The institution of marriage has taken some high profile hits in the past few days. But the meaning of marriage – how it is defined and who defines it – is tremendously important for our entire society, because it has implications that go well beyond the desires of two consenting adults. This debate will impact religious liberty and what your kids are taught in the public schools. Even the liberal media understand that.
Last week, the Washington Post carried an article entitled “Faith Groups Increasingly Lose Gay Rights Fights.” It was about the inevitable conflict between the militant homosexual rights movement and the freedom of religion. It cited several examples of discrimination against men and women of faith. Professor Jonathan Turley, who supports homosexual “marriage,” suggested that we are “on a slippery slope that inevitably takes us to the point where we punish religious groups because of their religious views.” Last summer, National Public Radio addressed the same issue. It also concluded, “the religious groups are losing.”
Here’s just one example of how this debate will impact your values and your children. This Friday, April 17th, has been chosen by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network as the “National Day of Silence,” when students are urged to show their support for the homosexual movement in the public schools. Believe it or not, there is a resolution pending in the House of Representatives supporting this effort. In addition, the resolution asks President Obama to issue a proclamation “calling on the people of the United States to observe the National Day of Silence with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.” Prayers are prohibited in our public schools, but by co-sponsoring this resolution, at least three dozen members of Congress have shown they believe the homosexual lifestyle should be promoted in the public schools. Is this what you believe Congress should be working on right now?
This is why it is so important for men and women of faith to be informed and active in the public policy process. If your values matter to you, you must defend them!