When the minister and abolitionist Theodore Parker published “Of Justice and Conscience” in 1853, the United States of America was bitterly divided over the issue of slavery. At the time, the country was undergoing rapid expansion. With each new territory, the nation was faced with a choice: either allow the brutality of slavery to grow and persist or end it once and for all. 

“Of Justice and Conscience” emerged in this context. Expressing a sense of hope and optimism, it was here that Parker shared his belief that the course of human history trends toward justice, freedom, and equality. Nearly a century later, the sermon would have a profound impact on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his 1968 speech “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” King condensed Parker’s sentiments and declared that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” 

The words of King and Parker continue to echo throughout history. This is particularly true today, as the United States reckons with renewed legislative assaults on the rights of LGBTQ Americans. The belief that human events trend toward equality is encouraging indeed. Still, nestled within King’s optimistic words is a sense of caution. 

The Arc of the Moral Universe

Perhaps unsurprisingly, King’s words would go on to be favorites of President Barack Obama. Himself a symbol of change and progress, the years of his presidency coincided with massive strides for LGBTQ Americans. The most celebrated among these was the Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. The landmark decision made marriage equality the law of the land and seemingly marked a new era of progress in the United States. 

The profound insights of Parker and King reveal a sobering truth about the struggle for equality and human rights. By likening this struggle to an arc, they show us that progress and change are not linear. Rather, they wax and wane with the times. Thus, it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and never take progress for granted. 

“Don’t Say Gay” Bills and Supreme Court Uncertainty 

Less than 10 years after Obergefell v. Hodges, the human rights environment for LGTBQ Americans can seem shockingly regressive. Despite the global expansion of same-sex marriage, the state of Florida is currently enacting legislation that aims to de-legitimize the realities of same-sex couples by removing them from public school discourse. Across the country, other states are attempting similar legislation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is even taking state action against the Walt Disney Company for its opposition to the legislation. 

Additionally, the conservative super-majority that rules the current Supreme Court continues to raise concerns about the future of civil liberties like reproductive rights and marriage equality. The current political environment feels radically different than in the mid-2010s. There is a sense that things are moving backward rather than forward. Taking a hard look at the current challenges facing LGBTQ Americans allows us to put the observations of King and Parker into their proper context. 

Silver Linings For LGBTQ Americans

Parker and King were profound communicators because they could seamlessly balance idealist and realist perspectives. Human rights must be won and protected. To do this, one must first believe that change is possible. At the same time, one must expect opposition and push back. Most importantly, when progress is won, it cannot be taken for granted. It must be cherished, defended, and renewed with each passing day.

Understanding the “arc of the moral universe” helps one work towards a better world while also avoiding despair and complacency. This is the truth that Parker and King aimed to communicate, and their wisdom will influence many for generations to come.