The Sin of Promoting ‘Traditional Marriage’

Why do so many people misunderstand the Bible and the verses regarding homosexuality and same sex relationships?

Well, quite frankly, people don't have a vested interest in proving what centuries of people have said to be true...to prove them wrong. It wasn't until gay and lesbian theologians and their friends were able to step out of the closet and practice as open and affirming people, that these passages were looked into more deeply and with much greater interest. Thanks to efforts of these people we have a better understanding of the precise meaning of these passages. The good news of the Bible is still for all because none of these passages condemn a loving same sex relationship.

Faith in America

We also know that gay and lesbian couples uphold those same characteristics for their unions. Why would they not? Why would a parent of a gay son or daughter not want their child to enjoy the happiness derived from a lifelong devotion to those characteristics? Why would a brother or sister with a gay sibling not want their brother or sister to enjoy the happiness derived from a lifelong devotion to those characteristics?

Why would a person of faith not want the gay or lesbian individual to enjoy the happiness derived from the pursuit of marriage sanctity?

Why would we as Americans not want our government and its laws to recognize that same marriage sanctity for gay and lesbian individuals in their pursuit of liberty and happiness?

There can be only one reason and that is because many of us have been conditioned by years of misguided church teaching to look upon gay and lesbian individuals as morally inferior, unworthy and therefore undeserving of that which which we uphold as good and sanctified in our lives.

The use of the term “traditional marriage” embeds in our minds and hearts a moral and religious stamp of disapproval on gay and lesbian individuals and that brings immense harm to their lives, their happiness and their well-being.

Faith In America therefore believes the use of the term “traditional marriage” is without question morally unacceptable and equally sinful in the religious context.

Repeal DOMA /Separation of Church and State

What are the reasons to keep the Defense of Marriage (DOMA) on the books? Wait, the reasons that do not break the rule of separation of Church and State are the ones in which we are interested.

1. Traditional Marriage - Marriage has always been defined as between a man and a woman.

There are records from the 1st century church indicating that the church did indeed marry same sex couples.

In an article written by Father James Duffy, he writes and has evidence that same sex marriages took place throughout history.

Read the whole article in the The Gay Christian

As churches struggle with the issue of homosexuality, a long tradition of same sex marriage indicates that the Christian attitude toward same sex unions may not always have been as "straight" as is now suggested. A Kiev art museum contains a curious icon from St. Catherine's monastery on Mt. Sinai. It shows two robed Christian saints. Between them is a traditional Roman pronubus (best man) overseeing what in a standard Roman icon would be the wedding of a husband and wife. In the icon, Christ is the pronubus. Only one thing is unusual. The husband and wife are in fact two men.

The following research by Yale Law School Yale Law School Legal Scholarship Repository

A History of Same Sex Marriage

William N. Eskridge Jr.

Yale Law School

Makes the following observation regarding the problems with the "Traditional Marriage" (has always been between a man and a woman) arguement:

The early Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies that are considered important antecedents for Western culture apparently not only tolerated same-sex relationships, but also recognized such relationships in their culture, literature, and mythology. Evidence of same-sex marriage is at best indirect in these ancient societies, however. One finds slightly stronger and more direct evidence of same-sex marriages in Greek and early Roman culture, in imperial Rome, and in Western Europe for much of the Christian Middle Ages.

Read the entire research article here.

2.

As far as I know, there is no #2.

Traditional marriage is their only argument that does not break the Church's rule of "Separation of Church and State". Although, it has been proven that today's marriage is not necessarily all that traditional; it is good, right, and admirable to break with traditions when they are oppressive to a people.

An example of a tradition that was good and right when changed is slavery. Another example is women voting.

As Americans we pride ourselves in equality, yet, a whole group of people are being told that they do not deserve any rights. They are being told that they are second class citizens.

The Daily Kos has a wonderful article on Why was DOMA enacted?

They enacted DOMA specifically to confer a higher status on heterosexual people, so that more children would grow up to realize they should be heterosexual. This has of course led to higher incidents of suicide and depression among gay people, and outright rejection in some cases even by a gay person's friends or family, all to reach the ends of "promoting heterosexuality."

