Over a Word

In the American Heritage Dictionary, Office Edition, the definition of Marriage is “The condition of being married; Wedlock. A Wedding Ceremony. A close or intimate Union.” Sounds a little vague when you consider the word, Marriage is the center of a Firestorm over the issue of Same Sex Marriage. State Legislatures have and will spend countless hours debating and voting on whether John has the right to have a, Sanctioned by Law, partnership with Joe instead of Jane. Is this an issue that needs consideration or is this being pushed by a group whose agenda represents a minority few?

If you follow the Hollywood crowd, they would make you think this is a basic Civil Right equal to the plight Blacks had in our nation for decades. (You’ll notice I used the term had. I think we settled that issue this past Presidential Election.) If you listen to the Religious sector, the belief is that, this goes against the teachings of God and the spiritual nature of our Nation. This is where I think the crux of the argument lies, the argument over the word Marriage. Whether you like it or not, our nation was founded under a Christian belief with the right to practice or not practice what religion you want. But, is this really a Christian issue? If it is a Christian issue, then why is it being argued in the halls of Legislature? Isn’t there a separation of church and state?

That is why I believe the word Marriage should not even enter the equation. If the Religious recognition of Marriage is defined, then it should remain as a religious matter. This means the right of any religion to support or deny acceptance of a Same Sex Union. But, when it comes to laws that affect the Civil Rights of individuals, then, identify it as such. In other words, a Civil Union is a legal commitment between two individuals. Homophobes are hung up on the sexual aspect. But, it reaches well into the financial as well. If I owned a business, do you think I would care if John’s debt to me were Jane’s responsibility or Joe’s? Not at all. What do I care the avenue I must travel to gain restitution, as long as there is an avenue.

So, to determine if a right is being violated we must ask these questions. Is Homosexuality a birth defect or a curable condition? I cannot find this the case anywhere. Is Homosexuality an accepted condition of human life? To me, yes unless, the first question is proven to be true.

Marriage is a religious sacrament, sanctioned by law, between One Man and One Woman, period. However, a Same Sex Union must also be sanctioned by law if you follow the argument in the previous paragraph. Both should have equal rights under the same flag and Constitution we live under. The reason, Marriage is a Civil Union but, performed under a religious ceremony. We, as a society, got lazy and took a shortcut by using the word Marriage to describe even a non religious ceremony. Very similar to using the word “Xerox” instead of “photo copied” or “Band Aid” instead of “bandage”.

So, let us stop using and arguing about a Word and discuss Law and Civil Rights. Not only Homosexual Rights but, the rights of Freedom of Religion. Both are separate issues that are being entwined for nothing less than power control and manipulation.

That’s how I see it.