storytimewithjoe | The Purpose of Law

While perusing the paper this morning, I found an article about a legal discussion in Utah involving gay rights. Currently, if a company fires someone because they are gay, there is no legal recourse in the State of Utah. Why? Because gays and lesbians are not considered a protected class. No matter how you look at it, this means one thing and one thing only – gays and lesbians are, in the eyes of the State of Utah, second-class citizens. While various gay and lesbian organizations argue in favor of a statewide law to establish the GLBT community as protected, foes of equal-rights are trying to set up roadblocks. Quel surprise.

I think what I find the most insulting about this sort of thing is the complete and utter dishonesty. Heck, I would have more respect for the opposition if they would just come out and admit their homophobia. (Hell, WHO is in the closet here anyway?) But no, to them it isn’t about homophobia. After all, that is such an ugly word, right? The argument that they have raised is that the law isn’t about doing what is right. They argue that while it is wrong to treat people poorly or unfairly because they are gay, the law isn’t about forcing good behavior on people. If we are going to take that particular stand, I would agree. Heck, I would not exactly be in favor of a law demanding that one send out thank you cards following the receipt of a present. Manners and behavior are encouraged by society norms, but not to be enforced by law. Absolutely, I agree that that is not the job of law. But that begs the question – what IS the purpose of law? In my mind, the purpose of law is to protect the rights and liberties of the citizens of this country. And to me, it is my RIGHT to not be treated differently in the workplace because of my sexuality. And it is NOT the right of my employer to treat me differently.

Is it legal for a workplace to fire someone because of his or her gender? No.

Is it legal for a workplace to fire someone because of his or her skin color? No.

Is it legal for a workplace to fire someone because of his or her religion? No.

Is it legal for a workplace to fire someone because of his or her political affiliation? No.

And yet, they would argue that it is somehow perfectly ok to not protect a homosexual.

Get a clue, people! This country has an unbroken history of moving forwards in terms of civil rights. The dykes and fags of this nation are not going to accept the back seat of the bus, nor should we.