Does Being Christian Disqualify Politicians from Leadership?

In the late 1800s, Charles Parnell’s extramarital affair with Kitty O’Shea destroyed his career and arguably thwarted Irish independence. Back then, a person’s sexual practices were considered relevant to his political career. Such times have passed. Today, adultery is far from a resigning offense. Politicians, like everyone else, are free to live in sin even in residence at No. 10 Downing Street. Male politicians who dress up in women’s clothes are no longer called deviants but honored and celebrated as women.

Besides the criminal, there really is only one thing a liberal politician must not do when it comes to sex — and that’s aspire to higher moral standards.

About the Author

Madeleine Kearns

Madeleine Kearns is a former staff writer at National Review.

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In the late 1800s, Charles Parnell’s extramarital affair with Kitty O’Shea destroyed his career and arguably thwarted Irish independence. Back then, a person’s sexual practices were considered relevant to his political career. Such times have passed. Today, adultery is far from a resigning offense. Politicians, like everyone else, are free to live in sin even in residence at No. 10 Downing Street. Male politicians who dress up in women’s clothes are no longer called deviants but honored and celebrated as women.

Besides the criminal, there really is only one thing a liberal politician must not do when it comes to sex — and that’s aspire to higher moral standards.