There seems to be some debate over whether it is acceptable to call people who are opposed to gay marriage bigots. Just to clarify, for everyone (I’m evidently the arbiter of the English language now) – yes, you can call people who are opposed to gay marriage bigots. This is because if you are in favour of denying people equality based on something they are incapable of controlling, you are a bigot.
In other news, we are also permitted to refer to Mitt Romeny as wealthy. Just in case there was any question of how appropriate such a statement would be.
Now. I see your counter-argument that some people who fall into the “oppose” camp on paper simply ticked a box on a survey, and have no strong feelings, and I raise you that if they have no strong feelings, they aren’t going to identify with the anti-equality camp and so won’t be offended. Similarly, I see your counter-argument that some people aren’t “bigots”, they’re just ignorant! We shouldn’t punish or insult ignorance!
First, we should punish and insult ignorance. Ignorance is something that should be challenged and changed. I appreciate that the ‘merikins have something of an anti-intellectualism crusade going on right now, but I happen to be of the opinion that citizens who are more informed are better citizens – so they can suck it.
Second…you have absolutely no excuse for being ignorant. If you’re reading this blog post, or Clegg’s initial draft, or any of the coverage of Clegg’s initial draft, it is because you have access to one or more of the following:
- The internet;
- Newspapers of some sort;
- A television.
We are not in sub-saharan Africa, nor are we in North Korea. The media exists and is ubiquitous, and has been covering the gay rights movement since it became prevalent over forty years ago. If you are still ignorant of the arguments and counter-arguments do with gay marriage, it is from either not giving a shit (in which case, see above) or it is wilful ignorance and you should educate yourself.
And, while I’m here – George Carey, sitting on the sidelines in opposition and whining about how being called a bigot is terrible, can shut the fuck up. You are one of the leaders of a church based on the moral imperatives and family values of Henry VIII. Either you are stuck in your ways, in which case redefining marriage because the government says so should be something you can do in your sleep, or you are capable of change. If you are capable of change, we in the 21st century wouldn’t mind you joining us.
Ultimately the lesson we should take from this is probably just “I am not a morning person”. Grump.