Why Is HB176 Wrong?
WHY SHOULD A CONSERVATIVE OPPOSE HB176?
It TRIVIALIZES existing civil rights laws. Presently, to qualify as a “protected class” under existing civil rights laws, our courts have consistently maintained that a class must exhibit specific criteria such as an undeniable, non-behavior-based characteristic (skin color, gender), a history of discrimination resulting in economic deprivation, and a lack of political representation. Clearly, those who identify themselves by their sexual orientation or gender identity do not meet any of these criteria. The courts have insisted that these criteria apply in order to prevent the abuse of these protections by special interest groups. No one wants to see people’s civil rights violated; however, we must insure the effectiveness of our existing laws for the protection of the truly deserving.
It was NEVER about civil rights. The reality is this legislation will likely die in the Senate. Most liberal bloggers will admit that there was no real expectation that it would ever make it to the Governor’s desk. Its true purpose was to advance a liberal agenda. This has been a liberal tactic for some time. They aggressively push these debates into the public forum in an effort to desensitize voters. In time, future legislation seems “harmless” in comparison, voters accept it, and they successfully progress their liberal agenda.
It does NOT reflect conservative principles and values. As a voter, I’ve grown weary of candidates who will say and/or do anything to gain my support, and then abandon the platform they campaigned on and serve their own agenda in office. This is an epidemic on a national, state, and local level. Mr. Hite is just one more example of a Representative that forgot the definition of his title. I don’t care if a candidate wants to run as a Liberal; however, I do care when a candidate campaigns on a Conservative platform and then fails to represent accordingly. I blame the Republican Party to some degree but the majority of blame lies in the hands of voters like you and me. We stand by as our Representatives turn their backs on the voters that elected them, and then we reelect them. What message are we sending? It’s time to send a new message, “If you fail to represent us appropriately, we will replace you.”
