Hearts Full of Hate for Gay People Watch

Just when I pop off about Montana's progressive (or at least libertarian) impulses, we learn that there is an uproar over Senate Bill 199, which, if passed, would include sexual orientation as a protected group under the Montana Human Rights Act. Discrimination based on race, creed, religion, color, gender, physical or mental disability, age or national origin is already illegal under state law. Well, it appears that some Montanans think that gays should not only be denied the right to marriage, but also denied access to government work because of what they do in their bedrooms.

Who opposes treating gays equally? Well, among others, the Montana Family Foundation. Why? Check this out. This is their position:

We strongly oppose this bill. SB199 would add sexual orientation as a protected class to a slew of human rights and other laws in Montana. We believe all Montanans should be treated equally.

Yep, that's their whole explanation. Confused? Let Republican Senator Dan McGee clear it up for you:

"I believe this whole issue is about behavior, even if someone wants to argue that a person is inclined to be that way," McGee said. "Well, that gives them no right to act that way."

Oh. Thanks, Dan. Unfortunately, the fact that you are inclined to be absurd gives you the right to act that way.

Longtime reader Johnny Piano weighs in via a letter to the editor of our hometown paper:

George Orwell once wrote, "If thought can corrupt language, language can also corrupt thought." This came to mind as I considered the doublespeak that opponents to Senate Bill 199 spouted in the recent House Judiciary Committee hearing.

The bill would place sexual orientation under the protection of the Montana Human Rights Act. The Act already prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, and other characteristics.

Opponents to SB199 decried that this act would discriminate against their religious beliefs. It would prohibit them from discriminating against a person who represents an "abomination" to the employer's creed. What hooey!

If an employer's religion commanded that another faith is "heresy," could the employer refuse to hire people of that religion? Or an atheist? No, that would be illegal discrimination.

If an employer's religion commanded that a woman may not work outside the home, could the employer refuse to hire a woman? No, that would be illegal discrimination.

If an ... well, enough of that silly game. It's time for some common sense. Pass SB199 and pay deserved attention to more serious issues.

Amen.