The essential argument about how to create a democratic society that is tolerant of difference revolves around an old and simple question: Do stateways make folkways?
In other words, do laws really change the way people of different social inclinations act toward each other?
The deeply held belief in Western democracies is that they most certainly do. The social contract is just that -- a contract. Consequently, even those who would rather not abide by the rules, and who would rather not treat certain minorities with respect, are obliged to. Otherwise, they pay the legal penalty.