From Michael Crary

Hutchinson

Very few topics today are more controversial than same-sex marriage. Indeed, it is a subject that generally polarizes people — either people are strongly against same-sex marriage or people see nothing wrong with couples of the same sex having the same marital privileges extended to heterosexual people. For this reason, same-sex marriage is a hot topic throughout the country.



Furthermore, this polarization tends to run along political party lines. For instance, Republicans are generally more conservative in their views of marriage, often referring to the Bible as a guide when supporting their position against allowing people of the same gender to marry. On the other hand, Democrats are a little more liberal in their view of same-sex marriage, allowing for the fact that perhaps in today’s society, permitting people of the same sex to marry should be accepted. Accordingly, neither view can be definitively proven to be right or wrong. In fact, there are just as many reasons why same-sex marriage should be allowed as to why it shouldn’t. Indeed, perhaps this is what makes same-sex marriages so controversial.



With this in mind, while those politicians whose views tend to be more conservative are to be respected for their views and admired for their tenacity, their crusade against same-sex marriage seems to be rather disingenuous at the very least.



For instance, many conservative politicians use the Bible as a source to argue their position against same-sex marriage, supporting their view that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Why stop there? Why not use the Bible to support other points of view, like what is the responsibility of the wealthiest individuals toward the less fortunate? For example, in the book of Luke it states, “Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy.“ In Acts, “in everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said.” Likewise, in Proverbs it states, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” And the examples of this type of verse go on and on.



So it begs the question, why aren’t the politicians who stand in opposition of same-sex marriage, holding the Bible in their right hands, also standing, with the same Bible, preaching the need for the wealthy to do more for those who struggle, with the same passion they use when preaching against same-sex marriage? Truly, instead of campaigning against any bill that might require the wealthiest to pay a bit more in taxes, it would seem that those politicians who rely on the Bible for guidance in making decisions would champion a bill that requires more of those who can most afford to share from their wealth with those who can least afford.

Along with using Bible verses as support for an amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, many politicians argue that if same-sex couples are allowed to marry, the family unit will be further weakened. For this reason, it would seem that these same politicians would also be against gambling. After all, according to an article from Helpguide.org., “In America alone, problem gambling affects more than 15 million people. More than 3 million of these are considered severe problem gamblers, otherwise known as gambling addicts or pathological gamblers. Problem gambling can strain your relationships, interfere with responsibilities at home and work, and lead to financial catastrophe. It may even lead you to do things you never thought possible, like stealing money to gamble or taking money meant for your children.” With this in mind, why are the same politicians who campaign against same-sex marriage because of what it might do to the family unit, not campaigning against gambling because of what it does do to the family unit? In fact, why are many of these same politicians even promoting an expansion of gambling if it is so detrimental to the family unit?

Likewise, speaking of damaging the family, is there anyone who doesn’t feel that alcohol abuse has harmful effects on the family unit? Indeed, according to an article from the Journal, “Alcoholism is also known as a family disease ... is responsible for more family problems than any other single cause.” In addition, from Learn-About-Alcoholism.com, “The effects of alcoholism on families can cause more damage and pain than any other internal or external influence on the family unit. The impact of the drinker’s abuse or addiction is usually manifested differently with each member of the family and has long-term implications.” And yet, there are those in political office, undoubtedly on both sides of the aisle, who would argue that liquor should be allowed to be sold in stores on Sundays. Although, whether or not stores selling liquor on Sunday would have any effect of the severity of alcoholism as it affects the family, it does seem hypocritical to support the expansion of the sale of alcohol and to be so set against couples of the same sex being allowed to marry when the effects of alcohol on the family vastly outweigh the effects of same-sex marriage.



In short, allowing same-sex couples to marry is controversial at the very least; but to prohibit even 1 percent or 2 percent of the nation’s population to enjoy the same freedom and rights as heterosexual people — which conservatively amounts to 3 million to 6 million people — goes beyond the disingenuous actions of a few politicians or the actions of a group of well-intended individuals. Truly, for elected officials — and for that matter, anyone — to use the Bible and, in many instances, speculative data, to support preexisting prejudices or biases, to discriminate against a large segment of the population, while ignoring greater social problems, is unfair, inconsistent and simply mean-spirited.