The Following article was published in The Exception Magazine.
Recently, much of the gay marriage debate has been focused in California; however, in the past few weeks the debate has returned to its roots on the East Coast. The group, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) has announced their plans to legalize same-sex marriage in the 6 New England area states. GLAD told the Washington Times, “We can make New England a marriage-equality zone by strategically combining existing legal, electoral and on-the-ground know-how to fast-track marriage in every New England state. By 2012, we not only can have marriage equality throughout New England, we can have a road map for the rest of the country.” Two New England states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, already allow same-sex couples to enter into matrimony. Through legislation proposed in the Maine State Legislature, GLAD has taken steps to add Maine to the list of states where Same-Sex Marriage is legal.
GLAD has met opposition on several fronts, including from many pro-family organizations. The Alliance Defense Fund issued a statement responding to the proposed legislation, “Legislators in Maine have added to their agenda a bill that would redefine marriage as a union between two “people.” The bill would do away with the state’s time-honored definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman and would recognize same-sex “marriages” from other states. State legislators should never attempt to impose a system that knowingly deprives a child of a mom and a dad. This Trojan-horse-of-a-bill deceptively states that pastors would not be forced to perform same-sex ‘marriages’ if it passes, yet this legislation will essentially wipe out every other religious freedom.”
One precedent that has been set in states where gay marriage is legal is that sexual freedom trumps religious freedom. One illustration of this example took place in March of 2006 in Massachusetts. Catholic Charities of Boston began in 1903 as an adoption agency primarily serving Catholic children left by parents who died or abandoned them. For more than 100 years this respectful organization placed children in homes with goodly parents who would watch over and nurture them as they grew. Catholic Charities was the most successful private adoption agency in the state, handling more adoptions than any other. They were a beacon of hope to displaced children and groups of individuals who worked unselfishly for the advancement of the helpless.
In 2006 Catholic Charities of Boston was forced to shut down their adoption department and get out of the business of finding homes for children. This decision was made after the organization was given an ultimatum from the state government: Comply with state law and adopt to gay couples, or close your doors. The Catholic church condemns homosexuality, it is a practice that is against church teachings, for this they morally could not place a child in to the home of a gay or lesbian couple. The governor at the time, Mitt Romney, attempted to pass legislation that would have allowed religious organizations an exemption from the gay adopting law, but it was voted down by his state legislature. Thus, rather than defy their religious beliefs, Catholic Charities of Boston voluntarily stopped their adoptive services.
Beverly Rice, President of United Families International commented on the Gay Marriage bill in Maine by saying, “Many people do not realize the impact that the legalization of same-sex Marriage will have on their families and marriages. Local churches will be restricted on what can be said over the pulpit, they will lose the right to decide who may be wed in their buildings, and religious organizations may be forced to shut down or compromise their beliefs. It will effect what children are taught in public schools. Parents will lose the right to decide what children learn about homosexuality and families.”
Traditional marriage must be protected because of the effect on education and the parent’s right to teach and rear children. Several cases prove that once same-sex marriage is legalized, public schools must teach that it is just as acceptable as heterosexual marriage. Public schools will, by law, be required to teach about gay marriage and parents will be required to stand by and watch as principles they disagree with are taught to their children.
The family is the fundamental unit of society; marriage is between a man and a woman. These truths must be defended and preserved. In the name of family, children, religious freedom, parental rights, and the future of our society stand up for marriage today!