustice that Judge Walker simply won’t allow.

The opinion goes on to cite a official documents from a number of different Christian churches and organizations: a hit list of sorts.

Dear Reader,

While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.

Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?

Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.

How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.

Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.
GIVE NOW

Comments are visible to subscribers only. Log in or subscribe to join the conversation.

Tags

Loading...

Filter First Thoughts Posts

Related Articles