A few years back, two people, consenting adults both, were engaged in an act of lovemaking within their own home. While physically expressing their love, their door was burst open by police, the couple was rousted, and fined $200.00 each for their sexual activity. Their names? Tyron Gardner and John Geddes Lawrence.

This week, the United States Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of striking down the Texas law that forbid acts of gay sex in Lawrence et al v. Texas. Learn that particular precedent, friends. It's going to become as much a part of your lexicon as Roe v. Wade. Because I'm here to tell you, the right will never sleep until they are sure that Tyron's penis is safe from the clutches of John's wanton affections.

Here's a good example: "Most Americans do not want persons who engage in homosexual conduct as partners in their business, as scout masters for their children, as teachers in their children's schools, or as boarders in their home."

To say that the above is one of the most biggotted statements I've ever read is a gross understatement. Here, let's change it up a little bit, shall we?

"Most Americans do not want persons of color as partners in their business, as scout masters for their children, as teachers in their children's schools, or as boarders in their home."

If anyone opened their mouth and spewed that garbage, they would immediately be adjudicated a racist, ignorant, fool and thrown as far from whatever position of authority they might have. There is no way we could allow a person with views such as this to hold political office, or be in any position where they could influence young minds with their hatred. Yet when the statement is about gays, we sit by and watch it pass.

For the record, the statement above--about gays, not persons of color--was made by Justice Antonin Scalia, in his dissenting opinion in Lawrence et al v. Texas.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. There is a certified biggot sitting on the bench of the Supreme Court. And I'll bet you a million fucking dollars that the man has a copy of "Where the Boys Aren't III," stashed somewhere in his closet. Well, hell, it's a good old fashion American tradition, after all. Thomas Jefferson both owned slaves and fucked them. Televangelists are routinely caught with prostitutes.

And why? Because we are a country founded on religion. We have, "In God We Trust," printed on our currency.

Think about it people. Anything that teaches that your one true way makes you superior, and justifies the killing of those who don't believe as you do cannot help but send one down the road of biggotry.

Let me tell you a little story. A young man, fresh from school, went out into the world to seek his fortune. Upon his path, he met someone whith whom he immediately fell in love. The two of them started their lives together, and they were in a good position. His love had recently purchased a new home, with large fields and plenty of peace and solitude. They moved in together and made themselves a home. For fifty years they lived, loved, and reveled in the joys that only a perfect companionship can bring. Over the years, they made additions to their home and jointly used their incomes to pay off the mortgage. It was a good place. A place with a lifetime of loving memories.

Then, the now old man's love passed away. Somehow, someway, as is the case with all of us, he managed to live through the emotional devestation, though he knew his life would never be as complete as it once was. But he had his happy home, and he had his memories.

But this was a gay couple. Two men. They were never married, of course, and the property had been purchased by the man's lover before they met.

The courts ruled that the property belonged to the family of the deceased, and threw the seventy year-old man off the land and out of the home he had made for fifty years. So the next time you hear someone say, "I believe in gay rights. I just don't believe in giving them special rights," pop the fucker in the mouth for me.

And just to let you know, this happened right here in the good old liberal State of Washington.

It isn't about gays. It isn't about race.

This is about dignity.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of The Abyss