Is David French Celebrating Same-Sex Marriage?
One of the more controversial figures in conservative figures is David French. French was known for a long time as a respected conservative commentator. But in recent years, he has become much more moderate. His critics would say progressive.
Recently, many conservatives on social media have attacked French over his statements about legislation in the United States designed to protect same-sex marriage. You can read his article here.
To read comments by conservatives, you would think David French is the antichrist. At the very least, they see French and his winsome approach to be a threat to traditional marriage.
I will be honest and say that I do not know what David French’s personal view of same-sex marriage is. But having read his article, I do understand something of what he is saying.
He is saying that in a nation with healthy pluralism, there is room for LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom. Here is one of French’s key statements:
That’s how pluralism is supposed to work. It is possible for people with profoundly different worldviews to enjoy both individual liberty and freedom from workplace discrimination.
This is where the conflict really lies. It is not about same-sex marriage vs traditional marriage. This is about pluralism vs Christian nationalism.
I found nothing in French’s article that was of concern for me. I think that he is absolutely correct in his evaluation and conclusions.
But that is because I am not a Christian nationalist. I am a Canadian and not an American but I don’t think that either country is a Christian nation and their governments should not be seeking to enforce the values of a certain subset of Christianity.
I am not denying that either country has had Christian influence and that the church has played a significant role.
But healthy pluralism looks at how the nation is right now and seeks to make space for all groups to flourish. Not every American (and definitely not every Canadian) is a conservative evangelical Christian and nor should every citizen be forced to live under rules based on that tradition.
Just because a certain segment of the population rejects same-sex marriage based on religious belief does not mean that the rest of the population has to adopt that position.
At the same time, I strongly believe that Christians, who in good faith, cannot perform a same-sex wedding, should not be forced to. If we can make room for LGBTQ+ people, we can make room for conservative Christians as well.
Pluralism does not mean that we make all people look and act the same. Pluralism is about making room for others, even when, especially when we disagree with them.
Some conservative Christians, specifically Christian nationalists, see David French as an enemy. He is definitely not an ally of Christian nationalism.
But I do not see David French as pushing same-sex marriage. I see him as being a winsome voice for a healthy pluralism that respects the differences of all people. This is something desperately needed among Christians these days. I’m thankful that he is able to provide a Christian message that reflects a thoughtfulness and respect for others.
