Toleration or totalitarianism - that is the choice

Calton is extremely disappointed to learn that Highland Council is opposed to allowing opt-outs for registrars who do not agree with same-sex marriage. You can't force someone to believe something, whether it is the Bible, the Koran, the Great Pumpkin or gay marriage. In stating their opposition to opt-outs the council are saying to some registrars that their beliefs don't matter, are of no value and can be trampled on. In effect, "toe the line or face the boot". Who exactly at the council has decided this? Is it the democratically elected councillors or is it some politically correct civil servants? Whoever it is, they are trying to justify their decision by quoting a 2011 survey which purports to show a majority in the Highlands in favour of same-sex marriage. Calton finds that very hard to believe. Even if true, does that mean that the rights and beliefs of the minority can be disregarded? Is that the sort of society we want to live in? Gay marriage is an incredibly divisive issue, with strong feelings on both sides. If we cannot learn to tolerate each other's views on this and allow opt-outs, we will end up with a totalitarian society. That is the choice we face.