Pareene notes how New York state Senator Carl Kruger changed his vote from anti-gay marriage to pro after being outed by the NYT:
Barney Frank became one of the most prominent gay politicians in the world since his outing, long ago. Ken Mehlman now fights for marriage equality. Carl Kruger switched his vote. Keeping "open secrets" that "everyone knows" from the public is already a questionable journalistic practice, and now there's a great deal of evidence that the private lives of politicians have very real effects on public policy.
Yes, but not all ends justify all means. My basic principle: engage first to see if the person can come out themselves. It should be an act of empowerment, not shaming or punishment, or the entire moral basis of the gay rights movement (may it soon be over!) is compromised.
And lastly, caritas. No moral movement should be based on cruelty or contempt. No cruelty. To find the line between cruelty and not telling the truth as a journalist is something unique in each case. But in the end, my gut goes with the defense of the individual, and his or her right to define him or herself as she wants. And – do I need to repeat myself? – no cruelty.
The Dish 