Whose right is it to legislate morality?

Question

Can we get this figured out once and for all, please?

Answer 1

I think some people don't understand the difference between legislating morality and restricting personal rights.

Answer 2

Depends what kind of government you have. If you are a monarchy, then it is the king's right to decide. If a theocracy, then it is the ruling magistrates or perhaps an interpretation of a holy book. In a democracy, the people vote on the laws that will bind them. In a federal-republic, there are sovereign regions where the people elect a magistrate who will decide on the laws accordingly.

Answer 3

We legislate morality everyday in the United States. You can't murder. You can't steal. You can't cheat. You can't harm your children. You can't cross the street against the light.

Every law stems from a moral decision. Why should it be any different?

Answer 4

What difference does it make. There are dozens of ways to circumvent legislation... crime, payoffs, brains. The reality is that right or wrong, the ends usually justify the means in this world.

Answer 5

In a democratic society it is everyone's right. But I understand that voting is not compulsory in the USA. Yet when the government makes unpopular decisions everyone whinges.

Answer 6

No one's. No one should have the right to tell another how to live or what to do with their bodies or lives, as long as another living being is not harmed. Civil matters are another thing.

This will never be resolved as long as there are people that belive they have the right to tell others what they "should" do, think, or be....in the name of whatever; be it Jesus, safety, or anything else.

Answer 7

Apparently it's the right of the Republicans....

Answer 8

God's.

~Neeva

p.s. I'm glad to have that finally settled.

Answer 9

Only God.