This is one of the biggest reasons it's time to repeal DOMA: sexual orientation is understood as a real distinction by law and by psychologists. Back when, for example, the military's gay ban was implemented, the idea was to stop a perceived aberrant sexual behavior. Society and science's views on homosexuality have changed - it's no longer a behavior but an orientation. It can't be changed and so-called "conversion therapy" has been rejected by scientists and psychologists. It made no sense to keep the gay ban going.

And it makes no sense to keep DOMA. Simply put, the goal of promoting heterosexuality is not served by laws like DADT or DOMA. The government can't promote heterosexuality even if it wanted to. At this point, it's only creating a second-class status for a group of people it can't change.

It is time to get this discriminatory law REPEALED!

How Many Times Does "DOMA" Need To Be Declared Unconstitutional?

Obama, Holder Call 1996 Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional

Defense of Marriage Act called unconstitutional by bankruptcy judge

Christian Attorney says, "DOMA is Unconstitutional"

Wikipedia Defense of Marriage Act

Federal Judge Rules Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional. Will It Stick?

Google Search: Defense of Marriage Act Declared Unconstitutional

The Speaker of the House, Mr. John Boehner is using funds that are ill gotten without permission (this has been swept under the rug) to try to defend DOMA.

The Huffington Post Reports

DOMA Defense: Lawmakers Puzzled Where House GOP Is Getting The Money To Pay Paul Clement

The Christian Post, while defending Boehner, still wonders from where the money is coming..

Boehner Hires Lawyer to Defend DOMA, Demands DOJ Pick Up the Tab

Above the Law Also reports:

Paul Clement and King & Spalding Defend DOMA — at a Discount

In addition to all of this mind blowing hypocrisy, those defending the so called Defense of Marriage Act, are refusing to have the trial video taped. Many people are asking "why?"

Lambda Legal Decries DOMA Defenders' Refusal to Allow Taping of Court Hearing

"It is outrageous that the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives wants to shroud in secrecy their use of tax dollars to try to defend discrimination."

If they really think their cause is just, shouldn't it be brought to light. Shouldn't they be screaming it from the roof tops...oh wait that is right...the majority of Americans support same sex marriage

Gallup Poll Reports

It would seem that so much is going on in favor of same sex couples, yet, we have no Federal recognition. Most of the States deny any sort of recognition and many of them seek to write this horrible discrimination into their own Constitutions. When will people realize that the separation of Church and State is supposed to go on always, NOT JUST WHEN IT BENEFITS THE CHURCH.

The Uniting American Families Act

S.821

H.R.1537

The Uniting American Families Act would allow immigration equality to the bi-national same sex couples.

What if you couldn't live under the same roof as your spouse? What if your wife and child were forced away from you by the United States of America's immigration system? Just like when the Nazi's would take whomever they wanted from a family...and you had no say, our United States Immigration laws are literally ripping apart same sex families. What if you could not get a Congress member to care enough about these couples to even bring up the bill for a vote? What if you were forced apart? What if your child grew up without knowing you? What if your government was responsible for ripping apart your family with total disregard for your life, love, and United States citizenship?

Thousands of United States Citizens are being told that there life is no more valuable than a slave.

I have asked Congress members to pass the Uniting American Families Act. Some of the answers I have received:

1. Move out of the United States

2. Marry someone of the opposite sex

3. Wait in line for immigration (there is no line for the bi-national same sex couple)

4. It will never happen

5. Extended families will hurt the economy. (My wife is an extended family member?)

I believe that these people are really telling me is that their political party says NO and therefore they say NO. It is unfortunate that Lamar Smith, a known immigrant hater, is the chair of the Judiciary Committee. He refuses to address any immigration issue unless it is against human beings.

I am a human being. I am a United States Citizen. I desire to live in the United States of American legally with my wife. The United States of America is saying I can't. No one has given a valid reason as to why this is so. The United States has said that they will not condone other countries who commit crimes of cruelty against the Lesbian and Gay community, yet they are guilty of these cruel crimes against us.

Please sign and get the Uniting American Families Act or The Comprehensive Immigration Act brought up to your Congress people. Please help us make a difference.

