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A Closer Look: Public outcry against gay marriage surprisingly limited
By TERRY MAXWELL/Arizona Range News
The U. S. Senate is preparing to vote on a constitutional ban on gay marriage in a couple of weeks. A vote that many senators would prefer to ignore because of the political ramifications that surround this emotion-packed issue.
Interestingly, the American people are quite taciturn about the issue, even though the majority opposes gay marriage.
A nationwide Gallup poll in May found that 55 percent oppose same-sex marriage, which is down from 65 percent in December; and 42 percent support gay marriage, up from 31 percent in December.
Why is there growing support for same-sex marriage in the United States? Perhaps the Iraq war and the demonic practice of beheading innocent American and foreign workers plays a role. As shocking as this barbaric practice is, beheading is a form of capital punishment in Saudi Arabia.
The concept of "live and let live" has apparently more appeal in these troubled times. Possibly, the lack of interest centers on how the debate has been presented by pro-gay marriage advocates. They have appealed to the American peoples' sense of fairness, the right to the pursuit of happiness, and equal protection under the law.
On the other side of the controversial debate, we routinely hear the concerned voice of the religious right and the Catholic Church's hierarchy. Irrespective of their sincerity and religious beliefs, their voices are apparently falling on millions of deaf ears throughout America.
Whatever we may think of same-sex marriage religiously, philosophically, morally, and culturally, the position proposed by same-sex advocates that a redefinition of marriage will have no real effect on society is void of objectivity and realism.
The controversial issue isn't restricted to just love and affirmation or closing our eyes to cultural implications. All of us should think about the possible societal ramifications before taking a position for or against same-sex marriage.
Eleven states are expected to vote on constitutional amendments aimed at banning gay marriage during the November presidential election, according to Kristie Rutherford of the Family Research Council in Washington D.C.
If the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes gay marriage as equal to heterosexual marriage, then churches, the state, and individuals must legally recognize gay marriage. Any opposition to deny homosexuals their equal rights, including gay marriage, will be unlawful.
Many religions and denominations teach that homosexuality is a sin against the teachings of God. Therefore, some people would wrongly suggest that parishioners who believe in or preach scripture is a bigot.
Homophobia exists throughout America whether a person is affluent, indigent, or middle class, a religious person, an agnostic, or an atheist, a college graduate or a high school dropout, male or female, black, white or brown or a Democrat or Republican.
Some attorneys and theologians have voiced concern that if same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land, it will provide a legal foundation for numerous civil suits against religious leaders and institutions.
Senate Republican leaders indicate that they plan on bringing the constitutional amendment ban on same-sex marriage to a vote in mid-July. This is a move evangelicals hope will energize supporters around the country, even though the amendment appears headed for defeat. President Bush has endorsed the amendment, but it is at least 15 votes short of the 67 needed for passage.
Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., the Democratic challenger, has said that he is opposed to gay marriage, but he does not favor a constitutional amendment.
Same-sex marriage is a troubling concept to millions of heterosexuals who believe that marriage is a sacred union between a male and female to procreate and raise a familly according to acceptable societal norms.
This reaction to same-sex marriage is to be expected to some extent. However, the final decision will be made by the U.S. Supreme Court, who is charged with the responsibility of basing legal opinions on the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
Although difficult to do, we should at least try to put aside our personal preferences and allow the political process to run its course. But, whether we agree or disagree with the concept of same-sex marriage may be of no consequence whatsoever in the long term. It is fundamentally a constitutional question that needs to be answered by the highest court in the land.
(Editor's Note: Maxwell can be reached by e-mail at terryMaxwell@M33access.com.)
Interestingly, the American people are quite taciturn about the issue, even though the majority opposes gay marriage.
A nationwide Gallup poll in May found that 55 percent oppose same-sex marriage, which is down from 65 percent in December; and 42 percent support gay marriage, up from 31 percent in December.
Why is there growing support for same-sex marriage in the United States? Perhaps the Iraq war and the demonic practice of beheading innocent American and foreign workers plays a role. As shocking as this barbaric practice is, beheading is a form of capital punishment in Saudi Arabia.
The concept of "live and let live" has apparently more appeal in these troubled times. Possibly, the lack of interest centers on how the debate has been presented by pro-gay marriage advocates. They have appealed to the American peoples' sense of fairness, the right to the pursuit of happiness, and equal protection under the law.
On the other side of the controversial debate, we routinely hear the concerned voice of the religious right and the Catholic Church's hierarchy. Irrespective of their sincerity and religious beliefs, their voices are apparently falling on millions of deaf ears throughout America.
Whatever we may think of same-sex marriage religiously, philosophically, morally, and culturally, the position proposed by same-sex advocates that a redefinition of marriage will have no real effect on society is void of objectivity and realism.
The controversial issue isn't restricted to just love and affirmation or closing our eyes to cultural implications. All of us should think about the possible societal ramifications before taking a position for or against same-sex marriage.
Eleven states are expected to vote on constitutional amendments aimed at banning gay marriage during the November presidential election, according to Kristie Rutherford of the Family Research Council in Washington D.C.
If the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes gay marriage as equal to heterosexual marriage, then churches, the state, and individuals must legally recognize gay marriage. Any opposition to deny homosexuals their equal rights, including gay marriage, will be unlawful.
Many religions and denominations teach that homosexuality is a sin against the teachings of God. Therefore, some people would wrongly suggest that parishioners who believe in or preach scripture is a bigot.
Homophobia exists throughout America whether a person is affluent, indigent, or middle class, a religious person, an agnostic, or an atheist, a college graduate or a high school dropout, male or female, black, white or brown or a Democrat or Republican.
Some attorneys and theologians have voiced concern that if same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land, it will provide a legal foundation for numerous civil suits against religious leaders and institutions.
Senate Republican leaders indicate that they plan on bringing the constitutional amendment ban on same-sex marriage to a vote in mid-July. This is a move evangelicals hope will energize supporters around the country, even though the amendment appears headed for defeat. President Bush has endorsed the amendment, but it is at least 15 votes short of the 67 needed for passage.
Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., the Democratic challenger, has said that he is opposed to gay marriage, but he does not favor a constitutional amendment.
Same-sex marriage is a troubling concept to millions of heterosexuals who believe that marriage is a sacred union between a male and female to procreate and raise a familly according to acceptable societal norms.
This reaction to same-sex marriage is to be expected to some extent. However, the final decision will be made by the U.S. Supreme Court, who is charged with the responsibility of basing legal opinions on the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
Although difficult to do, we should at least try to put aside our personal preferences and allow the political process to run its course. But, whether we agree or disagree with the concept of same-sex marriage may be of no consequence whatsoever in the long term. It is fundamentally a constitutional question that needs to be answered by the highest court in the land.
(Editor's Note: Maxwell can be reached by e-mail at terryMaxwell@M33access.com.)
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