Future American President’s Views on Homosexuality
From Faith and the Law [formatting original]:
On March 14, 1778, George Washington, then Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, approved the sentencing of LT Enslin on attempted sodomy of another soldier. General Washington called it an infamous crime to be viewed “with Abhorrence and Detestation”. He ordered Enslin “to be drummed out of Camp tomorrow morning by all the Drummers and Fifers in the Army never to return.”
Morality in the military is changing.
Who knew George Washington was a bigot?
Some things have certainly changed over the last 200 years. Washington is often credited with initiating the military chaplaincy, as well. Think that institution will change…?
The guy owned slaves. Why exactly would we care about his morality at all?
George Washington in July 1775 issued an order to recruiters, ordering them not to enroll “any deserter from the Ministerial army, nor any stroller, negro or vagabond”. (Emphasis mine).
If Washington’s opinions on homosexual activity is relevant, then is his opinion on whether “negros” should serve also relevant?
@Donalbain
Moral judgments, from you? Who would have thought it? You seem awfully twisted by something you seem to think is irrelevant.
Quote fail, by the way. According to archives, it was Horatio Gates who issued that recruiting guidance.
Skin tone has no comparison in sexual behavior.
Gay sex is an infamous crime.
Enslaving humans is fine.
I adore Christian morality. It’s so funny.
George Washington actually experienced a moral awakening to the system of slavery during his lifetime, and treated his slaves very well. He refused to split up slave families, recognizing their humanity.
Also, it was a Christian – William Wilberforce – who led and saw to completion the charge to end England’s slave trade.
And now we get moral relativism. Yeah, he participated in the disgusting and abhorent practice of slave-ownership, but he wasn’t one of the really NASTY slave owners. Please.. keep the examples of Christian morality coming. I always like a chuckle.
@Donalbain
That’s not what “moral relativism” means.
George Washington likely did many things with which many people will disagree (maybe that’s why he’s only on the $1, and Lincoln got the $5). Regardless, he remains a respected “founding father” of the United States of America.