Word: macedo
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...friend and squash partner Stephen Macedo has certainly raised the level of much of the debate in The Crimson on the Colorado gay rights case (Evans v. Romer). He shows that it is possible to disagree sharply while maintaining courtesy and restraining indignation. Between ourselves, of course, we need no courtesy and feel no indignation, but that fact merely strengthens the point. His argument persuades me against my inclination to say something more here...
...turn to Macedo's rather fancy argument. Let's begin with the wisest thing Macedo said: "Sexual desire can be a problem." Indeed, as poets, philosophers, theologians and scientists agree, it is a tyrannical passion of overwhelming strength. Sexual desire is too strong to be controlled by reason or natural law derived from reason. It can only be controlled by a force of comparable power, and that is shame...
Shame is a notion missing from Macedo's statement but present in every sexual situation. The need for shame makes it impossible to leave sex to adults consenting in private, because consent needs to be backed up by social agreement on what is shameful. Women, in particular, need the weapon of shame to defend themselves from being bullied and battered by men. Homosexuality is an open challenge to society's sense of shame, as the gays recognize quite well. For if the practices of homosexuals are not shameful, what...
...Macedo's natural law draws the line at promiscuity. Promiscuity is wrong, whether homosexual or heterosexual; and stability of either type is the end. But he also mentions "elevation" as a desirable feature of relationships. Isn't procreation a necessary part of an elevated relationship if it is complete? It is hard to think of the business of conceiving and raising the next generation as merely optional, in which society has no interest. Surely we teachers depend for our livelihood on an ever-renewed supply of young people. And what of shame? Where is the protection--always as difficult...
...constitution's Amendment Two. The plaintiffs in this trial seek to prove the amendment--a statute which prevents cities from including homosexuals specifically in civil rights laws--is unconstitutional. Mansfield testified for the state, which seeks to uphold the amendment. In the same trial, Associate Professor of Government Steven Macedo filed a deposition in support of the plaintiffs. The following is a slightly revised form of Macedo's expert witness testimony...