Reply #52: That's a loaded question

[Recursion]

Do you mean GLBT people's right to life, liberty, and property? Yes, those rights are beyond compromise, debate or expediency. Their right to live free from government or commercial discrimination? Also beyond compromise.

But, I think neither gay nor straight people have an inherent right to government recognition of their committed relationships with one another. I'd personally like to see the government get out of the "marriage" business altogether. Since it seems here to stay, I would prefer they recognize gay relationships as readily as they do straight relationships. It's a gross injustice that the government doesn't. But not all gross injustices are violations of inherent and non-negotiable rights (it's grossly unjust for me to give $1000 to one hungry person and nothing to another; neither has an inherent right to my money). However, if the result of a gay marriage fight is that the government remains in the hands of Republicans, I don't think one can responsibly pretend anyone, let alone GLBT Americans, will be better off for that. Like I said, I'd rather see the government stop recognizing straight marriages, so that's a lot of where I'm coming from.