On June 26th On June 26th 2015,
the US Supreme Court ruled in a 5 to 4 vote that the US Constitution guarantees
the right for same-sex marriage in all 50 states. News stations and social
media went wild announcing the news to America. “Love wins” and “equality for
all” were expressed in all different fonts across various formats. Personally,
my Facebook newsfeed was exploding with rainbows. My belief about marriage
being a man and a woman still held firm.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints also issued a document on June 26th, 2015 in regards to the
Supreme Court ruling:
“The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that following today's
ruling by the Supreme Court, same-sex marriages are now legal in the United
States. The Court's decision does not alter the Lord's doctrine that marriage
is a union between a man and a woman ordained by God. While showing respect for
those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote
marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and
practice”
(http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/supreme-court-decision-will-not-alter-doctrine-on-marriage)
I have always believed, and will always
believe, that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In recent years I
have found that there seems to be a decreasing number of people who believe in
traditional marriage. In my government class in high school as a Senior, when I
raised my hand in support of traditional marriage I found that I was virtually
alone in my beliefs. People at my high school called same-sex marriage the new
civil rights movement and scoffed at those who thought marriage should be
otherwise. I have read countless arguments on social media websites between the
advocates for traditional marriage and those who oppose it. The opposition
usually declares their position boldly and makes pointed comments to the believers
of traditional marriage as people of ignorance, inequality or haters. I was
called a “homophobe” and looked down upon because of what I believe in.
The traditional marriage advocates seem
to be few and far between and drowned out by the better part of society because
of how acceptable same-sex relations and behavior is being portrayed. Same-sex
behavior is flaunted loud and proud across tv shows, movie screens, news
channels, and social media websites. People talk about gays and gayness as
loudly and as often as possible. In the article entitled “The Overhauling of
Straight America,” it states: “almost any behavior begins to look normal if you are exposed to
enough of it at close quarters and among your acquaintances. The acceptability
of the new behavior will ultimately hinge on the number of one's fellows doing
it or accepting it. One may be offended by its novelty at first--many, in times
past, were momentarily scandalized by "streaking,'' eating goldfish, and
premarital sex. But as long as Joe Six-pack feels little pressure to perform
likewise, and as long as the behavior in question presents little threat to his
physical and financial security, he soon gets used to it and life goes on. The
skeptic may still shake his head and think ‘people arc crazy these days,’ but
over time his objections are likely to become more reflective, more
philosophical, less emotional” (Krik & Madsen, 1987).
Let me just point out that I know that there are some advocates
for traditional marriage who may belittle those who oppose it. However, I
personally have seen much more belittlement of those who do not agree with
same-sex marriage. While, I am not an advocate for same-sex marriage I do not
belittle or demean those who are. One of my best friends in high school was gay
and I did not treat him any differently or like him any less because of his
sexual orientation. For those who believe in same-sex marriage I am not trying
to change your opinions. I know that everyone has the gift of agency and none
of us can force anyone to change his or her mind or do anything at all.
However, I am asking that we become
more civil, more understand and less judgmental. It is not my place to tell you
to stop shouting support for gay marriage from the rooftops but it is my right
to ask you to not call me as ignorant, old-fashion or full of hate just because
I am standing up for what I believe in just the same as you are.
In the
news article: “The Divine Institution of Marriage” published by the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it says: “Many advocates of same-sex
marriage argue that traditional standards of sexual morality have changed and
that “tolerance” requires that these new standards be recognized and codified
in law. If tolerance is defined as showing kindness for others and respect for
differing viewpoints, it is an important value in all democratic societies. But
as Elder Dallin H. Oaks has observed, ‘Tolerance does not require abandoning
one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices.
Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from
examination.’
In addition to using the argument of tolerance to advocate
redefining marriage, proponents have advanced the argument of “equality before
the law.” No mortal law, however, can override or nullify the moral standards
established by God. Nor can the laws of men change the natural, innate
differences between the genders or deny the close biological and social link
between procreation and marriage.” (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage).
Why do I think that
marriage should be between a man and a woman? I stand true to these thoughts: “Strong, stable families,
headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of society. When marriage is
undermined by gender confusion and by distortions of its God-given meaning, the
rising generation of children and youth will find it increasingly difficult to
develop their natural identities as men or women. Some will find it more
difficult to engage in wholesome courtships, form stable marriages, and raise
another generation imbued with moral strength and purpose” (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage).
I believe that marriage
is not just about the desires and thoughts of the individuals involved in the
ceremony. I know that a marital union affects their friends and family members.
It affects their children and their children’s children down through
generations. Most importantly, I believe that marriage should be between a man and
a woman because it is commandment from God.
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