A NEW STAR-TRIBUNE POLL SHOWS THAT support for gay marriage in Minnesota is waning.
52 percent of adults in the state oppose gay and lesbian legal unions while 38 percent favor them. The opposition is an increase of 10 percentage points over last year.
Naturally, the Trib is more than happy to blame the "religious right."
The trend, critics say, reflects a nationwide marketing effort by conservatives and religious groups to sway opinions on what has become one of the most divisive issues of the day.
No examples of this "nationwide effort" are given.
I personally think the poll illustrates how people are reacting to the supporters of gay marriage, who have demonized religion and embrace an all-or-nothing approach to the issue. In other words, you either support gay marriage or you are a big0t.
To their credit though, the Trib did include an interview with a "typical" Republican.
"It's a man-and-woman deal. There is a moral issue there," he said "This country is founded on choice. They've made their choice; that's the lifestyle they want to lead. But don't push it any further than that."
Ann Degroot, with OutFront America, a gay advocacy group, unwittingly hits the nail on the head in this quote.
"The way the conversation is being framed is not a good way for our democracy to make decisions. It polarizes the issue to such a degree that the conversation becomes really stilted."
And just who is framing the discussion these days? Well...she is, and others like her.
I RECENTLY WROTE A COLUMN for Intellectual Conservative on this very subject, which you can read here. Here's a taste:
Rather than submit their ideas for honest and thorough debate, they have instead chosen the hysteria route. Demonizing opponents as homophobes or theocrats, fascists or religious zealots. They have discarded the will of the voters in California in exchange for their own selfish desires. In Minnesota, those tactics may have an influence in the voting booth, if and when it comes before them next year.
Readers will forgive me if I am feeling a bit omniscient today.
No comments:
Post a Comment