Threat on Marriage

     I am a non-confrontational person. I try to avoid confrontation and contention at all costs. The debate on same-sex marriage is a hot, controversial, and sensitive topic today. While having a conversation about it with an acquaintance, after stating my belief, I was told I was old-fashioned, out-of-touch, and I lack understanding. Therefore, it is a topic I choose not to discuss with others, simply because I know the outcome. Now that I have confessed my cowardice, imagine my chagrin when I read Elder Russell M. Nelson’s words that he spoke to graduating BYU students when he said, “Disciples of the Lord are defenders of marriage, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.” (2014) When confronted, I need to state my beliefs on marriage. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. It has been that way since the creation; it makes sense, it is logical, it is God’s plan. 

     I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. In Genesis we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth…” (Genesis 1: 1, 28) “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) These verses show that marriage, between a man and a woman, is the basis of creating children. Creating children cannot physically happen if a couple of the same gender marry. Children should be given the chance to have both a mother and a father. The members of the American College of Pediatricians did a study of children being raised in an intact biological family, vs children being raised by a mother or a father in a same-sex relationship. The results showed that children being raised by both a mother and a father did much better socially, academically, financially, and emotionally. The study determines that “both mothers and fathers play crucial and qualitatively different roles in the socialization of the child.” (2013)

     In the Supreme Court case of Obergefell va Hodges, same-sex marriage was legalized in all fifty states and surrounding territories because five of the nine Justices voted it to be so. The four Justices in the Supreme Court who dissented, expressed concern that legalizing same-sex marriage would impinge on religious freedom and the family. They also stated that judicial overreach brings a threat to American democracy, the Constitution, and society (2015).

     Yes, I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. I show respect to those who have differing opinions and life-styles, but I cannot back down. Elder Nelson stated, “As disciples of the Lord you will stand as defenders of marriage. And as you are true and faithful, not only will He help you and protect you, He will bless your families." (2014)

References:

1. Nelson, Russell M. (2014 August 14) Disciples of Jesus Christ – Defenders of Marriage Retrieved from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson_disciples-jesus-christ-defenders-of-marriage/

2. American College of Pediatricians ( 2013 March ) Defending Traditional Marriage Retrieved from https://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/parenting-issues/defending-traditional-marriage

3. Obergefell v Hodges (2015, April 28) Retrieved from https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf