The “Respect for Marriage” Act Destroys the Last Remnants of DOMA

 

The Respect for Marriage Act (a saddening misnomer) is on its way to becoming law. Provisions have been placed in the bill that exempt religious non-profits of all kinds, including educational institutions from being negatively impacted by the bill itself.

The Church of Latter Day Saints as well as their poster child legislator Mitt Romney have endorsed the bill (and here). It is being championed as a compromise that ensures the rights of same-sex couples while also protecting those who religiously oppose same-sex marriage.

However, the real losers will be the photographers and cake decorators who for conscience’s sake refuse to celebrate same-sex unions with their services. This bill declares an open season for litigation in these businesses. Christians will face commercial isolation for taking a stand in these instances. This is the wording of the bill regarding this issue.

ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.—The Attorney General may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court against any person who violates subsection (a) for declaratory and injunctive relief.

(c) PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.—Any person who is harmed by a violation of subsection (a) may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court against the person who violated such subsection for declaratory and injunctive relief.

We seem to be careening headlong toward an ultimate divorce of the church and state regarding marriage. Years ago, I had speculated that Christians would ultimately push for no state recognition of marriage rather than endorse same-sex marriage. It is likely a matter of time before governments seek to force churches to perform and endorse same-sex unions. After all, the protections of DOMA have been easily discarded.

Meaningful discussions must follow for religious leaders regarding the marriage issue.

Church leaders around the world have already addressed this. In many countries, churches in no way act as state representatives in solemnizing marriages. Churches in these countries do not just require a marriage license, but instead, demand couples to get married before a justice of the peace or its local equivalent before having a religious ceremony. This might be our future step as Bible-believing Christians in the US.

The destruction of marriage is the single most devastating cultural transition in our country over the last 70 years. Our homes, children, and society at large are suffering immensely for it. Many people are finally beginning to realize this. There will be those who return to traditional marriage for the stability that it offers the marriage partners and the nurturing environment it provides for raising children. However, our nation’s leadership, including many of its religious leaders, has abandoned this institution that God created.

For our nation’s entire history, ordained religious leaders have acted in partnership with civil authorities in affirming and legalizing the marriage relationship. That partnership might be coming to an end.