[funkStrat_97]

In an almost unanimous vote, the District of Columbia will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states where homosexuals have the legal right to marry. This is one step closer to the Nation's Capitol legalization of gay marriages. If same-sex marriage does become legalized in DC, there would supposedly be some clause exempting religous organizaions thus giving them some legal protecton if they refuse to perform a gay wedding (yeah, right).

DC Moves Closer to Legalizing Gay Marriage

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

If same-sex marriage does become legalized in DC, there would supposedly be some clause exempting religous organizaions thus giving them some legal protecton if they refuse to perform a gay wedding (yeah, right).

Is there a problem in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont with churches refusing to perform gay marriages?

[JerryLove]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

If same-sex marriage does become legalized in DC, there would supposedly be some clause exempting religous organizaions thus giving them some legal protecton if they refuse to perform a gay wedding (yeah, right).

As with the poster before, I'm incredulous of your incredulity. Given the number of states which allow or have allowed gay marriage, where is an example of a religious organization having legal action (successfully or at least meritoriously) taken against it for a failure to marry homosexual couples?

[BillSPrestonEsq]

Originally Posted by JerryLove

As with the poster before, I'm incredulous of your incredulity. Given the number of states which allow or have allowed gay marriage, where is an example of a religious organization having legal action (successfully or at least meritoriously) taken against it for a failure to marry homosexual couples?

I am sure it will occur, and I am sure it will occur in my state. My state is insane. Personally, as long as that does not occur, I really don't care that much. The fact that this is news with the reciprocity agreements the states have with each other is rather odd. I guess the D.O.C. being a non-state causes an unusual state of affairs here.

However, I do think my state could be in weird limbo on this topic soon. And I also see there being some malicious shenanigans being rather likely, what with human nature being what it is.

However, this could make me reluctant to get ordained till I see this sort of thing, and my personal right to discriminate based on conscience upheld. I do think we will see it, but then again, I have a low view of human nature.

[TahoeJeff]

Originally Posted by slap_j

Is there a problem in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont with churches refusing to perform gay marriages?

There may be..but I really don't know. I honestly don't see it becoming a big issue because usually people don't want to be married by an entity that doesn't want to marry them.

[k-lub242]

Originally Posted by TahoeJeff

There may be..but I really don't know. I honestly don't see it becoming a big issue because usually people don't want to be married by an entity that doesn't want to marry them.

Unless they're set on making trouble and starting lawsuits, etc for no real reason other than human nature.

[TahoeJeff]

Originally Posted by k-lub242

Unless they're set on making trouble and starting lawsuits, etc for no real reason other than human nature.

You're implying that it's human nature to file frivilous lawsuits and cause trouble? Does it happen? Sure, but I'd hardly call it human nature.

[OneHope]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

If same-sex marriage does become legalized in DC, there would supposedly be some clause exempting religous organizaions thus giving them some legal protecton if they refuse to perform a gay wedding (yeah, right).

I don't think this slippery slope argument is justification for denying someone a right they should have within a secular society. If it does come to this then who cares? It it does happen then likely what will happen is that churches will lose their tax status and if we strive to be obedient to Christ then his ability to move will not be limited by tax law.

As for me, I will continue to do what I believe to be right, that is, not to enforce Christian values on a secular society but to be the Church, reaching out in love to people regardless of sexuality and striving to support gay and straight brothers and sisters desiring to lead Christ-centred lives. So I say good for DC!

[guitarguy90]

So I have a question: if same-sex marriage is legalized, how far behind is polygamy and other deviant forms of sexual behavior? Do you thing that such things should be legalized?

[funkStrat_97]

Originally Posted by JerryLove

As with the poster before, I'm incredulous of your incredulity. Given the number of states which allow or have allowed gay marriage, where is an example of a religious organization having legal action (successfully or at least meritoriously) taken against it for a failure to marry homosexual couples?

Originally Posted by slap_j

Is there a problem in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont with churches refusing to perform gay marriages?

I see your point, but I am concerned that this religious exemption provision may be overturned in the event that same-sex marriages are legalized on a national level. But given the fact that there has been no legal action taken (or at least succesfuly so) in states where this is allowed, perhaps these concerns can be laid to rest.

Edited to add:

I also agree that it is not the Church's job to make this country a "Christian nation" and force unsaved people to accept and abide by what I believe to be Christian values. This is a free society afterall.

[tlj009]

I also agree that it is not the Church's job to make this country a "Christian nation" and force unsaved people to accept and abide by what I believe to be Christian values. This is a free society afterall.

Is it the State's job to force Christians to do things that they believe is wrong? There are cases like a church in New Jersey that owned beachfront property. They refused to rent it to a lesbian couple for their wedding and was sued. I believe the church lost too. Then there is a photographer that declined a job to photograph a homosexual wedding. The photographer was sued and had to pay $7,000. There are Catholic Children's homes that have closed their doors after the state required them to allow homosexual couples to adopt.

Your argument is that the Church shouldn't force its beliefs on the State but the State sure doesn't have a problem forcing its beliefs on the Church. The problem is that the Church and the State are intermingled in regards to citizens of each.

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by tlj009

Is it the State's job to force Christians to do things that they believe is wrong? There are cases like a church in New Jersey that owned beachfront property. They refused to rent it to a lesbian couple for their wedding and was sued. I believe the church lost too. Then there is a photographer that declined a job to photograph a homosexual wedding. The photographer was sued and had to pay $7,000. There are Catholic Children's homes that have closed their doors after the state required them to allow homosexual couples to adopt.

Your argument is that the Church shouldn't force its beliefs on the State but the State sure doesn't have a problem forcing its beliefs on the Church. The problem is that the Church and the State are intermingled in regards to citizens of each.

I believe this is the case you refer to with your first point.

[Dr. Worm]

Originally Posted by guitarguy90

So I have a question: if same-sex marriage is legalized, how far behind is polygamy and other deviant forms of sexual behavior? Do you thing that such things should be legalized?

Pre-marital sex is already legal, as is adultery. I've seen Christians say these things are sinful, but never once have I seen Christians making a fuss about their legality, and these things are far more pervasive than homosexuality. Do you think these sexual sins should be made illegal?

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by funkStrat_97

I see your point

But I am also curious as to whether or not any such thing has occured. I don't anticipate that sort of thing but I wouldn't exactly be surprised either.

Originally Posted by guitarguy90

So I have a question: if same-sex marriage is legalized, how far behind is polygamy and other deviant forms of sexual behavior? Do you thing that such things should be legalized?

Rather far I'd say. I don't really buy into the slippery slope argument here. They legalized alcohol in 1933 yet since then I haven't seen the legalization of heroin, cocaine, etc.

Originally Posted by thesteve

I believe this is the case you refer to with your first point.

I wonder if the fact that it's a "civil union" has anything to do with it. Anyone know what the outcome was?

[tlj009]

I believe this is the case you refer to with your first point.

Probably. But the point is that sexual orientation is becoming a basis for discrimination. And while Christians would not be the ones discriminating based on sexual orientation in most instances, marriage does bring it to the forefront. If you are running a business that focuses on weddings and are a Christian, then you can either close your business or participate in something that you believe is wrong.