I try to avoid discussing politics on this blog, but I am going to make an exception in this case. For those of you who don't want to go into this, you are welcome to come back later.
For everyone who is a California resident, chances are that you have heard of Proposition 8. Some of you may have noticed the link in my sidebar, www.protectmarriage.com, that deals with this very issue. I believe in the divine inspiration that marraige is meant to be between a man and a woman, and that changing this definition will have serious consquences on the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of association.
Please understand that I do not support this measure as a means of discriminating against same-sex couples. What every person chooses to believe is thier own right, even if I myself do not believe in it. I completely support these couple having full econmic benefits of a married couple. But I do not support the change of the definition of marriage.
For those of you who would like to understand more about my feelings on this matter, you can see a video put out to members of my church that describes it much more eloquently than I. I will be voting Yes on Proposition 8, because I feel it is the morally right action to take. This is a matter in which I believe strongly. The important thing is that you vote, that you make your voice be heard.
Please feel free to comment, but I want to post this reminder. I do not tolerate swearing or name calling on in any comments on any of my posts. If you disagree and wish to post about it, that is fine, but do it in a respectful manner. I will delete comments with inappropriate material if I have to. Please keep it respectful folks. That's all I ask.
6 comments:
Hi. Wow. I wonder if you explain a little how equal right to marriage could "have serious consequences on the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of association." I don't mean this in an overly confrontational way, but I would very much like to know your thoughts on this particular, as it seems to me that it is actually the practice of discrimination that effects rights to freedom of speech and association. What are the scenarios you are envisioning in which you are protecting freedom by condoning discrimination based on religious belief?
Hi Laini,
Thanks for your comment. Please understand that I do not discriminate against same sex couples. I feel everyone has the right to choose what they want to do. But for religious reasons, I believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman, and nothing else. If the law stands as it is now (meaning Prop 8 does not pass) it will have consequences. We have seen some of these happen in MA already. For example, religious leaders who speak out against gay marriage have been sued for discrimination and hate crimes. I believe that is an infraction of free speech. It is up to each person to choose their own way of life, which goes for both gay and traditional couples. Just because one holds a traditional view does not mean they should be kept from expressing their own opinions, just as those who do not hold a traditional view. Yes, it goes both ways but I have seen it happen in my own community that people use laws such as this one to impose their views on others in the name of free speech, and I’ve been on both sides of those conflicts. Prop 8 does not condemn gay couples. It merely states that for a couple to be legally married in CA, they must be a man and a woman.
I'm not sure if that came out as eloquently as I wanted it to, but I can tell you this. I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that the family is central to God's plan for His children. Thus I have pledged to do my part to protect marriage in my state.
You can think anything you want, and I completely respect that, but that is my own personal opinion. I could not answer to my conscience if I didn't at least make a stand for what I believe.
Hi Alyssa! Thanks for answering. Not that this is meant to sway you, but I want to say this about marriage. As an atheist, marriage is not to me personally something that is consecrated by God, but it IS very powerful and meaningful -- the highest expression of love and devotion that two people can make to each other. And I don't understand why religious people want to deny that beautiful, celebration of love to same-sex couples. You can say it is not discrimination but it is. It is denying other people what you feel righteously that you yourself are entitled to. It is the very definition of discrimination. I wouldn't expect you to change your personal opinion about gay marriage, but I don't understand why your religious beliefs should govern the lives of people who are not of your religion. I think America aims for a wider scope of freedom that what would be dictated by any one religious viewpoint. Would it not be sufficient to say that gay people can not get married in your church?
With all good will,
Laini
It's good to hear your viewpoint Laini. I supposed we'll just have to agree to respectfully disagree. :-)
Perhaps a book blog is not a good place for political discussion. I am personally of the opinion that divorce has done more to undermine marriage than same-sex marriage ever could, and that when divorce lawyers see there is money to be made, same-sex marriage will be legal. It's not really about beliefs; it's about economics.
I agree that normally this blog would not be the best place for a political discussion. However, I had a desire to make a stand, and this is the only blog I have that is not buisness related. I don't apologize for putting this post up here, since I have seen many similar posts (not on the same topic, but political discussions) on many book blogs over the past few months. I'm fine if people skip over this post, since I have a tendency to do that myself with said other blogs.
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