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Originally Posted by Merlocke
As long as the churches aren't forced to do anything against their own beliefs - all is well in my book. If a religion's rules state that homosexuality is not proper - then so be it - they don't have to perform the ceremonies at that location. As to the different churches having divides - let them sort it all out.
The questions that I have left then - are what happens to the adopted children of gay marriages? Should they not be allowed to adopt and raise children? Will these children not be able to choose a specific religion and participate in specific religious groups just because their parents chose a different path?
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This whole arguement is a Red Herring. In the first place, the only affect the legislation will have is on granting marriage licenses, which has nothing to do with religion. It is then up the couple to find the place and legal representative to perform the ceremony. This is traditionally done by some member of the clergy, or a notarized member of the public or, in rare circumstances, Captains of charter vessels.
There will be, and can be, no enforcement to perform marriages by any of these groups. Anyone who can legally marry someone who finds any union objectionable for any reason can refuse to perform that ceremony. That includes churches, justices of the peace, anyone. Any couple will be able to find someone to perform the marriage, rest assured.
As for the adopted children of same-sex marriages, they will have their own choices to make when they get old enough. There are very few churches on the planet that would refuse a convert based on the parents' choices. In fact, I can't think of any, and if anyone has any information on this, I would be happy to hear. In truth, this is the first time I've heard this arguement and it sounds a little reaching to me.
So this fear put forth by those who are arguing that they will be "forced" to perform gay marriages is just that - fear mongering.
Peace,
Pierre