Gay Rights in Ireland

The one question I have on issues like this is whether or not human rights should be determined by public opinion. Is a referendum the best way to make decisions on core issues?

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Historically, they have been decided by a smaller group of individuals and often against general public opinion. Look, as an example, at the Civil Rights Act history in the US. It began in the 1950s with a few people that felt that black voting rights were being trampled upon. Here is a link to the Alabama voter registration procedure from the period. There were three parts, the initial application found here which by lawhad to be completed alone and without help. In addition you had to acomplete two sections dealing with literacy (as it relates to both reading, comprehension and knowledge of US politics and Alabama State Law) which can be seen here.If the Voting Rights Act of 1957 had depended on a general referendum, it would never have passed at all. Likewise, the amendments that were enacted in 1964 would never have had a chance of passage.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

In a matter of changing the US Constitution, we too have to go through a referendum. However, we do have somewhat more flexibility as the requirement here is for ratification by the States, thus the voting can be done at the State Legislature level as opposed to the individual level. Steps for amending the US Constitution

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

aren't we moving way too far away from "Gay Rights in Ireland?"

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

I realized that so let me see if I can answer within the context of this thread.IMHO most movement to define human rights will come from a very small group, often an individual. They (the newly defined rights) should lead to an increase in individual freedom.The big job is how to best market those rights?

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Nor do I have anything against discussing the issues. In fact, I believe that's necessary. How do you get from a definition of human rights being those that increase individual freedom to the ideals of minority?This is why I was worried this would lead us off topic.Please, let's stick to the topic. And that's great. I was not criticising what they are doing. It's a different situation than what exists in the US. All I was doing was contrasting the methods used here, and stating that popularity of a postition should not be the basis for determining what rights a human has.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Can we take this to a new thread. If you agree I can spin off your last message as the start of a new thread.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion