The debate last week on whether or not to allow adoption agencies run by the Catholic Church the right to refuse to place their children with gay couples on the grounds of faith increasingly agitated me. Thankfully, Downing Street has made the right decision.
In our society I thought that we had accepted the principle of equality; however, now I am not so sure. We have certainly not yet seen it woven into the fabric of our lives where it belongs. It is still but a needle and thread waiting to be stitched.
It is all too common and far too easy for people and organisations to say that they believe in equality and human rights, but when it comes to acting on those words so many fall so short of their meaning.
That is why the decision made by Downing Street’s was the only correct one they could have made and one that I am proud they did.
Allowing the Catholic Church to deny gay couples the right to adopt children from their agencies would have been tantamount to state sponsored discrimination and a clear expression by our Government that the principal of equality is flexible to anyone powerful enough to push it.
If we truly believe that our society is one for all people - one based on equality and fairness - then we must do all that we can, when we can, to realise that and Governments have to take the lead. I hope our Government continues to hold the principal of equality firm and inflexible.
Although this time the right decision has been made, the very debate has further exposed the willingness of some in our society to discriminate on the grounds of difference. It should serve as a reminder to all of us who believe in true equality to keep standing up for what believe in and fighting the good fight until we realise that fair and equal society we dream of.
In our society I thought that we had accepted the principle of equality; however, now I am not so sure. We have certainly not yet seen it woven into the fabric of our lives where it belongs. It is still but a needle and thread waiting to be stitched.
It is all too common and far too easy for people and organisations to say that they believe in equality and human rights, but when it comes to acting on those words so many fall so short of their meaning.
That is why the decision made by Downing Street’s was the only correct one they could have made and one that I am proud they did.
Allowing the Catholic Church to deny gay couples the right to adopt children from their agencies would have been tantamount to state sponsored discrimination and a clear expression by our Government that the principal of equality is flexible to anyone powerful enough to push it.
If we truly believe that our society is one for all people - one based on equality and fairness - then we must do all that we can, when we can, to realise that and Governments have to take the lead. I hope our Government continues to hold the principal of equality firm and inflexible.
Although this time the right decision has been made, the very debate has further exposed the willingness of some in our society to discriminate on the grounds of difference. It should serve as a reminder to all of us who believe in true equality to keep standing up for what believe in and fighting the good fight until we realise that fair and equal society we dream of.
1 comment:
Brilliant idea Rich. I have often ranted at friends over email, as I'm sure all us lefties have. Now we have somewhere to share out rants with like-minded ranters.
Couldn't agree more. Can I add that Governments, of course, operate under competing pressures from groups holding different values and principles. "We get the government we deserve". Our job is partly to change those pressures by persuading people of the benefit of our values. As believers in equality that is necessary not only to allow government the freedom it needs but also because for an egalitarian society to function it needs a strong base of shared values. The corollary is that we need to play good cop, bad cop; stick and carrot. Challenge injustice perpetrated by those with the power to do so of course, and also persuade potential followers of those perpetrators of the benfits to them and their beliefs of a tolerant society.
So here's a question. How do we ensure that catholics or any followers of religion accept the premise of equality? Funnily enough Dave and I were talking about equality the other night. What is it and what is it for? Is it a value in its own right? Partly. But, as we all learn in 1st Year Political Theory, in most European left thinking equality is a means to a greater end; the maximisation of collective and individual freedom. That includes economic, political and social equality and freedom. I could explain what I mean more fully but basically to be tolerated we must all be tolerant. Everyone needs to be reminded of that fact every now and then. That'll do the noo!
Leftie Ranters Unite!!
Dan
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