3. Is this a civil rights issue?

Gay people who are in committed monogamous relationship want to be united and have that union validated under the laws of our nation. They want civil rights as US citizens and tax payers.  They believe homosexual couples should enjoy the same benefits of marriage as anyone else.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office there are 1,138 benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples which gay couple cannot get.  If I were gay and paid taxes I would want…

• my partner to get my social security
• be able to own a home together
• benefits for gay military veterans
• ability to file joint tax returns

The government should look at civil unions as tax and civil rights issues.  Let the government we have elected work this out.

Separating Church and State

This is one area in particular where I believe strongly in the separation of church and state.  When I perform a wedding I don’t declare, “by the authority invested in me by the state”.  It doesn’t seem right after praying and quoting scripture to have to add the states blessing.

If marriage is a sacred institution why is the government involved?

This may be where  the real problem lies.  The government can validate civil unions but only the church can acknowledge what is a spiritual wedding.  If gay people are allowed civil unions and want to call it marriage that is up to them. What cannot happen is forcing Christian values on the state and forcing state values on the church.  Whether to call civil unions marriage and officiate ceremonies in the church is up to church denominations and local clergy to work through.

It looks as though this issue is going to be settled soon as more and more states are passing laws that allow gay civil unions. There is benefit to gay civil unions.  We would see less promiscuity, and less social diseases, and cases of AIDS, if homosexual (and heterosexual) people are in a committed monogamous relationship.

Is this the civil rights issue of our generation?  Past generations of the church has had to face slavery in the 1800’s, women’s rights in the early 20th century, and civil rights in the last 50 years.  I’m sure the polarizing discussion and attacks took place during those times as well.  I’m sure devoted followers of Christ feared compromise and what slippery slope they were heading down if they allowed minorities and women to participate in the life and leadership of the church.  Only time will tell.  The only way to make sure we are on the right side is to choose God’s side and walk in love.  This was Jesus highest call to His people and it has carried the church through every challenge and theological issue it has faced.

Tomorrow I will address whether I would perform a marriage ceremony for a homosexual couple.