The Patriot Post® · First Amendment

By Edward J. Brown ·
https://patriotpost.us/commentary/19726-first-amendment-2013-08-27

When I read of the photographer who got sued for refusing to video a same-sex marriage service and the bakers who were sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex ceremony, I wondered: How long it will be till I am sued for holding to my principles and values?

I am an ordained minister licensed by the state to perform marriages. I am also opposed to same-sex marriage. Since I perform weddings for a man and a woman who have a license issued by the state, I assume that if a gay or lesbian couple come and ask me to perform their marriage and I refuse, they can now sue me for sexual discrimination. Does this mean that in order to avoid a costly lawsuit I soon won’t be able to perform marriages for a man and a woman unless I also agree to perform a union for same-sex couples? I see that day coming as soon as 2016 in the form of a national law trumping state constitutions.

I have no problem with LGBT couples having a service, but I insist the definition of marriage is and always should be the union of a man and a woman. Matrimony is holy and intended for the good of all mankind. LGBT couples can go to any court where a state official will perform their service. If they want a church service there are many metropolitan gay churches who will gladly perform a service, but I hear many LGBTs telling me that is not good enough. They want to impose their values on others and don’t plan to take NO for an answer.

Several leaders of the LGBT movement have publicly stated that only some of them actually wish to be married. The ultimate goal is to destroy traditional marriage forever and replace it with anything they desire. One suggestion is to have four women and one man be an accepted family unit. Wait till same-sex marriage is adopted and watch the divorce rate soar.

I’m still thinking and praying what I shall do. I may no longer perform marriages anymore as the heterosexual community also gives less and less priority to this sacred union. For many, “‘Till death do us part” has come to mean “Let’s see how long it lasts.