Let's debate gay marriage logically
I'm an intelligent person, passionate about my own opinions, however in a country fueled by the pluralism of ideas I can reasonably understand and accept the many opinions people may have on the debate of gay marriage within the context of the church's authority. But can we please agree at least that citing bible passages in the context of a policy debate whose outcome will be to govern all, including the non believers, lacks the necessary legitimacy that an argument such as this requires?
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In a government that relies solely on expert testimony, statistical data and quantitative information to create policy, to support legislation based on faith based texts and gut feelings is both irresponsible and poisonous to the foundation of our democracy. I urge those against same sex marriage to step up to the plate and cite independently accredited research that substantiates any one of your stances that speaks to the negation of same sex marriage. I and any other pro gay rights supporter would be eager to have that discussion. However I fear that this debate will never find its way into the arena of logic and reason because those who rail against same sex marriage cannot display any verifiable evidence that demonstrates any social, economical or physiological detriment to our society in the event of implementation and practice of same sex marriage.
I ask, when in the recorded history of this government have we ever enacted legislation based solely on biblical interpretation? The civil rights of those yearning for equality are once again being threatened. To act as stewards of this great democracy we must not resort to hyperbole or demagoguery, we must reason together and rationally debate whether same sex marriage would be beneficial to our country as a whole.
Ben Timmins
New Oxford
Ed17406W · June 30, 2008 9:16 PM
Ben, you're right, but you're asking for the impossible. Opposition to same sex marriage has nothing to do with logic and reason; it has everything to do with fear, prejudice and ignorance.
What opponents of same sex marriage will never admit are (1) the nature of marriage has changed numerous times throughout recorded history and (2) marriage in the U.S. today is a civil, more or less contractual matter.
On the second point, you cannot get legally married in this country without a license issued by the state. Whether the marriage ceremony is performed by a cleric is irrelevant. Whether or not you've been married in the eyes of God is irrelevant. If you don't have a marriage license issued by the state, you aren't married.
It follows logically that if the state chooses to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, those couples will be legally married. No cleric will be forced to conduct a marriage ceremony that he or she doesn't want to conduct. No church will be forced to recognize a marriage of which it doesn't approve. But the couple will still be married in the eyes of the law, which is what matters to them.
If Adam and Steve want to show their commitment to each other by getting married, and want the legal benefits that come with wedded bliss, that should not have any effect on anyone else's marriage. Straight couples will be just as married as they were before Adam and Steve tied the knot.
Marriage -- it's not just for procreation any more. In fact, it never has been.