First published at 365gay.com on February 18, 2008 The late food critic Craig Claiborne used to tell a story of a woman who received a ham but didn’t own a saw. Although she had never cooked a whole ham, she knew that her mother always prepared hams for cooking by sawing off the end, and… Continue reading Gays on the Mezzanine
Tag: ethics
Are Our Opponents Like Segregationists?
First published at Between the Lines News on January 15, 2008 In terms of gay-rights progress, brace yourself for a difficult year. This is not because things are getting worse for gay and lesbian people. It’s because the national conversation on gay-rights issues is getting harder. One reason is that, as cliché as it sounds,… Continue reading Are Our Opponents Like Segregationists?
How David Blankenhorn Helps Our Kids
First published at 365gay.com on September 17, 2007 David Blankenhorn is the kind of same-sex marriage opponent you might consider inviting to your (gay) wedding. I’m not saying you should. After all, in his books, articles and talks, Blankenhorn has defended the position that same-sex marriage weakens a valuable institution. So when your minister intones… Continue reading How David Blankenhorn Helps Our Kids
Richardson was Right (Sort Of)
First published at 365gay.com on August 20, 2007 It seemed like a softball question at first. During LOGO’s August 10 gay-rights forum for the Democratic presidential candidates, panelist (and rock star) Melissa Etheridge asked New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, “Do you think homosexuality is a choice, or is it biological?” Richardson, who has a strong… Continue reading Richardson was Right (Sort Of)
‘Hairspray,’ Race, and Gays
First published in 365gay.com on August 6, 2007 When I was in junior high I used to sit at the “black” lunch table in the cafeteria, much to the shock (and occasional ridicule) of my white schoolmates. The seating was not officially segregated, but with rare exceptions African-Americans sat together, and I sat with them.… Continue reading ‘Hairspray,’ Race, and Gays
eDisharmony
First published in Between the Lines on June 14, 2007 When I heard that someone was suing eHarmony for its refusal to provide dating services for same-sex couples, I winced. It’s not that I approve of their policy (I don’t). It’s not even that I think that their policy, while wrongheaded, is in fact legal… Continue reading eDisharmony
David Blankenhorn’s Lazy Logic
First published in Between the Lines, April 5, 2007 Opposition to homosexuality has long been marked by bad science. In the past, that usually meant bad psychology or even bad physiology. Today, the more common problem is bad social science, usually involving cherry-picked data about alarming social trends followed by breathtaking leaps of logic connecting… Continue reading David Blankenhorn’s Lazy Logic
Mary Cheney—Unfit Parent?
First published in Between the Lines on December 14, 2006 Mary Cheney is pregnant. Wish her well. That’s what good folks do when presented with an expectant mother. Behind the scenes they may say or think whatever they like, but publicly they wish the mother-to-be well. Which puts right-wingers in a bit of a bind.… Continue reading Mary Cheney—Unfit Parent?
Foley’s Folly: A Lesson
First published in Between the Lines, October 5, 2006 It is early yet to talk about “the moral of the story” with respect to Mark Foley. Foley, a Republican congressman from Florida, resigned last week after it was revealed that he had been sending sexually explicit e-mails and instant messages to underage congressional pages. Here’s… Continue reading Foley’s Folly: A Lesson
Polygamy and Principles: A Reply to George
First published, in a slightly different form, in Between the Lines, August 24, 2006 Princeton natural-law theorist Robert George wrote recently at the First Things website that For years, critics of the idea of same-sex ‘marriage’ have made the point that accepting the proposition that two persons of the same sex can marry each other… Continue reading Polygamy and Principles: A Reply to George