The unresolved debate of same-sex marriage has raged on in this country for years. It has sort-of taken a back seat (in the media, at least) to the economy. The economy is issue number one, as it should be. However, today I'd like to speak on marriage. I believe I can share why marriage has become an issue and more importantly, I believe I have a good solution to the issue (although not all people will be happy, which is true for almost all best case solutions in politics).
Marriage
Marriage from its origins was a religious affair. Marriage, in the church, has long been a union of a man and a woman under god, a devotion of loving and caring for each other until death due them part.
Since it's origins marriage has evolved into a much more formidable entity. Now, marriage is governed by.. well.. the government. It grants rights to the married peoples that unmarried couples are not privy to. Now, marriage has become a union, under our government, that grants specific rights which make it easier to live together, care for each other, and make arrangements for one another in crisis or death.
I believe the problem with same sex marriage is that the government stuck their nose where it did not belong. Granting rights to those married under a church's institution. The government should have no governing over matters of the church and by saying such I believe the government should be unable to grant marriage license. That should be a matter strictly between a religious entity and it's followers. Marriage is a religious and sacred event for those who believe in such things. It's cherished around the world as such in many cultures and religions.
I believe the church should have the ultimate authority over marriage. Now, before you go calling me homophobic or anything I would like to say that I believe in the separation of church and state. If you know me personally you probably know that I'm passionate on this issue. I've spent my whole life feeling like religious juggernauts have been taking my freedoms from me. I personally would not be able to get married under the establishment of the church having authority, but why would I want to be married if it was only a church function? If you take the government out of such things, the church can roam freely as it pleases. Then, those who wish to have the rights formerly granted to 'married' people would have to get a civil union. I have been to many weddings which have nothing to do with god, religion, and the church. Under this new system I would still like to have a wedding. Bring my family together, all my friends, the future Mrs. Schultz' family, have a party, tell some embarrassing stories, dance (badly) ect..
Separating Church and State
I'm going to repeat my solution here in case it was missed in the jumble of mind speak above. I believe marriage should be an institution existing only in individual religions. I believe such a marriage should grant no rights under our government, only differing rights from ones church. I believe the government should grant unions (or whatever you want to call it) that allow two people to connect their lives together. I believe equal rights are deserved for all people.
If you hate and disdain the solution I posted hear please, please, please send me a comment. Message me on Facebook if you want to keep it private. Remember, I will always be respectful to you, please return the favor.
The definition of marriage is "the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies". If I read you correctly you suggest that the definition of the word "marriage" should revert back to some prehistoric definition that removes the "legal commitments" portion and that the term "civil union" is used to cover that. Would all marriages automatically be civil unions as well, or would you have to do both? By separating the legal and religious aspects of marriage haven’t you sidestepped the real issue? Why not just support marriage as a legal and spiritual union between a man and a woman and a civil union as a legal union between consenting adults.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of marriage you use is how society views marriage now and is fundamentally flawed. Marriage came from religion and government then began recognizing a marriage with certain legal commitments. It didn't sort of just spawn out of the ground with both governmental and religious aspects. Marriage is a religious thing in my opinion. My opinion isn't prehistoric. In fact we can look back into history and see a time when marriage was quite a different thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd what you say at the end is giving different titles to the rights of different people. Even if these rights are equal you are segregating people. Just by calling it a different name. I believe a 'marriage' and a 'union' should be separate things. If you get married in your church they may require you to form a union under the government as well, but that is up to them.
I appreciate the feedback. I understand your concerns about my ideas.
Addressing 'the real issue' (which is same-sex marriage) is that the church would never allow same-sex marriage as it's against their teaching and they are intolerant of such things, however all people deserve to have equal rights in our country.
Could even call it a civil marriage instead of a union, because the term marriage and married are so ingrained into us.
ReplyDeleteI think you missed my point and that was that marriage would continue as it is in a religious setting, but only be between a man and woman. Civil unions or civil marriage would be a non religious legal contract between 2 adults, same sex or not.
ReplyDeletethat's exactly what I said in my initial post (or least tried to say), only instead I said the religion could control the rules. I don't care if it's between a man and a monkey, that's their business.
ReplyDeleteI actually do care if it is a monkey. It needs to be consenting adults.
ReplyDeleteWell as long as they don't forcibly take away the rights of the unwilling (or children) then it really is none of my business.
ReplyDelete