A ruling is expected soon in the appeal of Judge Vaughn's finding that Proposition 8 (a law banning same-sex marriage) is unconstitutional. The hearing began on December 6 before a three-member panel from the Ninth District Court of Appeals.
On that date, a group of interfaith leaders from Catholic, evangelical, Orthodox Jewish, Mormon, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities, as well as new conservative Lutheran and Anglican denominations, signed "The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment."
'Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, the new president of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference, said the "broad consensus reflected in this letter -- across religious divides -- is clear: The law of marriage is not about imposing the religion of anyone, but about protecting the common good of everyone." '
(BeliefNet, December 6)
I've struggled to understand the argument that same-sex marriage will destroy the institution of marriage. An opinion often cited is that only male-female marriage will ensure the survival of civilization, and that children are better off in a home with a male father and female mother.
And yet, from my limited and non-married perspective, marriage (and procreation) survived decades of divorce, spousal abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, out-of-wedlock births, single parenting, unwed couples living together (and raising children), child abuse by heterosexual parents, and child abuse from members of the clergy who perform marriage ceremonies....
I would lend more credence to leaders, religious or political, who collectively produce a letter condemning some of the more heinous threats to marriage, like abuse, or neglect of any kind. Conferring marriage rights to loving, responsible couples who happen to be of the same gender rather affirms the institution, and elevates instead of destroys society.
Throw in another "oy" for me too.
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