I feel Gerson is trying to say that although some religious believers understand about gay rights, but most do not. I feel Gerson is saying he thinks that even if there is not equality people should understand and try to realize the concept of pluralism, which would be understanding the equality some people feel is deserved. Pluralism is when you can have to very different concepts coexists as one, think of it as two stubborn people agreeing fairly on a situation that should arouse controversy. Gerson also states during the whole article that some universities should allow this concept of pluralism by allowing gay groups on campus providing a place of understanding.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-call-for-patient-pluralism/2015/02/12/f9a636e4-b300-11e4-886b-c22184f27c35_story.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-call-for-patient-pluralism/2015/02/12/f9a636e4-b300-11e4-886b-c22184f27c35_story.html