No Consensus on US about Gays and Human Rights Like There was None on Blacks
There are statements so outrageous that not even a politician who, one presumes, is schooled in the dark art of "spin," can twirl his way out of it.
That's the position in which Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., finds himself after he said during a House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations hearing last week that "I am a strong believer in traditional marriage, and do not construe homosexual rights as human rights."
One has to stand back and take in the ugliness of those words. Even the context in which he said them doesn't make it easier to stomach.
Smith made his comment before asking a witness whether the Obama administration's support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has hindered U.S. aid to Nigeria for combating terrorist groups, or to faith-based organizations combating disease. Should we be tailoring our positions on human rights to the laws of Nigeria, which last year banned same-sex marriage and declared that people could spend up to 10 years in jail for "making a public show" of same-sex relationships?
As Smith pointed out, there is no consensus in the U.S. or globally supporting gay marriage as a human right. Well, 60 years ago there was no consensus that blacks in America were entitled to the full range of human rights. But that didn't mean they shouldn't have been entitled or that morality didn't demand that all persons work to make those rights a reality for all people.
Smith should not be judged on the basis of one offensive comment or a persistent blind spot when it comes to gays. He tried to clarify his remarks in a statement that said, "All governments have a duty to protect everyone, and I am unequivocally opposed to acts of violence against anyone. All individuals, including LGBT persons, should be treated with respect and compassion."
Those words aren't enough. He needs to back them up with concrete actions that put to rest his infelicitous remark. He must let his constituents know that gay rights and human rights are the same set of rights.
AsburyPark
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