Instapundit points to a proposed change in the Tennessee Bar standards of ethical conduct that are pretty clearly intended to provide a way to disbar lawyers who don't smile stupidly when you ask them to support gay marriage. It makes it unlawful for a lawyer to engage in "words or conduct" that manifest "bias or prejudice based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status." There is some weasel wording that seems to protect "Legitimate advocacy" but it is also pretty clear that opposition to gay marriage is definitely outside the realm of "legitimate advocacy" of the left. I am sure that a lawyer who represents the interests of someone opposed to abortion would be engaged in sexual discrimination, under the reasoning that the left now holds.
I am very pleased and impressed with most of the comments in opposition. I think everyone with half a brain can see that this is yet another attempt to shut up those who do not accept current orthodoxy on homosexuality.
There is a strong fascist streak in progressive thought, and when you combine that with the inability of the gay activists to brook any disapproval, the result is stuff like this.
Fascism was either present at the birthing of progressivism or vice versa, and they were raised in the same litter.
ReplyDeleteHell, I think that code might make it a violation for a lawyer to note that poor clients are less likely to pay on time.
ReplyDeleteThat's "socio-economic status", and that it's True (assuming it is, as I believe it likely to be) won't be a useful defense against "prejudice".