1 post tagged “gay marriage ban”

The whole gay marriage referendum thing that mostly failed nationwide, and here too, has really been troubling my mind. I am so conflicted on this stuff. I don't pretend to have any answers, just some thoughts.

A new blogger, Jason E, took a whipping the other day from the neighborhood (Sister will cut you) on the topic of abortion. He and I have been attempting to talk about the gay marriage ban thing. I hate to even open this can of worms because I don't want us all sounding off without really sharing...so instead I am going to say that the level of discourse between people who tend to fundamentally disagree on things, just sinks when these controversial subjects come up. Our knees start jerking, our mouths get set in grim lines, our eyes shoot laser beams. These loaded subjects bring out our worst, and get us all ramped up for not much except frustration and hurt feelings.

In the final analysis, the latest attempts by some states to allow gay marriages failed truthfully, because more voters at this time are uncomfortable with it most likely because it offends their religious beliefs.

What is more interesting to me, is how we fundamentally view the democratic ideal of equality. Scholars have written that marriage exists as an institution not because it is a universal right, but because as a society we have determined that this particular form of personal partnering between men and women both needs and deserves social encouragement.

This debate has also forced many to ask what is marriage and what is it for? People of faith will say it is more than just a protection for children or a contract between people "in love." But that is another conversation.

Please share thoughfully my friends....I'm counting on y'all for some new things to ponder on this subject.