Quote:
Originally Posted by Black Jesus
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Contrary to popular belief, the 1st amendment does not say anything about separation of church and state.
Marriage is a religious institution.
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Most of the things you said are pretty debatable, but not really worth the trouble of debating with someone speaking with such bias and eagerness to just pretend any argument you make is solid. But I figured these two were worth responding, since there is really no debate.
Contrary to what you think is an awesome revelation, the words "separation of church and state" not existing in the 1st amendment does not change the sentiment. Anyone who says the constitution says those words specifically, aren't lying or spinning to suit an agenda. They simply do not realize that the words exist as a reference. Thomas Jefferson said, "...thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" in his famous letter to Danbury Baptist, in reference to the language which IS in the 1st amendment "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". This is where the "separation" phrase come from and why it's used in reference.
To the other point, one good way to figure out if what you're saying is solid or just unfounded bias is simply to apply your logic in all scenarios. First, let's suppose religion actually is a required constant in all marriages. Then you must consider what that has to do with denying homosexual marriage. "Oh, well the Bible doesn't like the gay." Ok, well, do laws prohibit adulterers from remarrying? Do they prevent divorce despite a commitment til death? Must you be a virgin to marry? If your brother dies with no children, must you take his widow and give her children so that his line may carry on? If you don't, will you be laughed at for having one shoe? Oh the Bible is a funny little book.
Fact is, marriage has nothing to do with religion except by the choosing of the participants. A straight male can get married in a courthouse, no inclusion of religious parties, or religious text. That man can then cheat on his wife, kill his wife to be with his mistress, go to jail for his crime, and get remarried while sitting on death row. There is no religion or sanctity required. There's not really any avenue of this religion vs. gay marriage debate that holds any water when you apply it equally to all scenarios of marriage.