The Coming Clash of Civilizations over Gay Rights

Supporters of gay rights have been protesting in Western cities this past week, picketing in front of Russian embassies and consulates. They are protesting the passing of a law in the Russian parliament that bans 'homosexual propaganda' directed at under 18-year olds -- which if interpreted strictly, bans all public demonstrations and much public and private discussion on the issue. Not so long ago how a country's administration handled its 'homosexual problem' would be thought of as its business. Many still think that way. But most Western democracies do not. They have not just adopted legislation that enjoins equality of treatment for all, irrespective of sexuality. They have taken seriously, for the most part, the claims made by gay organizations for many years: that discrimination against gay men and women is an affront to civil liberties, and that when some states pursue discriminatory policies, those who do not should make their disapproval clear. Gay rights are now part of the world’s clash of cultures.