Should the government legislate morality or not? Why?

Question

Abortion

Gay marriage (even though it is technically a state issue; look at it from the state's perspective)

Stem cell research

Any other examples you want to discuss

Answer 1

I think all laws in all countries came about under a some sort of guise of morality. As societies have mixed and changed what was immoral yesterday we don't even think about today. It used to be illegal for even a married couple to kiss in public as this was an immoral display. Obviously we wouldn't outlaw that now.

So what I am saying is it is relative isn't it? I mean there are some basic things that will always be immoral, your basic murder, theft, assult, rape type crimes. Why are they always considered illegal and immoral? Because they hurt people. Obviously some of these things can be subjective in the eyes of the law too. Like is abortion murder? Is having sex with a 15 year old girl rape?

Some of these things do have to be re-examed generationally, although somethings I think go too far, like movements to lower the age of consent. I don't know if you have this issue so much in the US but in Canada and Europe it comes up.

Abortion is a hard one because if you use the "it hurt people someone rule" you have to admit that it is harmful for a 15 year old girl to have a baby. (still prolife myself but I admit that is an issue)

Stem cell research I just don't understand enough of and and again it may save lives so I guess this is why we elect representives to hash this out for us.

Oh I should add gay marriage because it is a good "morality" one. Even as a Christian I don't oppose gay marriage in legislation because I recognize that these poeple do not have the same beliefs as I do and there for I can not hold them up to the same moral template as I have for myself and fellow Christians (not that I have a template but if I did). It is not hurting anyone personally that I can see for them to have a legal union as long as they don't try to force religious orders to condone the marriage. The thing is I also think that it is morally wrong for people to force their beliefs on others so I have to accept different beliefs to a point as does the government whose job it is to decide at what point someones actions are crossing this moving invisible line of todays "morality".

Answer 2

You can boil every law down to the legislation of morality.

Specifically, gay marriage: State's issue, as decided by the US S. Ct., when it over-ruled Congress' DOMA.

Specifically, EMBRYONIC stem cell research: Manufacturing embryos for science, with government funding, is Unconstitutional.

Specifically, abortion: The present law, allowing abortion is a consequence of illegal judicial legislation by an activist S. Ct. in 1973. Currently, some states are passing anti-abortion legislation, which will be challenged by a pro-choice group (ACLU) and end up in the S. Ct., where the correct Constitutional decision would send the matter to the states, as per the 10th Amendment.

Answer 3

that is critical to that we do not enable the ignorant fundies to pressure their lack of understanding into our guidelines, our authorities, and our colleges. it really is only a count number of time till now gay marriage reaches the total courtroom. on the instantaneous, the Justices will legalize it for the entire u . s . a .. "The civil rights of none will be abridged subsequently of religious idea or worship, nor shall any nationwide faith be established, nor shall the completed and equivalent rights of expertise of correct and incorrect be in any way, or on any pretence, infringed.'' - James Madison (unique wording of the first change; Annals of Congress 434 (June 8, 1789).)

Answer 4

yeah how about when Tipper and Al Gore wanted to censor rock and rap in the 1980's because they thought it was "bad" for people.

lol. Democrats as party of the people my bum.

Answer 5

MORALITY IS A BELIEF JUST LIKE THE BIBLE BUT A PERSON SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHAT MAKES THEM FEEL GOOD AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T AFFECT OR HURT ANY ONE ELSE.

Answer 6

Americans have no morals, so why not?