But things get more complicated when the advocate of gay marriage tries to explain his moral superiority in relation to the polygamist. And this is good because it helps us pause and focus the debate on the current rift between members of the gay community and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons.

The real difference between the typical Mormon and the typical gay activist was on display when Besen challenged the notion that Pastor Rick Warren loves gay people. In disagreeing, Besen said that Warren only wanted to “pray away the gay.” And he said this in a tone dripping with sarcasm.

Anyone who rightly calls himself Christian recognizes that he has all manner of anti-social impulses – to attack others, to lie, or to steal – and he welcomes those who would offer prayers to attenuate these impulses. But the gay activist isn’t so welcoming. He just gets offended.

Today you never hear the phrase “assaulting American”, “lying American”, or “stealing American.” But the term “gay American” is commonplace. That is because most gays have no interest in curbing their impulses. They not only act upon them but allow their expression to become the principal basis of their identity.

When the Mormons were told in the 19th Century that they had no right to polygamy, they decided to modify their religious practices and curtail their sexual behavior. That is why today they are among our most valuable citizens. But gays in the 21th Century have responded to similar dictates by storming into churches and impeding the religious rights of their peaceful neighbors.

I don’t really care where gays get the impulses underlying their sexual identity. But I do ponder the origins of their smug moral condescension.