Ahead of the 2016 Presidential election, 12 Republican candidates have now thrown their hat into the ring hoping for nomination. While most of the field opposes same-sex marriage, Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum have recently signed an anti-gay pledge, written by Texas pastor Rick Scarborough, which describes same-sex parents as “unconscionable and destructive” and a “threat to security.”
Mr. Scarborough has apparently threatened to set himself on fire if gay couples are allowed to marry. Let me repeat that, he wants to SET HIMSELF ON FIRE if legislation allows same-sex couples to marry.
I’m not sure about you, but short of saving my children’s lives, there is nothing I can think of which would prompt me to set myself ablaze, least of all holy matrimony.
In a world where people of different races and religions are tearing each other apart, it seems unfathomable that anyone would consider two people who love and want to commit to each other for life “destructive.”
I am unclear who needs protection. Certainly not the children that may result from a marriage of two loving adults. If you read the pledge in full, they seem to believe same-sex marriage sends a message that children do not need a mother and a father. I’m no expert, but last time I checked, children thrive off nurturing, support and stability, end of story. Children all over the world are raised by single parents, aunts, grandparents, and siblings. Are you saying their lives are less valued because they weren’t raised in a traditional family home?
The children at the center of this debate do not know or care who their parents love. They are not born with hate or discrimination in their hearts. In the great words of Denis Leary, “Racism (or discrimination in this case) isn’t born folks, it’s taught. I have a 2-year-old son, you know what he hates? Naps. End of list.”
It seems these men are teaching their children a lesson in hatred and exclusion. If their son or daughter comes to them expressing love of a same-sex partner, what then?
Santorum, Huckabee and others are claiming their rights and those of their Creator are being unconstitutionally infringed upon. What about the freedom of others? What makes your way of life more appropriate than anyone else? This is not about religion; this is about equality and inclusiveness for anyone who wishes to enter into the sanctity of marriage.
Marriage is tough. At times it is thankless, humbling and a shitload of hard work.
It is also magical if you are with the right partner.
To ask another human being to deny who they are, to deny the ability to participate in this union because of who they love, is reprehensible.
For some, anti-gay sentiment stems from ones religious beliefs. Most come from the discomfort or inability to comprehend a life other than one they have chosen. Just because you don’t agree with a way of life doesn’t mean you need to fight to prohibit others from living their truth.
Simply put, if you don’t believe in same-sex marriage, don’t marry someone of the same-sex.
Infidelity, divorce, and even indifference seem a greater threat to the institution of marriage than inclusion.
