Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
A friend who teaches high school and college in neighboring Texas towns as conservative as the High Plains surprised me with his views on gay marriage.
The Republican/Libertarian, who requested anonymity, says, "Government has no business in religious marriages. It is up to churches who can wed in their facilities.
"Government's responsibility is to recognize contracts between adults. That ensures equal rights for everyone.
"That should end the debate about the morality of gay marriage because each church can define marriage for itself."
The heterosexual history/ social studies teacher scoffs that gay marriage — as suggested by some preachers, pundits and politicians — would harm the sanctity of marriage.
"If the sanctity of marriage is the issue, then divorce should not be allowed. At least divorcees should not be allowed to remarry.
"Anyone committing infidelity or spousal abuse should be placed on a 'not-allowed-to-remarry list' for violating the sanctity of marriage."
He says that the procreation argument is impotent.
"If marriage is only for perpetuating the species, those too old to procreate, are infertile or don't want children should be prohibited from marrying."
He adds tongue-in-cheek, "Why not also prohibit birth control, excessive drinking or bad breath if it interferes with procreation?"
The part-time rancher says that gay marriage opponents "are really arguing in favor of their religious beliefs, not constitutional rights.
"That is their right, but they do not have the right to deny others legal rights. That would be religious tyranny."
Contact Wendel Sloan at [email protected]
