It Must Be an Election Year

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/15/same.sex.marriage/index.html

I will be against this ruling as soon as somebody tells me who it hurts...

When it comes to any question of one's individual rights, my question is always, who can it hurt? This is why I believe in regulation regarding gun ownership.

The "sanctity of marriage" is in extreme disarray in the United States and has been in the world for quite some time. But, the threat to marriage is not homosexual matrimony, but a lack of understanding of the meaning of marriage. The divorce rate in this country is roughly fifty percent, many people are unfaithful, many mistreat their spouse. Of course, my opinion is that, with the exception of abuse, these are things that one should not be illegal. But, if you are going to protest something about marriage, these are more important issues.

I understand religious beliefs play strongly into one's opinion on this issue. I think the Bible is somewhat hazy on the issue of marriage and homosexuality, but I do understand why others feel a stronger conviction on this issue. That is why I believe there should be a strict separation of church and state for this issue. If your church chooses to not allow gay marriage to occur at or in your church, that is perfectly acceptable to me. Of course, I will be unlikely to attend your church, but as long as you do not ostracize and persecute any homosexuals, I have no major problem.

However, the legal benefits of being married cannot be overlooked. Gay couples who are not allowed to participate in marriage or civil unions are not allowed to reap the benefits of legal family life. This means inclusion on health care plans and visitation rights among others. This brings up the constitutional debate for gay marriage/civil unions. As a heterosexual, my immediate family, including my wife (if I had one) would be able to benefit from my family health care plan if I worked for the state, would be allowed to see me, and would legally be allowed to execute my living will. Homosexual partners do not have this same legal right, therefore, the constitutional law argument goes, they are not guaranteed "equal protection of the law."

Bottom line: Marriage in our society is in trouble, and we should applaud anybody willing to fight to make it work, even if their definition of marriage is slightly different than our own.

Rabbit