The tide of marriage for same-sex couples has ebbed and flowed over the last decade with no end in sight. Because marriage sits squarely at the intersection of religion, law and society, the discussion around same-sex couples’ inclusion into the institution of marriage has been one of the most complex and hotly contested topics in America.
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Civil and Religious Marriage are Different
- From Dignity USA
By Dignity USA - Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transexual Catholics
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Absolutley!
As far as the state is (or should be) concerned, marriage is essentially a business partnership between two individuals. They share financial responsibility of property, income, taxes, children, etc.
Any factors outside of that partnership are purely dependent upon religion or the personal beliefs of said individuals and therefore should not be regulated by the state as it would violate the separation of church and state and personal rights as provided by the First Amendment.
- Avg Bear July 25, 2008 7:15AM
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Side: Yes
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Don't we have separation of Church and State in this country??
It seems to me that this argument should be separated into two issues: 1) Is marriage an issue of government or church?
2) If it is an issue of religion, then what business does the state have regulating who can participate in it? If it is an issue of the state, then we must leave religious belief out of it entirely.
Many countries have two ceremonies, one civil and one religious. We should do the same. We should have civil unions for couples gay or straight, which will give them ALL the legal rights of married couples. And then if you want to be "married" in the eyes of God, go find a church to perform the ceremony. It is unfair to deny the rights of joint income tax to couples who live together. It's unfair to deny them spousal rights in purchasing real estate, in estate planning...etc.
I have to admit that my feelings about these things have been shaped recently by my association with several gay couples whom I respect.
- mh78639
October 13, 2008 5:10PM
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Side: Uncommitted
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No religious institution SHOULD be forced to do that.
Ever heard of separation of church and state? It was originally made to keep the state out of the church... No religious institution should be forced to do anything. Religious institutions are supposed to be houses of freedom from cynical, politically correct, immoral, and oppressive natures of society (and i'm not saying this because i'm a regular church-goer. I haven't been to church in months). If a religious institution chooses not to recognize a same-sex marriage, or anything else for that matter, more power to them!
- Brady
November 10, 2008 11:16PM
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Side: No
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The middle path
According to this logic, then, marriage as a civil issue should be separate from the church.
The issues for those in support of gay marriage are civil. It seems that those in opposition are against the state telling the church what to do.
I agree with both stances. So is it therefore logical to no longer commingle church and state activities with legal church-marriages? That seems like a fine solution to me.
Gays just want the rights of marriage, that being state-sanctioning of their marriage which has everything to do with power of attorney, healthcare benefits, and financial death benefits. Do those who oppose gay marriage really have an issue with those things? It is not likely (I'm sure there are some yeses) that the majority don't want other people to do as they will. They simply don't want their religious institution to be dictated by the state as I now understand it.
Brady, thanks for clearing this up for me! So, can we agree to simply separate marriage as separate civil and religious institutions? Would that appease both sides?
- thedr9wningman
November 12, 2008 12:39PM
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Side: Yes
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