In an ideal world, same-sex marriage would not be legal. However, we live in a far from ideal world, and modern secular Western society generally insists that same-sex relationships should be treated the same by law as normal heterosexual relationships. Christian teachings should not dictate the law in this matter, but there have been compelling arguments made both for and against same-sex marriage. The debate over same-sex marriage is complex and inevitably relies on difficult principles regarding the nature of marriage and the nature of government. Thus, after looking into the matter thoroughly, I am still unsure whether the definition of marriage should remain changed to accomodate for same-sex relationships. Because of this uncertainty, I will neither advocate for same-sex marriage nor oppose it.
Christian Views Against Homosexual Behaviour & Same-sex Marriage
(By the Witherspoon Institute, a Christian think tank)
"In recent years, marriage has weakened, with serious negative consequences for society as a whole. Four developments are especially troubling: divorce, illegitimacy, cohabitation, and same-sex marriage."
"The American public has been left largely in the dark about the extent of the medical problems associated with homosexual activity because of the influence of pro-homosexual political agendas."
"All of Scripture teaches the unacceptability of homosexual behavior. But the rejection of this behavior is not an arbitrary prohibition. It, like other moral imperatives, is rooted in natural law—the design that God has built into human nature."
"In this article, we will address homosexuality from several viewpoints: theology, science, medicine, personal testimony, as well as common sense."
Secular Views Against Same-Sex Marriage
(Opinion article by David Blankenhorn)
"I'm a liberal Democrat. And I do not favor same-sex marriage. Do those positions sound contradictory? To me, they fit together."
(2006 French parliamentary report, translated into English)
"Marriage is not merely the contractual recognition of the love between a couple; it is a framework that imposes rights and duties, and that is designed to provide for the care and harmonious development of the child... A majority of the Mission does not wish to question the fundamental principles of the law of filiation, which are based on the tripartite unit of “a father, a mother, a child”, citing the principle of caution. For that reason, that majority also, logically, chose to deny access to marriage to same-sex couples."
The Case Against "Same-Sex Marriage"
(By Margaret Somerville, a Canadian-Australian ethicist and the founding director of McGill University's Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law)
"Marriage is, and has been for millennia, the institution that forms and upholds for society, the cultural and social values and symbols related to procreation… To change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples would destroy its capacity to function in the ways outlined above, because it could no longer represent the inherently procreative relationship of opposite-sex pair-bonding."
Love Isn't Enough: 5 Reasons Why Same-Sex Marriage Will Harm Children
(By Trayce Hansen, Ph.D, licensed psychologist)
"The accumulated wisdom of over 5,000 years has concluded that the ideal marital and parental configuration is composed of one man and one woman... Same-sex marriage definitely isn’t in the best interest of children."
The Case Against "Same-Sex Marriage"
(By Margaret Somerville, a Canadian-Australian ethicist and the founding director of McGill University's Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law)
"Marriage is, and has been for millennia, the institution that forms and upholds for society, the cultural and social values and symbols related to procreation… To change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples would destroy its capacity to function in the ways outlined above, because it could no longer represent the inherently procreative relationship of opposite-sex pair-bonding."
Love Isn't Enough: 5 Reasons Why Same-Sex Marriage Will Harm Children
(By Trayce Hansen, Ph.D, licensed psychologist)
"The accumulated wisdom of over 5,000 years has concluded that the ideal marital and parental configuration is composed of one man and one woman... Same-sex marriage definitely isn’t in the best interest of children."
Christian Views In Favour of Same-Sex Marriage
More Musings on Christianity, Homosexuality & the Bible
(Blog)
"Conservative Christians should support civil same-sex marriage. Why? Because the question of whether to allow civil same-sex marriage is a civil liberties question, and maintaining a respect for people's civil liberties in this country is always to the church's advantage. In fact, it is absolutely essential for the survival of our religious freedom in a pluralistic society."
Sexual Orientation - United Church
"In 2003, General Council passed a motion calling on the Government of Canada to recognize same-sex marriage in the marriage legislation."
Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement - About Us
"The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is a UK-based international Charity which challenges homophobia and transphobia, especially within the Church and faith based organisations, as well as working to create and praying for an inclusive church."
Gay Christian Network
"The Gay Christian Network is a nonprofit ministry serving Christians who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and those who care about them."
Note: This group has members who believe God blesses same-sex marriages as well as members who believe God is against homosexual behaviour.
Secular Views In Favour of Same-Sex "Marriage"
About Egale Canada
"Egale Canada is our national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education and justice."
Human Rights Campaign - About Us
"HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues."
PFLAG (Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
"We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities."
Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality - American Psychological Association
"Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality."
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Can you be gay and a Christian? This video explains both sides of the debate:
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"Do everything in love."
– 1 Corinthians 16:14
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
– 1 Corinthians 10:31
