CurlTalk - View Single Post - President Obama supports same sex marriage

Springcurl · 05-10-2012, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorahBugg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Springcurl

Marriage is a legal contract. Even when you get married in a church, you're not actually married until the officiant signs your marriage certificate. So, no, churches are not going to be legally required to marry same sex couples.

I read this over a couple of times but I'm not seeing how it explains why churches won't be required to marry same sex couples, if it is written into law. The government is already blocking funds for Catholic institutions because they don't want to give out birth control. I believe even if there isn't government enforcement, there will be pressure on all religious institutions to marry gay couples. If that isn't the case, I would support (vote for) gay marriage but I'd have to trust that it is first.

Churches are separate institutions that do not get government money. Marriage in a church is only a religious sacrament so they can't be forced to perform that rite.

Religious institutions that get government money are, I believe, what you're referring to regarding birth control. However, I believe you are in error that the government is blocking funds for Catholic institutions. The compromise was that insurance companies themselves would provide birth control rather than the institutions.