Sadly I am afraid that Amendment 1 will pass in North Carolina. This is the amendment to the state constitution that defines marriage between one man and one woman to be the only recognized union in the state. I’m distressed by this outcome. I’m distressed that a segment of the population of my state would look to restrict the liberty of another segment.
I get the arguments. I understand that Christians may feel that homosexuality is a sin. I get that people think the point of marriage is to generate children. I get all that. But even if it’s true, even if being gay is a sin, that isn’t the litmus we use to pass legislation.
I am VERY clear that taking the Lord’s name in vain is a sin. Yet none of us would think to legislate that into law. Again, I am sure that failing to keep the sabbath holy is a sin, yet again, we wouldn’t dream of codifying it.
The fact that a thing is, or MAY be a sin, simply isn’t reason enough to erect state laws.
With that said, in my disappointment in my state, I find the process fascinating. There are things that a state can do that the federal government can’t. And regulating marriage is one of those things. A state may decide that the age of consent is 16, or 17 or 18. That state may allow exceptions with parental consent.
Some states require blood tests. Test to determine if the betrothed carry infectious disease. Or are related. States get to regulate marriage. And though I don’t agree with that regulation, it would seem that the proponents of the amendment followed the process. They petitioned the government. That government listened and struck an amendment that made its way to the ballot. And, if the polling is right, will pass.
States have the right to regulate things in a way and manner that the federal government does not.
And here is where I’m conflicted. I certainly hope that the courts take this up and rule that the amendment isn’t valid. We simply can’t stipulate advantage for one group of people over another. On the other hand, the people of the State of North Carolina have spoken. Perhaps we are obligated to live with the unfortunate consequences.
If only we had done the right thing and voted this thing down.
My condolences and that’s not snark; I know you wish your lege weren’t mucking around like this. But of course here in FL, our lege is probably drooling in envy wondering if they could pull it off.
All that religious/moral talk being what it is . . . as far as I can tell, for almost all of human history (and even in large parts of American society until the 20th century), marriage has been an economic contract having little to do with any diety. It has been a matter of civil law and people laid their own religous ceremonies or whatevers on top of that. But we still go to the City Clerk FIRST to get that license. It’s a civil matter.
The next time these lege folk get frisky, we should get them to say ALL marriages are civil unions and anybody can make it religious in addition if they want. Afterward.
Hell, give it 20 years till the upcoming generation is sitting in State Houses and these stupid laws will go away – I hope.
Hell, give it 20 years till the upcoming generation is sitting in State Houses and these stupid laws will go away – I hope.
The Republican Speaker of the House:
Whoopee! I am a prophet. Do I get a prize pino? I understand that even among young Evangelicals, this is the case. People under 25 or so just don’t see what the problem is.
I have actually asked myself why I prefer to NOT permit gay marriage. For me, it comes back to one thing. Is homosexuality learned, or are gay people born that way? I believe it is learned, BUT…. let’s assume that I am wrong. Let’s assume that gay individuals have no choice except to be gay. Now, let’s look at a totally different topic. Is laziness learned, or is it something that some people are born with? Again, I believe this trait is learned. These two characteristics are related. Some folks find it easier to have a relationship with a person of the same gender. Some folks find it easier to sit around the house all day and mooch off of others. Maybe people should be given the freedom to be gay. Maybe people should be given the freedom to be lazy, but I find it difficult to accept either.
Maybe people should be given the freedom to be gay. Maybe people should be given the freedom to be lazy, but I find it difficult to accept either.
I hope and pray that my daughter won’t marry a lazy liberal. But I don’t wanna outlaw it 😉
Hey! I’m a lazy liberal and a very nice person. And it’s quite by choice, so I’d almost give Henry that except that I’m only lazy NOW. Before I retired, I was a ball of fire. One does get tired.