The Delaware proposal to recognize civil unions has been approved by a Senate committee, and will now go to the floor of the full Senate for a vote. One of the striking features of the hearing was that, balancing the predictable views of some witnesses who stated that their opposition was based on religious belief, there were priests and pastors speaking up in favour of the proposal.
The Rev. Doug Gerdts, pastor of First & Central Presbyterian Church, said nothing changed about his love for his daughter when she told him she was gay.
“But I found myself sad and angry,” he said. “Angry at a yet-to-be identified person or persons who might attempt to make her life painful, simply because of the way God created her. Sad that her life would have challenges and struggles that mine doesn’t.”
The Rev. Jeffrey Ross, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, urged lawmakers to pass the bill and let Delaware stand for justice.
He said he has “looked into the souls of gay and lesbian people,” has seen relationships that have lasted longer than his lifetime and seen their children.
“I have seen the love of God blossom in their lives,” he said.
-Delaware on-line
Others testifying in favour included a police officer, Mike Bouchard (pictured), who is active in his church.
He told the panel he says goodbye to his partner each morning and lays his life on the line each day for the community. He’s honored to do it, he said.
“I hold the highest regard for my position in law enforcement,” Bouchard said.
But he had one question for the panel: Why, if he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community, is he not given the same rights as those whose partner is of the opposite sex?
Others, predictably, are against. Nicole Theis of the Delaware Family Policy Council said she would continue to monitor the bill and
..educate lawmakers on the true intent and likely consequences it would have for the state.
The rest of us must monitor the likes of Theis, the Delaware Family Policy Council and the National Organization of Marriage and educate them on the true impact of legislation to protect all families:
- the expansion of marriage, not its destruction;
- support for children and family life;
- mutual support and security for LGBT seniors, from their partners and their children
- improved access to social security and statutory benefits that are available to married couples
- improved social standing in communities, with some protection against hatred, prejudice and homophobic violence
- and absolutely no impact on the lives of conventionally married heterosexual couples whatsoever. If anything, the evidence is to the contrary. States which already recognize gay marriage have the lowest divorce rates in the USA, some of those with constitutional bans on same sex marriage have the highest.
To really protect and promote marriage - expand it, so that it becomes available to all couples. It’s the best way to promote the welfare of children and families.
Related Posts at QTC:
Gay Activists Focus on Faith: No Monopoly for the “Religious Police”
The Transformation of Christian Responses to Homoerotic Love
Expert View on Gay Adoption: Beneficiaries are the Children
Pope Benedict’s Strong Argument for Gay Marriage, Queer Families.
Queer Parents: Listen To The Families
ABC – WaPo Poll Confirms, Yet Again: Catholics (Increasingly) Support Gay Marriage
Queer Families: A Personal, Catholic Case for Gay Marriage
Queer Families: A Child’s Song of Praise For His Two Dads.
The Catholic Push For Maryland Equality
New York Catholics Support Gay Marriage
