Gay Marriage Ruling: Negative Implications

This last segment of a 3-part series presents some negative implications of the SC ruling on gay marriage from the perspectives of the Church and the faithful; children of same-sex couples, and economy experts.

The Church: Catholic and other Christian sects

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a union between one man and one woman; it is both a natural and divine law. The Church also sees marriage as a sacrament instituted for the purpose of procreation – the begetting of children. Taking a position of “tolerant resistance,” it opposes same-sex marriage and here is why:

We are not opposed to same-sex “marriage” because we hate homosexuals. We don’t “hate fags”; nor do we believe that God does. We don’t judge a person’s heart simply because he or she is attracted to persons of the same sex. The official teaching of the Catholic Church says homosexual persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided” (Catechism, 2358). ...However, when it comes to same-sex “marriage,” we are dealing not only with the question of homosexuality per se, but also of the Catholic sacraments. - Read more here:

 

Catholic Church leaders in the US believe the SC ruling will create problems and conflicts.

 

A very critical question – one which came about even before the SC ruling – is the so-called “Estridge Dilemmna:” what course of action should U.S. Catholic institutions chart when an employee publicly contradicts Church teaching by being a party to such a union? [...]with a report circulating this week that the Obama administration already has decided to make acceptance of LBGT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) job applicants a condition for all federal grants made to faith-based groups, the “Estridge Dilemma” soon could be a problem that virtually every Catholic institution will face as they seek to live out their mission while keeping their religious identity intact. - Read more here:

 

Among the American Catholic faithful themselves, opinions vary, with some favoring the ruling and other standing firm on the Church's teachings and on biblical teachings on marriage.

The disparate opinions on the court's historic decision are indicative of how the issue has polarized people of faith across the nation.[...]Although the Catholic Church officially condemns same-sex marriage, Pope Francis has offered a more lenient view on gender identity, responding “Who am I to judge?” when asked about his views on homosexuality — a move that caused a stir not only among Catholics but worldwide. - Read more:

The NCR (National Catholic Reporter) has published an article which shares two differing op-eds – from among the several it has received, 

each of which calls for respect towards LGBT people, even if one is opposed to same sex marriage: "...magnanimity in defeat. But even more so: Draw a sharp distinction between the issue of gay marriage and whether or not gay people should be treated equitably in the marketplace, legal system or in society at large." (Patrick C. Beeman)

"...If the church hierarchy wants to witness the Spirit alive in LGBT people, it needs to listen to our stories of finding new life -- and deeper relationship with God -- as we strive to integrate our faith and sexuality." (Arthur Fitzmaurice) – Read more here:

 

Other Christian denominations likewise differ in opinions, with some suporting same-sex marriage, while others oppose. A new study recently made by the Barna Group has found that practicing Christians (28%) are far less likely than self-identified Christians (43%) to favor the Supreme Court ruling. […] Nearly all theologically defined evangelicals say they are not in favor of the Court’s decision (94%)—more than twice the proportion among the general population (43%) and even significantly more than the practicing Christians segment (66%). - Read more here:

The American Family: Children of Same-Sex Couples

Perhaps the main impact of the SC ruling on same sex marriage will be on the structure of the American family. Based on last year's Pew Research Center analysis of American Community Survey (ACS) and Decennial Census data, the traditional family structure in America has changed.

One of the largest shifts in family structure is this: 34% of children today are living with an unmarried parent—up from just 9% in 1960, and 19% in 1980. In most cases, these unmarried parents are single. However, a small share of all children—4%–are living with two cohabiting parents – or in a same-sex marriage. - Read more here:

However, what is also equally relevant to know is how children of same-sex couples feel about their family set-up.

In this article, 4 adult children exlain why they do not favor same-sex marriage. B.N. Klein, Robert Oscar Lopez, Dawn Stefanowicz, and Katy Faust all grew up with homosexual parents. All four argued that redefining marriage to include same-sex couples would harm children by depriving them of a mother or father. 

 

Here is another adult person who grew up in a same-sex household sharing her view: Growing up, and even into my 20s, I supported and advocated for gay marriage. It’s only with some time and distance from my childhood that I’m able to reflect on my experiences and recognize the long-term consequences that same-sex parenting had on me. And it’s only now, as I watch my children loving and being loved by their father each day, that I can see the beauty and wisdom in traditional marriage and parenting. - See more here:

From a gay person writing under a pseudonym, here is his view against same-sex marriage: “...I realized that the argument in support of gay marriage is predicated on one audaciously bald-faced lie: the lie that same-sex relationships are inherently equal to heterosexual relationships. It only takes a moment of objective thought to realize that the union of two men or two women is a drastically different arrangement than the union of a man and a woman. It’s about time we realize this very basic truth and stop pretending that all relationships are created equal.” - Read more here:

He also writes in the same article that many gays and lesbians are opposed to same-sex marriage, an even larger number are ambivalent, yet they are afraid to speak out because gay rights activists (most of whom are straight) have a history of viciously stamping out any trace of individualism within the gay community.

For opponents of same-sex marriage who fear the destruction of the traditional family structure, here can be another bothering issue. According to an article by the Christian Science Monitor, last week’s ruling for the legalization of same-sex marriage has spurred another marriage debate. Is America ready for legalized polygamy? - Read more: 

The Economy

It is generally recognized that the economy suffers when there is inequality and discrimination, thus diversity companies and businesses promote diversity and inclusion. Doing so helps companies attract, hire and retain the best talents, improve their bottom line, as well as contribute to economic progress of the nation. In light of the recently passed law on same-sex marriage, it is suggested that employers keep in mind important matters regarding the legal and tax treatment of same-sex unions, according to an article on the Wall Street Journal, or they may face discrimination lawsuits.

Freedom of Speech

Based on personal accounts - such as in one  of the accounts above, as well as comments on social media, there is a general fear of speaking out for one 's honest personal opinion, lest it would be construed as hate – from both sides of the fence, either in favor or against the new ruling. 

One such example wherein freedom of speech may be impaired is this story of a judge in Oregon [who] has issued a gag order denying two Christian bakery owners from speaking out against same sex marriage. - Read more here:

Caitlyn Jenner and the SC Ruling

Caitlyn Jenner's social popularity has soared even higher with her recent transitioning as a woman. Thus when she joined the annual Gay Pride March after the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to legalise gay marriage...she dazzled crowds. - See more here:

  

However, it was also noted that she still remained a Republican at heart – as this report says: Caitlyn may very well be “happy” with the changes the country is making, but she’s still playing the old boys’ political game. We’re told Cait is true to her Republican party and doesn’t want to come off sounding too Pro-Obama.

With all these diversity of views, opinions, stance concerning the legalization of same-sex marriage, it seems the Supreme Court decision has divided the nation; as to what extent, that remains to be seen.  It can be assumed that radical changes are afoot in the American society.

Let us know what you think about the SC ruling on same-sex marriage. How will this impact American society? What changes do you foresee?

What role can a social celebrity like Caitlyn Jenner have to steer a meaningful conversation on a divisive issue such as same-sex marriage?
  

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