*** ORBUSMAX GUEST OP/ED ***

Drawing the Line On Gay Marriage - By Warren E. Peterson

March 6, 2004

We need to have a frank and open discussion on whether same sex marriage will lead us over the abyss to cultural decay or open the nation to a new wave of freedom. The topic should be addressed through the time honored, constitutional legislative process.

On gay marriage, a legislature may find a compromise such as civil unions recognized by the government and marriage by the church. They may, after receiving public input, reach some other conclusion, but at least everyone would have an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Win or lose, both sides get to play in the game and see the outcome as fair.

Right now, the movement for gay marriage is following the same unfortunate path as the abortion issue. Abortion was sold as the only way to stop back alley butchers, an admirable goal, but it also became a means of birth control and avoiding responsibility for one's own actions. It cheapened respect for life. Rather than resolving the issue through the legislative process, abortion was imposed nationally by the courts. Consequently, we have been fighting over it ever since.

In the debate, words have meaning. Gay once meant, "to be joyous." It's now a description of sexual proclivities. Today we are being told that marriage is no longer defined as the union of one man and one woman. The traditionalists contend that marriage between two people of the opposite sex is a corner stone of an orderly society, the most appropriate environment for raising children and ordained by God. The homosexual community counters with several arguments. They say traditional marriage hasn't been all that successful; just look at the divorce rate. If two people are in love, why not let them marry and, if they so choose, provide a loving home for children too? It's a matter of fairness and civil rights. The church's position on the subject should not set public policy. Besides, same sex marriage is no big deal so just get over it.

Well, before we blithely accept gay marriage as a fait accompli, perhaps we should take a little more time to study and reflect on the results and possible unintended consequences of legalizing same sex marriage. If we accept gay marriage, will polygamous marriage be next? The Utah ACLU has already raised the issue. Will churches that follow St. Paul's admonition calling homosexuality a sin, nevertheless be required by anti discrimination laws to hire gay pastors and employees? The California Supreme Court recently ruled that Catholic Charities had to offer birth control in their employee medical plans even though birth control is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Will a child be suspended from school because in a class discussion he states his belief that gay marriage is against God's law? Remember the "thought police" that have generated their own lexicon of "hate speech" and forced universities to adopt ridiculous rules limiting speech. Will this cause an exodus to private religious schools? What will the cost be to the rest of society? Will Social Security run out of money sooner? Will health care insurance costs rise even further? It is easy to say "so what, fair is fair," but the public still should know what to expect.

Acting on the whim of some local official or judges declaring "new" law will only produce long lasting strife, not consensus. In the end, society has the right to draw the line and declare what is right or wrong, acceptable or not acceptable, moral or immoral. We do it through a democratic process, not by the volume of protest from one group or another. It's called the rule of law. It takes time to do it right but it is time well spent.

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Warren E. Peterson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, served three and a half years in the Navy, one term in the Washington State House of Representatives and is now retired after 34 years with Boeing.