The main argument is that it is against God's law for people of the same sex to get married. In reality, the Bible says nothing about marriage. Being Jewish, I'll focus on the main law that is used to say why same-sex marriage should be illegal.
Leviticus 18:22: " V'et zachar lo tishkav mishk'vey eeshah toeyvah hee. "
Literally translated, it reads, " Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. "
Let's look deeper into this. First off, there is NO reference in Torah for women sleeping with women. In fact, as far as Torah goes, there's no harm in women even getting married and living a happy life together. This passage applies JUST to guys.
So lesbians, right now, you're in the clear.
Now, wiser men than I have examined this passage, and a few years ago the Conservative Rabbinical Council declared that the passage specifically refers to anal sex between two men. & So, if people do not do this, then they're in the clear, right? Wait, wait... & It gets better.
Furthermore, there are some people who are born gay, similar to those born deaf or blind. Now, it is also a law that Jews must hear and read from Torah, but it is a long, standing belief that those born with disabilities are exempt from said law as they cannot help how they were born. This interpretation was then used for gay males. If you are born gay, you're now considered exempt from this law, but you still have to follow the other laws and live a good Jewish life. Thus, at least in the branch I follow, gays can be married in Jewish temples.
But, I hear you crying out, "I'm not a Jew. & I'm a (insert religious group here)." Well, that can be handled very easily. Talk to your religious leaders. Have them talk to THEIR leaders. & Discuss it calmly and rationally, and decide if your faith will perform them or not. After all, it's all a matter of interpretation.
Now, another major argument is the sanctity of marriage itself. While I would like to say it is sacred, I highly disagree these days. First off, let us look at the current divorce rate. Over 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. In fact, at weddings I help cater, it is not uncommon for me to hear phrases like "This is a good first wedding," or "He'll make a good first husband."
It is almost expected for most first marriages to fail. And this is something that is supposed to be sacred?
Next we have celebrity marriages, where these famous people run through husbands or wives like most of us run through loads of laundry. Most notable is Britney Spears and her now infamous 72 hour marriage. Like it or not, people emulate famous people. And when famous people are constantly getting married and divorced over and over, it makes the American public think it is fine, as well.
Now, let's examine the differences between most gay and straight courtships. In straight couples, you rarely live together before the wedding. Traditionally, you date and date right up until the wedding day, so you never get the chance to see how the two of you will really co-exist. On the other side of the coin, many same-sex couples will move in together after a few months, and they see first hand how they live together.
If they can't live together, there's no harm and no foul. But if they can, then there's a happy relationship.
So, in conclusion, let people marry who they want to marry. After all, just 50 years ago people of different races could not marry, and look how silly we think that is now. & In 50 years, will this argument seem just as silly? I'd like to think so. Thank you for reading, and I ask you to please vote NO on the constitutional amendment in November.
- Citizen Voices blogger Steven Garrett is a professional food blogger who lives in South San Diego.
