Values we cherish - We must be clear about tolerance

EVERY democratically elected government should protect the rights and privileges that give dignity to their state’s citizens and legitimacy to that society’s principles, traditions and values.

In the generally liberal, open societies that have come to define the western world tolerance is one of the cornerstone values, especially as the consequences of intolerance are so very vivid in our memories.

Tolerance is one of the principles that makes it possible for people of opposing views to live together in a functioning and peaceful way. It is the reason that this society recognises and protects relationships and family units not recognised by the church once so dominant that it had great influence in these matters.