Special rights - Definition and Overview

"Special rights" is a political term used primarily by conservatives in the United States to refer to laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The phrase is usually used as a way of framing debate in such a way as to promote one point of view.

In the U.S., it is illegal to discriminate against people because of their sex, race, or religion. However in many cases, discrimination against homosexuals is legally practiced. Some companies or organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Military, do not allow those who admit they are gay to join. Many gay rights organizations are active in trying to prevent this sort of discrimination. The term "special rights" arose as a reaction to this.

Many conservative groups assert that homosexuals are attempting to gain special rights for themselves at the expense of society as a whole. Ralph Reed, Republican political strategist and former executive director of the Christian Coalition, said "No one should have special rights or privileges, or minority status because of their sexual behaviour. We don't have it for people who are polygamists, we don't have it for people who have affairs on their wives or husbands. . ." Other groups have expressed similar sentiments.

Many gay rights groups counter that no special rights are being sought. According to this view, prevention of discrimination confers equal rights, not special rights.

See also: Same-sex marriage, Don't ask, don't tell