We The People Petition for the United American Families Act

ADDENDUM:

It appears that I am not the only one to draw this conclusion and the comparison of this discrimination being similar to the Nazis. This video of a North Carolina Law maker. He draws exactly the same parallels...

It's Not Like DOMA is Hurting Anyone

REALLY???

Quote from a bi-national couple:

"The agony of enforced separation gets harder every time. Didn't think it could get any more painful but it does. Our hearts are broken once again by DOMA."

Quote from a Lesbian:

"Love is not a crime People should not have to hide their feelings or pretend to be someone they aren’t just to conform to societies views of normal. Love Definition: Noun: An intense feeling of deep affection. Verb: Feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone) It shouldn’t matter if that someone is black or white, a woman or man, gay or straight. Love is a beautiful thing.

Quote by a bi-national couple:

"It is not possible to kiss while crying? It is if you are a bi-national same sex couple."

Quote by a binational couple:

"The only reason they can separate me from my husband, is because of DOMA".

Quote from a binational couple:

"Living our lives from visit to visit. We have been legally married for five years and have never lived more than three months in a row under the same roof together. DOMA keeps us apart. Until the laws of our land accept us with equal treatment, this is our life. 3 months in California, 3 months in the UK. It’s hard. It’s challenging. But it’s more than we’ve ever had before."

Quote from a binational couple:

I have no regrets at all. (of being in a binational relationship) She is the best thing that's ever happened, she is the reason why I get up every morning and strive to be a better person. She is the reason why I won't stop fighting and trying to find ways to put this family back together. I hate that I have a kid that's growing up with a part time parent, I hate that my wife doesn't have me there supporting her with our girl when she's hitting such a difficult age. Imagine being 10 years old and already having an understanding of gay rights, immigration and proposals like the UAFA. Don't get me wrong I think that it's great for kids to be politically aware, but this isn't the way in which they should learn.

Quote from a binational couple:

Please pass the Uniting American Families Act, we have suffered so much already."

Quote from binational couple:

HOW on earth does that adversely affect our society? It’s been months since I last saw my partner. I have cleaned out my savings, having to use it for travel and phone bills. This imposed separation is harmful physically, mentally, emotionally, fiscally and familialy. No one would be harmed by granting people equal (not special) rights to sponsor their partners in fact we would all become healthier and more productive members of society instead of legislative outcasts. Pushed to abandon the country we call home, when our partners are willing to give up their lives and homes to start new here. Please realize that these are REAL people, and they are being HARMED by this situation. I am being harmed by this situation. Please put yourself in our situation and think how it would feel that some stranger has the power to change your world for good or ill.

Still think DOMA is not hurting anyone? Think again. Tonight when you lie down next to your spouse, know that there are those of us who because of USA law cannot. When you hug your children, know that because of DOMA hundreds of kids will not feel their Mom or Dad's hug. Because of DOMA people have to sing their children to sleep via SKYPE.

It is hurting someone. It is hurting US citizens who have fallen in love with someone who is not an American Citizen.

Now I have heard all the reasons to keep DOMA and not pass the Uniting American Families Act, but they all are based on a thological thoughts...and the thoughts that because I am in love with someone who is of my same sex, I am non deserving of the right to be married in my country. I have had members of Congress tell me the following:

1. Move out of the USA

2. Your family is not a nuclear family

3. Marriage is between one man and one woman

All of these reasons...make no sense to my heart....to the people I have quoted.... it makes no sense to them either. We don't want to rip apart your fundamental beliefs, but we do want to be able to be with our love. Your fundamental beliefs should be that "all are created equal...". They should be that ALL Americans deserve EQUAL treatment under the law. After all....isn't that the principles that our forefathers founded this country?

An Open Letter to Those Who Compare Homosexuality to Incest

WARNING: Sexually explicit

WARNING: Excessive Child Abuse

WARNING: Graphic Violence

In a closet, tied to the pole where one's clothes hang, she waited. She hung by her wrists with toes barely scraping the floor. Finally, he arrived. The man that was supposed to be her protector; the man that was supposed to give her boyfriends a difficult time; the man that was supposed to walk her down the aisle; he finally arrived.

