The week’s opinion is one that has, to this point, already met with much debate, objection and argument. On Tuesday of last week, by a vote of 61-36, the Senate passed House Bill 8404 or the Respect for Marriage Act. This legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) is, “to prevent discrimination, promote equality, and protect the rights of all Americans.”
In actuality, the “Respect for Marriage Act” bill passed in the House of Representatives on July 19 and was confirmed by the Senate a week ago during the 117th Congress’s 2021-2022 sessions. From Congress.gov, the bill provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages as well as repeals and replaces provision that define, for purposes of federal law, marriage as between a man and a woman and spouse as a person of the opposite sex with provisions recognizing a marriage that is valid under state law. (The Supreme Court held that the current provisions were unconstitutional in United States v. Windsor in 2013)
“The Respect for Marriage Act also repeals and replaces provisions that do not require states to recognize same-sex marriages from other states with provisions that prohibit the denial of full faith and credit or any right or claim relating to out-of-state marriages on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. (The Supreme Court held that state laws barring same-sex marriages were unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015; the Court held that state laws barring interracial marriages were unconstitutional in Loving v. Virginia in 1967.) The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action and establishes a private right of action for violations.”
Needless to say, this law is controversial, at best, given the original premise of religious freedoms as the core for foundation of the United States. It is the bible that first established the sacred institution of marriage as being between a man and a woman. Nae.org confirms that God designed marriage for humanity. As first described in Genesis and later affirmed by Jesus, marriage is a God-ordained, covenant relationship between a man and a woman. This lifelong, sexually exclusive relationship brings children into the world and thus sustains the stewardship of the earth.
Without question, same-sex couples are simply unable to procreate in order to bring about life but it is often stated that love should be allowed between any two people who feel a mutual attraction for one another. The argument can be made that the civil statute is in direct contradiction to biblical law, in which case, those established by scripture are supposed to take precedence. However, the more common position holds to the fact that principles outlined in the Bible are somehow viewed as outdated.
With the passing of each generation, humanity appears to move farther and farther from honoring the biblical principles set forth by God. In fact, a greater majority of younger generations have all but turned from what has long been considered the foundation of human existence as satanic concepts are continuously infused into the fabric of society.
The Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court ruling in 1967 that held state laws barring interracial marriages were unconstitutional. This, in fact, had little effect on the attitudes of people who were, and continue, to be against the idea. As is the case concerning the most recent bill, those who hold to the biblical standard defining marriage can face legal consequences for discrimination but proving it in a court of law is another matter altogether.
Defining marriage has been a source of controversy for years and will likely continue until, perhaps, the Lord returns to set the record straight. Whatever the justification listed by each individual to substantiate he/his and she/her claims, there can be only one right answer. Wisdom suggests it a better option to err on the side of caution.
To pose a question or share your opinion, you can reach B. G. Howard at bw3bh@yahoo.com or P. O. Box 8103, Jacksonville, FL 32239.
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