"Duck Dynasty" patriarch and reality TV star Phil
Robertson recently said in response to a question during a magazine interview
about what, in his mind, is sinful, "Start with homosexual behavior and
just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that
woman and that woman and those men."
Mr. Robertson ignores the fact that bestiality is certainly possible and
probably more prevalent among heterosexuals than homosexuals; he simply equates
homosexuality with perversion without offering any evidence or ethical
reasoning other than his own admittedly bible-based moral code.
This blind obedience to a primitive moral code is not unique
or rare; many religious fundamentalists such as Sarah Palin, a former candidate
for Vice President, voiced their support for Mr. Robertson.
Palin wrote, "Free speech is endangered species; those
'intolerants' hatin' & taking on Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing
personal opinion take on us all."
This is pure hypocrisy; Ms. Palin has no problem criticizing
others with whom she disagrees. She
offers no First Amendment excuse for them when she does so.
Palin and Robertson are both also under the misconception
that religious belief allows one to be unethical towards others, in this case,
homosexuals. Religion is no excuse,
however. If your religion condones unjustified bigotry, it is a bigoted
religion. Also, the First Amendment does
not shield one from criticism of one's religious beliefs - indeed, the First
Amendment protects the rights of all to criticize religion or anything else.
Hopefully, at some point, enough in society will come to
choose an ethical approach in their lifestance as opposed to merely hiding
behind belief and obedience; that is when real moral progress will be made.
