- Jul 21, 2016
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Sojourner, in a note for these fora, asked these questions about same-sex marriages:
Is it a civil right?
Is it legal to discriminate against homosexuals or same-sex marriages?
How does this affect the rights of religious organizations in regards to performing same-sex marriages?
Note, I am saying that when it comes to civil marriage, there should be no difference.
Is it a civil right?
Yes, it is. If it is legal for two people to marry for all of the other reasons, I cannot see why it should be illegal--or in any other way less than legal. I will make the assumption that both are of age, that one or the other is not being coerced, etc.
Is it legal to discriminate against homosexuals or same-sex marriages?
No! Note I am saying LEGAL. It has been illegal for a long time to disciminate against blacks, Amerindians, Oriental, or any other race.
However, If (Note, I said IF) I was a gay man trying to get a cake or flowers for my wedding, if someone said NO, I would say, "well the baker down the street will make a cake for me. If you don't want my business, he does!"
However, If (Note, I said IF) I was a gay man trying to get a cake or flowers for my wedding, if someone said NO, I would say, "well the baker down the street will make a cake for me. If you don't want my business, he does!"
How does this affect the rights of religious organizations in regards to performing same-sex marriages?
Not all all. For instance, the Catholic Church will not perform same-sex marriage. That is their right. Neither I nor the government can (or should be able to) force my will on the Church.
The political and civil history of government involvement in marriage and how that pertains to the current debate.
I have heard people on the anti side say that same-sex marriage re-defines Marriage. Marriage has been re-defined so many times it makes my head spin. Just in my country alone (USA), marriage was re-defined by the Supreme Court by Loving vs. Virginia. It was re-defined by no-fault divorce. For that matter, the first time a Christian presbyter or bishop married a couple, marriage was re-defined.
If a same-sex couple should want to be civilly married, as long as they are of the same breed (human) and both are of age and neither is being coerced, fine.
If a same-sex couple should want to be civilly married, as long as they are of the same breed (human) and both are of age and neither is being coerced, fine.
Note, I am saying that when it comes to civil marriage, there should be no difference.