Right Wing Concerned About Roberts

If you've recently tuned into some quality right wing hackery on 770 AM, you'll probably notice the recent concerns voiced by commentators such as Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Mark Levin about John Robert's participation in a gay rights case in Colorado, during his time as a lawyer at the Hogan & Hartson law firm. (Here is whole story, via real clear politics)

Roberts, who did not personally argue the case, helped with the strategy of the gay rights advocates, who were fighting a ballot initiative that would have outlawed legislation seeking anti-discrimination measures for homosexuals in the Colorado constitution. According to sources at the law firm, Roberts helped colleagues who were arguing the case by playing the role of anticipated critics, such as Antonin Scalia, who were bound to try and trip up the gay rights lawyers during the supreme court hearings.

Sean Hannity yesterday voiced skepticism over Robert's stance on the issue, noting that "this has nothing to do with gay rights, simply the constitution". Unfortunately for Hannity, the court ruled 6-3 that a law preventing homosexuals from seeking the equal anti-discrimination laws that other groups are granted would indeed, conflict with the 14th amendment "equal protection" clause.

It would be heartening to see mainstream conservatives reject the rhetoric of right wing hacks such as Hannity and inform the public that Roberts was on the side of the constitution, not the special interests. How could it possibly be constitutional to distinguish one group of people as inelligible for government protection? This is why gay marriage, which is a legal contract recognized by the state, should be available to same sex couples, as marriage is a form of government protection, as seen by the rights given exclusively to married couples, such as exemptions from testifying against one another as well as hospital visits reserved for family.

Liberal Blogger "The Republic of T" comments on the story.