Kavanaugh’s seat on U.S. Supreme Court leaves LGBTQ+ rights at stake

The addition of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court is certainly a step towards eliminating LGBTQ+ equal rights in that country.

The right-wing, evangelistic-thinking justice is known to be against same-sex marriage and is opposed to pro-choice abortion. This development means that the Republicans control the Supreme Court and have the ability and the willingness to overturn all that has been accomplished in the way of equal rights and abortion access.

Of course, this is not surprising in the least, as we were fully aware of Donald Trump’s outlook, and that being in control as president, his party has the opportunity to dismiss any chances of heading in a direction where LGBTQ+ citizens and others will be protected.

We have heard the threats, and we are very much aware of the five Republican justices on the United States Supreme Court. Any changes to what we used to celebrate as equality are now at stake for the LGBTQ+ citizens south of the border. The right-wing evangelistic justices on this court will be in a position to change direction that will surely diminish equal rights. The United States, in the hands of Republicans, is set to continue as an intolerant country, thanks to Trump, his cabinet and the Republican Party.

We must consider the dangers that may have some effect on Canada’s LGBTQ+ equal rights if a conservative right-wing government is in power. We would like to believe that these attitudes do not exist here, but let me assure you that it is possible. As pointed to in an earlier column, we do have politicians who, if voted in to govern our nation, could possibly take such negative action. If Doug Ford or the likes of Alberta opposition leader Jason Kenney become national party leaders, then we may be in the same position as is expected in the United States.

This is not only a scary thought but a possible result if our government turns to a right-wing evangelistic regime. Ideas have a habit of crossing borders and could be implemented in Canada. This happens in some countries in Europe where many nations are influenced by others on that continent, but mainly in Eastern countries. Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ citizens are constantly battered by the police, and yes, its citizens, as gay rights are challenged daily.

Russia’s anti-gay movement is very strong, as 63 per cent of its population believes that gays are conspiring to subvert the nation’s traditional values, according to a survey recently conducted by the state-run Russian Public Opinion Research Center.

“There is the strong belief in the existence of an organization that seeks to destroy the spiritual values generated by Russians, through the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations,” the poll states.

This is quite common in eastern nations, especially where tradition means more than equality for all. Ukraine and others are in the same position, as ideas cross borders and negatively affect LGBTQ+ citizens. The federal courts in those countries are controlled by their respective governments and really carry no weight. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and so many others in the area are also heavyweights as far as the courts are concerned, and where LGBTQ+ rights are really non-existent.

So, as we contemplate the changes that may occur as we move forward in North America, we must be on guard and be ready to counteract the discrimination that may come from the highest courts. Brett Kavanaugh is against same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights and there is every indication that this will be dealt with in short order.

The highest courts in our society are decidedly given the power to change course, therefore, discrimination is practised at the highest level, as well. It’s a sad time when some of the world’s highest courts practice discrimination. Hopefully, Canada will never follow suit!