I say the law should be blind to race, gender and sexual orientation, just as it claims to be blind to wealth and power. There should be no specially protected groups of any kind, except for children, the severely disabled and the elderly, whose physical frailty demands society's care.

Camille Paglia’s quote, “I say the law should be blind to race, gender, and sexual orientation, just as it claims to be blind to wealth and power,” reflects her belief in equality under the law. Paglia argues that the legal system should treat all individuals equally, without granting special protection or consideration based on their identity or social characteristics. Her call for the law to be “blind” echoes the traditional ideal that justice should be administered impartially, without bias toward race, gender, or sexual orientation, just as it is meant to be blind to wealth and social status.

In the second part of her statement, Paglia acknowledges that while the law should treat most individuals equally, there are certain groups that require special protection, namely children, the severely disabled, and the elderly. She argues that these groups’ physical frailty or unique vulnerabilities justify their need for additional care and protection from society. This suggests that while equality is a fundamental principle, compassion and social responsibility are essential for ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

Camille Paglia, a well-known feminist scholar and social critic, is recognized for her provocative and often controversial views on gender, society, and culture. Her stance on the law and equality reflects her belief in individual responsibility and freedom, as well as a critique of policies she perceives as overprotective or overly focused on group identity. Her argument against specially protected groups highlights her concern for fairness and the universal application of the law, as opposed to laws that might favor one group over another.

In summary, Paglia’s quote advocates for a legal system that upholds equality, ensuring that race, gender, and sexual orientation are not factors in legal decisions. At the same time, she calls for society to recognize the special needs of the vulnerable—those who require additional care due to their physical condition. The quote encapsulates Paglia’s philosophy of balancing individual rights with societal responsibility, and her vision of a legal system that is both just and compassionate.