There have been children born out of wedlock since there have been two sexes. Why brand the innocent children as bastards? That's harsh.
"There have been children born out of wedlock since there have been two sexes."
And this makes it right because....? More to today's point: It used to be RARE. Now it is becoming COMMONPLACE. Some of us think that's a bad thing.
"Why brand the innocent children as bastards?"
It's not a "brand," it's what they are; it's descriptive.
"That's harsh."
Of course it is. And it's probably even judgemental. But it might make some of these illegitimate kids grow up and want to do the right thing, in defiance of their irresponsible parents, and get married themselves before they have kids.
Because technically, that is what they are.