Conservatives still will not like it; they still will be convinced we are going to hell in a hand basket.
But as it becomes clear that as their fears do not come to pass, as no change occurs for those in traditional marriages, as there is no drastic increase in pedophilia, as no church is forced to hold religious services for same sex marriage, gradually it will be less of an issue.
As we see from the conservatives who still have racist beliefs, as we see conservatives who continue to engage in Islamophobia, as we see the conservatives persevere in their homophobia, our world will still be a better place for not allowing them to incorporate their fear and prejudice into actions that affect others.
I am so pleased that the Democrats went to such great efforts to protect the religious beliefs of those who still hold strong prejudice against other Minnesotans, I am so pleased that they have navigated the balance between religious belief on the right, and religious and non-religious difference of belief for all Minnesotans. Senator Dibble quite correctly navigated efforts that would try to impose the views of the extreme on everyone, not just religious bias, but racial, disability and other bias. Senator Ron Latz deserves special applause for his efforts to prevent the broadly damaging amendment that the right tried to insert.
While most of the proceedings were both courteous and considerate, the right, as demonstrated by the video of the debate in the Senate shows that they tried, again, on the right to legalize discrimination on an almost limitless scale. I’m referring to the amendment proposed by Senators Limmer and Gazelka.
This process by the progressives was well done. It was done thoughtfully and with the greatest possible tolerance. We should be equal parts joyous and proud.