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A Temporary Solution at Best
New Hampshire became the sixth state to let gay couples wed. The new law was approved after revisions exempted members of the clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings and religious groups and their employees from having to participate in such ceremonies. Polls say regular churchgoers are more likely to support gay marriage with these 'religious liberty reassurances.' Is this a good solution to the divisive issue of gay marriage?
It may be a good temporary solution -- and it accords with the biblical principle of respecting people's consciences. But neither 'side' will be happy with it for long. However, there is always something to be said for postponing a clash for which not enough preparation has been done, as is certainly true on this issue. It would be good if one day we could have the real debate. At the moment it's mostly been a shouting match. But then postmodernity tends to do that; if all arguments are really assertions of prejudices, the only thing to do is to shout and bully. Roll on the day when the church leads the way in modeling respectful and reasoned argument! But I expect my beard to be considerably grayer before that happens.
By
Nicholas T. Wright
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June 10, 2009; 8:21 AM ET
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Posted by: Paganplace | June 11, 2009 12:00 AM
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There's really no reason for the marriage equality side to be dissatisfied with New Hampshire's decision, unless the anti-gay lobby finds some unforeseen way to exploit the precedent. I'm sure they're trying already.
There's already talk about people wanting a specific way to discriminate against gays in publicly-open businesses a la the Jim Crow South, but that's about business law, not marriage law.