Marriage, more than a word

Nov. 13, I published a pro-Proposition 8 article and I feel as though I did not do the piece the justice it deserved. In writing it, I felt as though I needed to be careful with a subject that is sensitive to those on both sides.

In my effort to take care, I held back what I really meant to say and instead wrote things that came across in a way I had not intended. The piece did not represent my best writing or my true intentions. I have walked away from this experience having learned a valuable journalistic lesson I will never forget.

From the beginning of time, marriage has been a binding contract between a man and a woman. It has also been, from the beginning, a religious ceremony that invited God into the relationship. The married couple vows to love one another, but also to be faithful to each other and to our Heavenly Father. 

Governments have added certain benefits to married couples in the form of tax benefits, probate rights and other laws. These things did not, however, change the true religious and moral contract that marriage is at its core.

Homosexual couples now seek the same benefits married couples enjoy. None of these things are denied them.

The legal and civil benefits of a marriage are open to all couples, gay or straight. The heart of marriage, the union of man and woman with God’s consent and blessing, however, cannot be available to all couples.

The homosexual lifestyle is one that does not coincide with God’s moral teachings. Those who live this way are free to do as they wish so far as the law is concerned. I do not understand, however, why they wish to partake in a religious ceremony that does not embrace their lifestyle.

Marriage is a religious institution and it always will be. The discussion surrounding it will always include God at its very center whether he is mentioned out loud or not. We are a country that believes in God. This country was founded upon that belief and it has not gone away. According to the American Religious Identification Survey conducted in 2001, more than 75 percent of Americans are Christian. A further percentage of Americans are made up of Jews, Muslims and other non-Christian belief systems. These religions also view homosexuality in the same light.

This doesn’t mean Christian thoughts or ideals are shoved upon anyone. This means the moral standards of America will reflect the Christian belief.

We as a country aspire to support the rule of the majority without compromising the rights of the minority. The majority has spoken many times now in California and across the country, and defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

In order to respect the rights of the minority on this issue, we have made it possible for gay couples to receive the same civil rights as married couples. I feel as though democracy has run its course and proven itself again as the best form of government.

No one is protesting the rights of gay couples to live together and enjoy their own lives as they see fit. I am grateful to live in a country where I can also choose to live my life with my wife and child, and follow my beliefs without fear of persecution.

Those who persecute and demean others for their choices have no place in our country and leave a black stain on the reputation of those who try to peacefully live their beliefs.

I hope we can all be tolerant of one another and live our lives in a way that benefits the country and the world as a whole.

KRIS DONNER
Arbiter Journalist

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