She could feel her heart beating in her chest as he slid the doors open. Would he beat her this time?

"You have been waiting for me?" One of his favorite things was to force her to answer his obscene questions. He spread her legs inserting his fingers...as he asked her to tell him how much she loves it...finally he finishes by putting his penis inside...inside this little seven year old child. It feels like he is splitting her small body in half...

When he is done, she drops to the floor in the closet...her wrists raw...and from her vagina...a small bit of blood...

How dare you equate this abuse, this horror, this torture, this sickening action to that of two people being in love.

I am appalled that the two words can be used in the same sentence.

Incest is abuse. About power. About control. Nothing but hurt and hate.

The love that I have for my wife is gentle and safe and beautiful and pure.

I hesitate to say this because I don't want someone with a low IQ to say that I am a lesbian because of the abuse. The story I have told is my own. So when I say that I am appalled that someone would equate the two, I know what I am talking about. How dare you? How dare you? Anyone that would make such a statement is obviously ignorant about love and what it is like to be in love and the wonder it all.

I put this story out there for one reason and one reason only to educate people. To let them know that it is so important and imparative to have marriage and immigration equality for all Americans.

Gay - Not In Indiana (part two)

I took my eight year old son to the doctor today for his allergy shot. He asked me to come back while he got his injection.

The nurse asked me, "what is your relationship to him."

I answered, "His mother..."

Then realizing that my wife brings him to get his shots most of the time I corrected myself and said, "I am his other mother..."

The nurse looked at me and said, "are you his Aunt, a friend or what..."

I said, "I am his other mother. He has two mothers."

Still not getting it she said, "But what is your relationship to the boy..."

I replied, "I am his mother. We have joint custody. ...."

Finally, maybe a light bulb came on or because I am the insurance carrier or what ever, she gave him his shots.

This should not be hard for someone to understand as the State of Indiana does have Second Parent Adoption

 

The Evansville Courier Press reports the following.

Some of the comments made by our elected officials are so ignorant and absolutely clueless (and that is the kindest I can be) that it is amazing that they had the ability to be elected at all.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana House of Representatives voted Tuesday evening to amend a ban of gay marriages and civil unions into the state’s constitution. The House approved the ban on a bipartisan 70-26 vote, starting the clock on a long process that – if there are no hitches along the way – could lead to voters having the final say in a November 2014 referendum. The vote took place after a debate that, at less than 30 minutes, was much shorter than contentious issues often command in the House. “The basic unit of society is the family, and the cornerstone of the family is marriage. Marriage is, and should be, the union of one man and one woman,” said the gay marriage ban’s author, Rep. Eric Turner, R-Marion. Rep. Mary Ann Sullivan, D-Indianapolis, called the ban “a blow that hurts thousands across this great state, and taints our constitution with the language of hate,” and said she has friends and neighbors who are “deeply, deeply hurt by this legislation.” Since the vote was originally scheduled for Monday, Sullivan said she had written her comments in the form of a valentine. She said passing such a ban “removes talented people from classrooms and business, weakens the arts, our culture and progress, makes all of our cities less vibrant and diverse – the kinds of conditions that make economies worse.” But Rep. Ralph Foley, R-Martinsville, said the ban would have no effect on Hoosiers’ ability to live with and love whomever they choose. “That loving friendship is a different relationship than a husband and wife, and we should recognize that in the law,” he said. Same-sex marriage is already prohibited under Indiana law, but Turner said a constitutional amendment is necessary to keep the state’s courts from overturning that law. The amendment says: “Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.”

 

One of the comments made by Mr. Turner was that it is not like this is really hurting anyone. I would have loved for him to look at the uncomfortable face of my son as I tried to explain over and over again that he has two mothers. He said, "Why couldn't she understand." I asked how he felt having two moms, he says, "I feel loved, but that was uncomfortable..."

The laws that discriminate are indeed hurting people. It hurts my wife and I (we were married in Iowa...although it means nothing in Indiana). We have no rights as a married couple. It hurts my children by the discrimination that exists, approved and promoted by the Indiana government. This is not right. Our laws need to be changed to include everyone. Come on Indiana.