There is some merit, in fact, a lot of merit, in a Bill of Rights embodied in a Constitution. It tends to slow down mob bigotry, when the mob is in the mood to do that. The EU has such now, but granted that is a multinational enterpise. Oh the horror!
Why isn't it mob bigotry to say that Catholics have to place children for adoption with homosexual couples, or not at all? The good Cardinal sees it that way. Consider his words, and note the date of 1829!
To me this gay rights stuff is like the French Revolution. Scary.
Just a bit of background on where I'm coming from:
Once when I was in grade school, my sister and I visited my grandparents and they were driving us back home. We were almost there when we were stopped by a crossing guard and a bunch of kids. Grampy inquired, "What are these kids doing here? I thought school was out." We replied from the back seat, "Those are the Catholic kids. They're still in school." My grandfather commented, "Oh, well I guess I don't have to be so careful then." "Oh, Albert!" protested my grandmother. He was joking, you see.