I have a very nice American gay friend. He wrote this on Facebook telling his readers about question 6 that would legalize gay marriage in Maryland constitution. I loved what he wrote, it is way too far from the discourse that other homosexuals use to express their thoughts describing everybody else as Homophobes:
Question 6 today is an amendment to the Maryland constitution that will offer equality to all
citizens of Maryland in their rights to marriage and to recognition as a couple in the eyes of the state.
I know that some of you have strong religious beliefs that do not align well with homosexuality or gay marriage; but I ask that you think not solely of your religion, but also of the rights of all people and the principles on which this country was founded. People always talk about the fact that America was founded on Christian principles; but it is important to remember that before those Christian principles, America was founded on freedom of religion. Our ancestors left England in order to exercise their religious beliefs free from persecution. Now, we live in a nation where we find diversity in religion however, we see people voting for laws that are founded on religious belief. How is it that we were founded on freedom of religion (and therefore the freedom to not practice one) but now we are taking religious beliefs and attempting to legislate them onto others who do not agree.
For those of you who's response to that is that an Amendment like Question 6 legislate, immorality (or a lack of religious belief) on those who belief that homosexuality is a sin, this is my response. Question 6 still protects your rights. This amendment allows religious institutions to deny requests of homosexual couples to have a marriage ceremony performed there. This amendment gives homosexual couples the right to wed and receive the legal benefits therein while also protecting your rights to exercise your faith. So, how is it hurting people?
And as far as using the term 'marriage' is concerned, I understand your concern. Even for me, the term 'marriage' carries a lot of religious connotations. However, at the same time, marriage is simply a word and nothing more. Does it matter what we call it or if we distinguish (in terminology) between a heterosexual marriage and a gay marriage? 1. By distinguishing between the 2 (even in terminology), we perpetuate an innate difference between the two which could lead to discriminated treatment between the two when our ultimate goal is equality between all people. 2. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" ... Words are simply words. They change with time, so does it matter what we name it, as long as everyone is allowed the same rights and are treated equally in the eyes of the law?
In conclusion, I ask that you vote FOR Question 6, not simply because it will benefit me in the future, but mostly because it would be a vote for equal treatment of people, regardless of their creed, beliefs, or whom they choose to love.
I know that some of you have strong religious beliefs that do not align well with homosexuality or gay marriage; but I ask that you think not solely of your religion, but also of the rights of all people and the principles on which this country was founded. People always talk about the fact that America was founded on Christian principles; but it is important to remember that before those Christian principles, America was founded on freedom of religion. Our ancestors left England in order to exercise their religious beliefs free from persecution. Now, we live in a nation where we find diversity in religion however, we see people voting for laws that are founded on religious belief. How is it that we were founded on freedom of religion (and therefore the freedom to not practice one) but now we are taking religious beliefs and attempting to legislate them onto others who do not agree.
For those of you who's response to that is that an Amendment like Question 6 legislate, immorality (or a lack of religious belief) on those who belief that homosexuality is a sin, this is my response. Question 6 still protects your rights. This amendment allows religious institutions to deny requests of homosexual couples to have a marriage ceremony performed there. This amendment gives homosexual couples the right to wed and receive the legal benefits therein while also protecting your rights to exercise your faith. So, how is it hurting people?
And as far as using the term 'marriage' is concerned, I understand your concern. Even for me, the term 'marriage' carries a lot of religious connotations. However, at the same time, marriage is simply a word and nothing more. Does it matter what we call it or if we distinguish (in terminology) between a heterosexual marriage and a gay marriage? 1. By distinguishing between the 2 (even in terminology), we perpetuate an innate difference between the two which could lead to discriminated treatment between the two when our ultimate goal is equality between all people. 2. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" ... Words are simply words. They change with time, so does it matter what we name it, as long as everyone is allowed the same rights and are treated equally in the eyes of the law?
In conclusion, I ask that you vote FOR Question 6, not simply because it will benefit me in the future, but mostly because it would be a vote for equal treatment of people, regardless of their creed, beliefs, or whom they choose to love.
Now this is a comment that a friend left under the text that my friend wrote. I really loved the comment, it said what I felt and thought , but I could not express. It is simple , short and right to the point:
I voted against it, but I understand your concerns and desires. I'll always stand for the God defined principles of marriage and family. I love and sympathize with my gay and lesbian friends and relatives, but I must stand true to my principles at the ballot box. hugs!
Sometimes wile trying to be considerate and nice to people, one might forget that his principles being his\her principles are a good enough reason to stand by them. You cant make people believe in what you believe but you just need not go through a lot of rhetoric to prove it.
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