Misconceptions About Homosexual Marriage

President Barrack Obama announced on May 9 that he favors the government recognition of same-sex marriage. One day earlier, North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment stating that only marriage between one man and one woman would be recognized in the state.

With the juxtaposition of these events, one of the most divisive sociopolitical issues of modern times has been forced center-stage in American discourse. Along with the renewed discussion has come several misconceptions. 

One misconception is that North Carolina, along with 31 other states, has banned gay marriage. In actuality all voters in the Tar Heel State did was to establish that the only legally recognized marriages in their state will be those that take place between a man and a woman. 

I do not know anywhere in America that homosexual couples cannot wed. There are churches in every state that will conduct gay weddings and bless same-sex unions. Homosexual couples are free to marry, but 32 states have voted to not legally recognize those unions. 

Another misconception is that a majority of Americans are in favor of legalizing homosexual marriage. In March, an ABC News poll indicated 52 percent in the U.S. support same-sex marriage. Other polls over the past year have reported similar results.

In North Carolina, 61 percent of the electorate voted to affirm traditional marriage. In fact, of the states that have held referendums on the subject of marriage — 32 to date — the vote to affirm traditional marriage has passed by an average margin of 67-33 percent. 

Put another way, 64 percent of the states have weighed in on the subject of marriage and an overwhelming majority have favored recognizing the traditional view of matrimony. 

How are we to understand the disparity between public opinion polls and the voting booth? 

To put it simply, when people are confronted with a poll on gay marriage, they are not responding with their true feelings. Either that or the questions are asked in such fashion as to skew the outcome of the poll in favor of homosexual marriage. There can be no other conclusion.

Why would someone be less than honest when responding to a poll? It is simple. No one wants to be viewed as bigoted and/or hateful, which is how homosexual activists have long portrayed anyone who dares to disagree with homosexual behavior or same-sex marriage. 

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Source: Baptist Press | Kelly Boggs