[Demidog]

Part of the function of our society is to maintain norms of interaction that will allow us to survive.

LOL. You mis-spelled "government." What people who advocate "society's" role in defining what behavior should and should not be punished and squashed are really saying is that they want men with guns to impose their will on the rest of society.

That means government. And government's role is not to tweak and govern behavior such that we are left with the theocratic utopia that some authoritarians salivate over.

Government's role is to protect the rights of its citizens. And it is not a right to be free from members of society who practice "offensive" behavior. The government is not God and is not responsible for punishing sinful behavior so that you can feel smug and righteous.

"Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord." God claims that job. Let him have it.

[Khepera]

Your argument lacks merit because you want the same thing. You want men with guns to force us to live like you want us to live. Very hypocritical of you.

[ArGee]

What people who advocate "society's" role in defining what behavior should and should not be punished and squashed are really saying is that they want men with guns to impose their will on the rest of society.

It didn't always require government. All it required was people who understood civic virtue and weren't afraid to practice it.

Just to help you understand this, every high school has a dress code. Most high schools don't have an administrative policy on dress codes, but those high schools have them just the same. The administration doesn't enforce them.

The students do.

Shalom.