Religious Freedom & Same Sex Marriage

Our founding fathers were extraordinarily brilliant to be able to craft documents and mold a nation in a way that would endure the trials of different eras. We are wise to cling to the constitution which made us strong in the first place, and to remember the wisdom of these great men. While Thomas Jefferson’s ideas on the separation of church and state have often been taken out of context in an attempt to eradicate the very mention of God where it might offend, his intentions to preserve religious freedom and prevent corruption were wise.

We are no longer a religiously homogeneous nation, and as such we need to adapt to our diversity in order to preserve the freedoms our founding fathers set up for us, particularly since our popular culture currently promotes tolerance to everyone except Christians. The first amendment needs to be reinforced.

The issue that seems to divide us most and threaten religious freedoms is same sex marriage. I believe there is a way to accommodate both of the opposing sides while preserving the freedoms and rights of all. My idea is simple, though the application may get a little tricky.

Separate the terms Sacred Marriage and Civil Partnership since they imply two very different things, then separate the jurisdiction of each.

Civil Partnerships would remain the jurisdiction of the state, and would grant applicants with all the legal and tax benefits formerly applied to marriage. All existing marriages would automatically be grandfathered in. Anyone could apply whether opposite sex or same sex, and they would not even have to be romantically involved, but willing to make a legal commitment to another person. This guarantees equal rights to same sex couples.

The jurisdiction of Sacred Marriages would be given to religious institutions to be defined, performed and protected according to their theology. Anyone previously married by an ordained minister would be given the title of Sacred Marriage, and could request a certificate of such from their minister or religious institution. Further, and this is very important: religious organizations cannot be persecuted for discriminating on the basis of sexual preference. Since it is a moral issue, it falls under the protection of the first amendment. This guarantees religious freedom.

Those who founded our nation understood the importance of protecting the rights of those with differing worldviews and religions because the bloodshed of religious wars in Europe was fresh in their memories. Today we have a nation composed of many different worldviews and religions, and we must be diligent if we want to preserve the freedoms and rights that made our nation strong in the first place.

I have many more thoughts on the issue, but wanted to keep it brief. Thank you for your time. I urge you to thoughtfully consider these things.