A new addition to the list of the stupidest arguments against marriage equality. From the New York Times article on the House of Reps debate over same-sex marriage:
Another Georgia Republican, Representative Phil Gingrey, said support for traditional marriage “is perhaps the best message we can give to the Middle East and all the trouble they’re having over there right now.”
I’m trying to imagine what would have to be going through someone’s mind to make “we should ban same-sex marriage to send a message to the Middle East” seem like an even remotely rational argument.
Was he thinking that if there’s anything wrong with the middle east, it’s that the culture there is too accommodating of homosexuals, and so we must set a good example by not accommodating our local queers? Was he thinking that the reason people kidnap Israeli soldiers is because lesbians and gays in Massachusetts are getting married, and so we should therefore attempt to placate them by assuring them we hate gays, too? Was he too high on crack to be thinking anything at all? It’s a mystery.
UPDATE: By the way, this is far from being the most repulsive, bigoted, anti-queer statement to come out of an elected Republican this week.
[Cross-posted on Creative Destruction, where the moderation is lighter.].
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It’s not just an idiotic comment on marriage.
It’s also a slap in the face to the Middle East:
The best “message” we could send regarding that idiot is to vote him out of office. Now THAT might help the Middle East.
Sigh. Are we really a representative government?
I suspect that he’s thinking a show of cultural solidarity – “both of our cultures believe marriage is between men and women only” – might be helpful.
It’s a dumb reason to oppose gay marriage, but the underlying point isn’t stupid.
Yeah, it’s incredibly helpful.
No, I think that the statement is predicated on the assumption that permitting gay marriage will lead to the decline and weakening of our “culture” / “civilization” / country, a prospect that is sure to delight our enemies in the Middle East. Therefore, banning same-sex marriage will show our enemies that we will remain strong.
Twisted, I know. But I’ll bet you that’s the reasoning.
Actually, I have read a number of comments from Christian leaders in Moslem areas who say that Moslem extremists are publicizing tolerance of same-sex sexual activity and marriage by various Christian sects and American society as proof that we are unholy and corrupt and therefore need to be killed. We’re not talking about Pat Robertson right-wing Protestant types, either, but leaders in the Anglican Church (of which the Episcopal Church is the local franchise).
I wonder if Gingrey is aware that under Islam it is permissible for a Moslem man to marry up to 4 women (Is that traditional under Christianity?) I guess it must be so if Gingrey wants to use that as a “device” for mutual peace!?? I guess the Rep is okay with Mormon polygamy!