Speaking last week at the Neshoba County Fair, Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn said that Republicans’ push this year for a religious freedom law that condoned discrimination against same-sex couples was based on principle, not politics.
“We operate based on conviction,” he said. “We don’t need a poll to tell us that we need to fight for your religious liberty.”
That’s funny, coming from Gunn.
He’s the same person who came out briefly last summer in favor of changing Mississippi’s state flag, only to forget about the issue once he got opposition from other conservative legislators and pro-flag zealots.
Real political conviction means pushing for what’s right and sticking with it even when those who put you in office disagree.
It takes no courage to follow public opinion. The courage comes in leading it.
The Greenwood Commonwealth
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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