One of the media templates we see frequently in discussion about whether to redefine marriage to include same-sex unions or other groupings is a supposedly rhetorical question about how such a change in law would ever affect anyone other than gay couples. I’ve always thought it showed a surprising lack of imagination for reporters to not be able to realize that changing marriage law, whether you support it or oppose it, is radical. It was radical when marriage law was changed to allow married couples to dissolve their unions with ease, for instance. It had massive changes for American society and men and women and children. And it would be radical, of course, to change the law to say that gender or number are unimportant characteristics or limitations on marriage.
I sometimes re-read Vaughn Walker’s ruling on Proposition 8 and his comments on gender, for instance, are quite fascinating (e.g. “Gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage.”). And his decision was based in part on his belief that certain religious beliefs, including those I subscribe to as a traditional Christian, harm homosexuals. He calls out dozens of religious leaders and says their statements regarding Scripture are wrong. I can’t help but think a reporter might pick up on how a Supreme Court ruling in favor of Walker’s decision might have some ramifications for those who confess traditional Christian teachings on sex, particularly as it relates to homosexuality.
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