[Ray20]

In my understanding, authoritarianism is not only defined by the desire to strengthen their own power, but also by the desire to bring the way of life of all other people in line with their own moral values.

For example, the persecution of homosexuals is widely recognized as an authoritarian behavior and has nothing to do with consolidate of authority

[perching_aix]

> the persecution of homosexuals is widely recognized as an authoritarian behavior

I have unfortunately missed out on that then, because I both do not recognize it as authoritarian behavior, nor do I recognize that recognition to be widely established at all.

There is a distinct correlation between authoritarian regimes and homosexuals being persecuted that I'm also aware of, but this is absolutely the first time I've ever heard someone describe the persecution of homosexuals as an authoritarian behavior.

Maybe we read the phrase here different? When I read "authoritarian behavior" I do not read it as "behavior associated with authoritarians", but instead as "behavior that is authoritarian in its nature".

[Ray20]

> nor do I recognize that recognition to be widely established at all.

> absolutely the first time I've ever heard someone describe the persecution of homosexuals as an authoritarian behavior

Google defines "authoritarian" even more broadly than I do:

> favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.

So I would say that that recognition is established extremely wide.

[bitmasher9]

The persecution of homosexuals absolutely has an impact on consolidating authority.

* Some of your political opponents will be homosexual, so it gives you an avenue to remove them. You can turn a blind eye to your political allies, if they are discrete.

* You can use the accusation to persecute anyone.

* It sets the frame that the authority governs every private aspect of your life.

[Ray20]

Amazing mental gymnastics, literally every point is applicable to prosecution for not wearing a seat belt.

Only there are even more people who do not wear seat belts than practicing homosexuals, i.e. by your logic, a fine for not wearing a seat belt is MORE AUTHORITARIAN than the law on persecuting homosexuals.

[bitmasher9]

Sorry, I was not making a point about the larger discussion about wearing a seatbelt.

While I agree that we shouldn’t have laws regulating seatbelt usage (for adults), I find your comparison disgusting and think it does more harm than good for gaining support.