I think it has more to do with having to thank the man for starting the end of slavery in western civilized countries.
Remember that to the MSM, the reparations folks and slavery victimization folks, it is not allowable to thank a white, Christian man for anything.
It's strange that Steyn would write a favorable article about Wilberforce without once mentioning that he was an evangelical Christian.
Check out his "7 Up" BBC series.. now on DVD.
An interesting look at class in the UK over the last 40+ years...