Approximately fifteen years ago congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act by large margins in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Section 3 of this law reads in part… “The word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” This section of the law was ruled unconstitutional by a federal district court judge in July 2010.
Now during a time of extreme world unrest and unprecedented domestic fiscal upheaval, President Obama without judicial proceedings decided that section 3 of the law was indeed unconstitutional and he would not support its enforcement. His decision was announced by Attorney General Holder on February 23, 2011 while the judicial ruling was still in the appeal process.
The purpose of this column is not to discuss the gay issue, but rather to illustrate how our leaders are handling the issue.
Marriage is clearly defined in the Bible.
“So God created man in His own image…male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and…said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it’…Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24
This definition of marriage was repeated by Jesus in the Gospels and reaffirmed by Paul in the Epistles.
But progressivism entered the arena and its proponents recognized the fact that the ‘social landscape has changed,’ and in just the last two months Obama urged congress to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ In 2009 Obama addressed the Human Rights Campaign and stated the following:
“My expectation is that when you look back on these years, you will see a time in which we put a stop to discrimination against gays and lesbians – whether in the office or on the battlefield. You will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women are just as real and admirable as a relationship between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that’s valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union – a union in which gay Americans are an important part. I am committed to these goals. And my administration will continue fighting to achieve them.”
Well he is certainly living up to his promises. Not only is his stance anti-Biblical, he is involving the federal government which means all tax paying citizens will help fund such activity. Senator Feinstein of California stated:
“My own belief is that when two people love each other and enter the contract of marriage, the federal government should honor that.”
Other progressives stated in part:
“…ending an egregious injustice against thousands of loving, committed couples who simply want the protection, rights and responsibilities afforded other married couples.”
“This…should be a final nail in the coffin for the different treatment of gay and non-gay people by the federal government.”
The General Accounting Office has identified over 1,100 statuary provisions related to marital status. Such protection and rights include filing status for income tax, federal estate tax rules, Social Security survivor benefits, federal Family Medical Leave Act benefits, federal and state laws applying to pension plans, employer provided health insurance plans, etc. These items will place additional financial burdens on tax payers.
It is interesting that President Obama decided to deem section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional which agreed with judicial rulings but not the health care bill which has been ruled unconstitutional. One wonders how he prioritizes issues.
But the most significant aspect of all this is that decisions are being made by our Federal Government that protects and reward people for breaking God’s laws.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21
Many have speculated that President Obama made this decision for political reasons, i.e. to build his base for 2012 inasmuch as his campaign rhetoric reflected his then contradictory opinion that marriage was strictly between one man and one woman. If his current decision is in fact political another applicable verse can be added.
“…Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!” Isaiah 5:23
Progressives may mean well, however, while manmade laws may change to keep pace with societal trends, the word of God is immutable and remains the benchmark for this nation’s ‘sure to come’ reckoning.
It is not hard to understand why only 34% of Americans believe their president is a Christian.
So while our president condemns Israelis for building housing units in their own land, he advocates the breaking of God’s basic laws and protection of the offenders. Once again, what in the world are we thinking?