Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

A majority of Henderson City Commissioners said they'd like to reconsider a "Fairness" ordinance that elevates sexual orientation and gender identity to civil rights status. An LGBT-rights advocate said opposition to the proposed ordinance was "rooted in hate and intolerance."  But having a different opinion on sexual ethics and public policy doesn't make anyone hateful or intolerant. It simply means one has a different opinion. A common practice of some gay political activists has been to demonize opponents and marginalize their views. Such tactics are unfortunate and unfair—an irony missed by proponents of so-called "Fairness" ordinances. Such labeling and marginalization only short-circuits discussion. True tolerance on the other hand is open to discussion, listens carefully, and respects the other side. And this benefits everyone.