Same-sex marriage debate

This subject requires a whole blog of reflexion to understand the ethical, social and theological positions. However, I will add my 10 cents worth with this commentary.

The British Parliament recently voted largely in favour of same-sex marriage in the name of liberty, equality and fraternity - very French of them really! I detest the attitude of various media when they report on the established church's reaction and the reactions of Christians of all denominations. Here is an example from the Guardian 5th February 2013.

"Permitting gay and lesbian people to marry is a progressive social reform whose time has come, and come rather more rapidly than many would have thought possible a generation ago. The change is right in principle, the moment is timely, public opinion is prepared for it, and MPs did well in leading and reflecting that sentiment. The vote should be conclusive. The religious traditions which oppose the bill – by no means all of them do – are going to have to adjust to the change over time, which the bill gives them scope to do. But adjust to it they should, the established church in particular. Within a generation, perhaps less, we will all be amazed at what the fuss was about."

How dare they claim 'liberty, equality and fraternity' in expressing their views as just and reasonable, whilst denying the right of others to differ in their opinion !

Our societies are now structured so that a moral majority point of view cannot dictate to a whole community. But that means we have a right to express our opinions and to participate in the debate. As Christians, we should be sounding warning bells - being prophets in our own time. However, whether others who don't share our Christian faith accept our point of view remains their responsibility and their choice. 

In France the anti-same-sex marriage groups got themselves organised to demonstrate their point of view. Protestants and Catholics (don't have any reports on other faith groups public demonstrations) joined forces to circulate information, debate material and petitions. Not all Protestants are against same-sex marriage. Not all Catholics either.

Media reports and government press releases never gave the true figures on the numbers of people in the streets. In one memorable demonstration in Paris 13th January 2013, organizers estimated nearly a million people in the streets. Media spoke of 300,000! Eye-witnesses and participants spoke of calm, positive reasoning and disciplined crowds.

The following Sunday  estimates between 150,000 and 300,000 demonstrators in favour of same-sex marriage and by association, the right to children for these couples, with eye-witnesses reporting on provocative behaviour and vulgar slogans.

OK, so I'm biased also. Who is more convincing when you compare these different approaches?

I don't appreciate being called 'homophobic' just because I don't think homosexuality is a natural expression of sexuality. I'm not afraid of homosexuality or those who are homosexual, but I believe God condemns the practices. I believe in God and so I accept His view of things. But I also say we do not define a person by his/her sexuality and we have often fallen into the trap of that. In the same way, being a mother is a part of my identity and my role, but it does not define who I am.