by Erin Weist
Following a petition and protest by thousands of Mexican citizens standing against redefining marriage in Mexican law, a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage was shut down last week as the Commission on Constitutional Matters voted against the measure 19-8.
The National Front for the Family (Frente Nacional Por La Familia— link in Spanish) organized many peaceful protests in cities around Mexico, gathering support from various political parties in defense of the traditional family. Protesters were quick to point out that they hold no discriminatory position against LGBT groups, that this was a defense against threats to family values and the institution of marriage.
I concur with the decision made in Mexico. People of all backgrounds and races and genders and even personality types deserve a protection of rights. But the discussion in the matter of gay marriage has changed so drastically that we’ve forgotten it has nothing to do with discrimination. Marriage is a beautiful right, and an institution that needs protection because of its unique function in bringing children into the world and creating a loving place for them to grow. We should not change and adjust the institution in order to fit the needs of adults. A husband and wife are the linchpin, the beginning of the unit. But even then they are not the sole consideration. The needs of children must be considered. It has been proven, almost ad nauseum at this point, that it is decisively best for children to have a loving father and mother in their home. If the needs of those most innocent and are to be carefully regarded, then we must conclude that same-sex unions need to be considered separate from marriage. Still given rights under the law, but not under the banners of marriage, mother, father, wife and husband. Those most sacred roles should be preserved and given to those willing to sacrifice for the good of the family.