It was an enlightening assignment this week to read the Supreme Court Justices ruling on gay marriage. I gained a greater appreciation for our Founding Fathers and the wisdom and inspiration which went into the writing of our Constitution. I do have to admit I felt very disheartened at the warnings given by each dissenting judge regarding the future of religious freedom in this country. Most of them expressed great concern with how this ruling might effect future actions and the treatment of those who disagree with this ruling. Justice Roberts expressed, “The majority (the five judges who voted for the ruling) graciously suggest that religious believers may continue to “advocate” and “teach” their views of marriage. The First Amendment guarantees, however, the freedom to “exercise” religion. Ominously, that is not a word the majority uses.1
President
Russell M. Nelson in a talk titled, “Disciples of Jesus Christ—Defenders of
Marriage” said, “Social and political pressures to change marriage laws are
resulting in practices contrary to God’s will regarding the eternal nature and
purposes of marriage. Man simply cannot make moral what God has declared to be
immoral. Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God.” 2 I believe in the long tradition of marriage
being between a man and a women and this new ruling does not change my belief.
But I also believe we are all children of God and need to treat each other with
love and respect. Justice Roberts expressed, “It is one thing for a majority to
conclude the Constitution protects a right to same-sex marriage; it is something
else to portray everyone who does not share the majority’s “better informed
understanding” as bigoted.”1
Several reasons
were given by the dissenting judges why marriage between a man and a woman has
been supported throughout history. Justice Alito said, “Marriage provides
emotional fulfillment and the promise of support in times in need. And by
benefiting persons who choose to wed, marriage indirectly benefits society
because persons who live in stable, fulfilling, and supportive relationships
make better citizens…For Millennia, marriage was inextricably linked to the one
thing that only an opposite-sex couple can do: procreate.” 3
I remember the
overwhelming feeling of the spirit testifying to me of the truths being spoken
by President Gordon B. Hinckley in a meeting where, “The Family: A Proclamation
to the World,” was presented. He shared this Proclamation he received through
revelation at a meeting for the Relief Society sisters around the world on September
23, 1995. The following truths about marriage were stated very clearly,
“We the First
Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman
is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the
eternal destiny of His children…
The family is
ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal
plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be
reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”4
I am grateful
for these truths given to us from a loving Heavenly Father. He wants us to
build eternal families and has provided a way for us to do so. We just need to
figure out which voices we choose to follow.
