Sen. John Still’s perennial bill to change
Delaware’s constitution to ban same-gender marriage, civil unions and
even domestic partnerships thankfully never advances. But stunning to me
was Rep. Pamela Thornburg’s rationale for signing on to this piece of
garbage as co-sponsor: her constituents, including the Amish, wanted it.
Amish people of course refrain from voting, lobbying and other
involvement in secular government, so this is disingenuous. But should a
legislator use majority opinion to decide minority rights? Is "I was
only following orders" ever enough of a rationale?
If so, African-Americans would still be enslaved. Jews could be
restricted in housing. And since once only men voted, women, including
Rep. Thornburg, would be unable to hold public office or even vote. The
majority has often been wrong concerning minority civil rights.
Our Delaware legislators must not pander to popular prejudice but do
the right thing, come what may. And by the way, Sen. Still is not the one
to tell me what my family values should be.
Toward equality,
Douglas Marshall-Steele
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