An amazing story from Seattle. A bill designed to clamp down on school bullying has been all but killed by some conservative Christians who fear it could lead to tolerance of homosexuality. They want to make sure that the bill does not preclude kids from expressing their disdain of gays. Now, I’m all in favor of maximizing free speech, but the bill even contains language expressly ensuring that such expressions of opinion would be protected. I’m also skeptical of attempts to ban anything but clear verbal and physical bullying, since vaguer definitions are very hard to define. But what surely shouldn’t be protected is the physical abuse of kids targeted as “faggots.” Do some Christian conservatives actually believe that such bullying and name-calling should be defended? Do they actually regard such intimidation of gays (and many straights) as an important part of their children’s education? Perhaps they know that without verbal and physical bullying of gay kids, social disapproval of homosexuality might wane. These attitudes start early, after all. But enforcing social norms by defending the bullying of children seems to me a pretty unconscionable position. By the same token, I can’t see any reason either for why some conservatives support hate crime laws protecting every conceivable minority except homosexuals. This is George Bush’s nutball position. I’m against all hate crime laws. But if you’re going to have them at all, why should they exclude the group that is one of the most likely to be targeted? This discrepancy is a signal. It’s saying subtly to thugs: “Hate crimes are bad, but we understand it if you hate homos. That’s a defensible pretext for bashing – or at least more defensible than bashing someone who’s black or Jewish or Mormon.” I can’t believe that most humane conservatives really feel that way; or even that those who sincerely oppose homosexual equality still believe it’s ok to slur, bully, attack or wound gay kids or adults. So why support policies that do just that? How about changing the tone, Mr President?
HOME NEWS: We had 142,000 unique visitors last month – a new record – up from 82,000 in January. Thanks. The Tipping Jar now has over $11,000 in it. The only downside of all this is that I can’t keep up with the mail. I used to make a point of replying to almost everyone. I can’t do that any more, or I’d have no time to do anything else. But I do read every one, even if I can’t respond individually. So don’t stop writing. The Dish’s hottest ingredients are often spiced by readers’ tips. Keep ’em coming.
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