Is this a joke?

A news release came in this morning about a flare-up in British parliament over…among other things….the opinion of a Miss USA pageant finalist.

The Christian Peoples Alliance reports (no link):

The Leader of the Conservatives, David Cameron MP, is being urged to disassociate himself from remarks made last night on the BBC about marriage by fellow shadow cabinet member, Alan Duncan MP. The call has been made by former Tory parliamentary candidate and NEC member, Sid Cordle, following a broadcast of “Have I Got News for You”. Alan Duncan – the Shadow Leader of the House – told the audience “If you read that Miss California has been murdered then you’ll know it’s me.”  His outburst was caused by a news report that the runner-up at the Miss USA beauty, Carrie Prejean – said she believed that “a marriage should be between a man and a woman”.

Whether said in cynical jest or in a fit of uncontrolled anger, this is unacceptable in civil discourse….much less in the media by a member of parliament. One Conservative Party member quickly responded:

“This man is on the Conservative Front Bench and it is clear from the context of his remarks that this was not light banter. We are told the Conservatives are the party of law and order and marriage and the family.  We urgently need to hear from David Cameron that he condemns this statement. Silence is not good enough when the opinion is expressed that death is appropriate for someone who believes that gay marriage is wrong.”….

“It is clear that Alan Duncan thinks fear will stop the orthodox views of the many being aired on these issues. These sorts of remarks have no place in a democratic society.  David Cameron has been condemning the increasing threats to free speech from this Labour Government.  Now he has to tell us where he stands.”…

Does he or does he not believe in the traditional family? Does he or does he not believe in peoples rights to express their views openly on moral issues without threats?”

We’re at the point in our democratic societies where asking such direct questions and answering them with clarity and conviction have become radical departures.