You just don’t realize how many bigots there are in the world until something like the Respect For Marriage Act (RFMA) comes up. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this bill that would require the federal government to recognize the validity of same-sex marriages in the U.S. In my opinion, the bill doesn’t go far enough, but that’s a discussion for another day. Suffice it to say that I fully support the RFMA and am only saddened by the fact that we need to pass a law to give people the right to be who they are, to love whomever they choose. Like everything else, there is a political divide on this issue, but nonetheless, 47 Republicans in the House actually voted for the bill, and at least four Republican senators have expressed that they will vote for it when it reaches the Senate floor.
Wouldn’t you know, some people are furious about it? The ignominious Franklin Graham said …
“I was confused by the 47 Republicans who followed suit. God says that marriage is to be between one man and one woman—not two men, not two women. The GOP used to believe that too. Will you pray for God’s intervention as this bill moves on to the Senate? Only He can save us from our evil and rebellious ways.”
The House Freedom Caucus issued an ‘official statement’ saying …
“The radical Left has launched an all-out campaign on America’s traditional values and sacred institutions. It has weakened the nuclear family, attacked the norms of masculinity and femininity, and now it wants to further erode the sacred institution of marriage.”
Fox ‘News’ host Mark Levin weighed in …
“All 47 Republicans who voted that way are gutless buffoons. That’s the truth.”
And others, including religious ‘leaders’ and journalists had their say. Now, folks, here’s what I want to say to these people …
Help me to understand your views. If two people of the same sex marry, how does that harm you? It doesn’t take away any of your rights, it doesn’t make you homeless or take away your job, it doesn’t affect your health or well-being, so … why do you care? Nobody is telling you that you must marry a person of the same sex … who you marry is up to you, just as who I marry is up to me and who anybody marries should be left up to them. What, exactly, is your objection? I am thoroughly confused and need you to explain it to me.
Some people claim objections on religious grounds, but again … nobody is saying that anyone has to marry someone of the same gender! With thousands of religions and religious variations in the world, it would be impossible to please every one of them, and here in the United States, there is no state-sponsored or mandated religion. The nation was founded, in part, based on freedom of religion. It’s the same as I’ve long said about abortion … if you don’t like abortion or it goes against your religious values, then fine – don’t have an abortion! But don’t presume to tell others what they can or cannot do.
I appreciate the 47 courageous Republicans who stood against the ‘party line’ on this issue and voted their conscience. Unfortunately, they will likely pay a price within their party and perhaps with their constituents. And all because … what??? Because about half the people in this nation believe they should be able to regulate or control the lives of others? Because those same people are so close-minded that they cannot accept those who are not their clones? Frankly, I think that those who are so vocally opposed to same-sex marriage should maybe take a good hard look in the mirror at their own values, for I see something lacking: humanity and compassion. If that’s what religion brings about, cruelty and bigotry, then I think perhaps religion is a large part of the problem in the world today.