A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY ISSUES : CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN BAPTIST : Wilson’s ‘Rights’ Are Wrong

Score another setback for morality in California. It happened when Gov. Pete Wilson signed AB 2601 into law, granting homosexuals special rights against job discrimination based on sexual preference.

Clearly, Wilson caved in to political pressure that threatened an expected 1994 reelection bid. No doubt he also wanted to avoid a repeat of rioting by homosexuals and their supporters that followed his veto of similar legislation last year. Unfortunately, these days it seems one only needs to make a charge--no matter how absurd--to destroy another’s character, or a threat--no matter how bizarre--to destroy another’s resolve.

The louder someone screams, even an unfounded accusation, the more credibility the charge--and the one making it--seems to have. And the more loaded the language of the accusation, the more monstrous the accused’s behavior will be perceived, regardless of the facts.

Such high-handed, hysterical theatrics have become the norm for pro-homosexual activists. Although a tiny minority, it is a vocal group whose phony claims of discrimination are eagerly lapped up by liberal media and pandering politicians.

On such a battlefield, decent people look to their elected leaders to defend and protect the moral high ground. But when Gov. Wilson retreated into the valley of political expediency, decency suffered a crushing defeat.

Mark. A. Wyatt is editor of the Southern California Baptist newspaper, which publishes weekly in Fresno.