Protecting Marriage - Week 3

This week in my Marriage class, we are studying the topic of “Threats to Marriage.” I thought of many different situations that married couples deal with, like pornography, unfaithfulness, spousal and child abuse, even pride.  One significant threat to marriage is same-sex marriage.  The Obergefell v. Hodges court case that legalized same-sex marriage, is a 103-page document that I read completely.  I better understand what both sides, for and against, were pursuing.  If you want a more educated understanding of the proceedings and arguments for and against same-sex marriage, I suggest taking the time to read the case.

First, I will address the issues of faithfulness when marrying or in a marriage.  In President Russell M. Nelsons talk “Disciples of Jesus Christ - Defenders of Marriage” he addresses what is expected by a man and woman when they choose to join together in a holy union.  He says, “Family life will provide your most enduring rewards. As partners, you and your spouse will work together to achieve mutual goals and enjoy the fruits of your labors.”  He also states, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.  True intimacy, as planned by our Creator, is experienced only within the sacred union of a husband and wife because it is enriched by truth and ennobled by the honoring of covenants a husband and wife make with each other and with God” (Nelson, R.M., 2014).  It is crucial to note that full fidelity to those covenants forbids pornography, lust, or abuse in any form. 

Until one enters marriage, growth is an individual quest.  People make choices as an individual including, education, what hobbies to pursue, and how they will live their religion.   President Nelson states, “And in marriage, a husband and wife can form the most significant partnership of all—an eternal family. Great partners are completely loyal. They suppress personal ego in exchange for being part of creating something larger than themselves. Great partnerships are dependent upon each individual developing his or her own personal attributes of character” (Nelson, R.M., 2014).  

Being a defender of marriage requires one to know what they are defending.   The 2015 ruling of  the Obergefell v. Hodges court case, the ruling states, “Under this law, same gender people can petition for a marriage license and same-sex marriage will be recognized in all states.  These aspects of marital status include: taxation; inheritance and property rights; rules of intestate succession; spousal privilege in the law of evidence; hospital access; medical decision-making authority; adoption rights; the rights and benefits of survivors; birth and death certificates; professional ethics rules; campaign finance restrictions; workers’ compensation benefits; health insurance; and child custody, support, and visitation rules.  (Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015). The ruling of this case allowed those who are of the same gender, who marry, retain the same rights and privileges as opposite-sex marriages.

In reading the results, out of nine judges that voted on this case, only five voted for this law.  The other four dissented, and they all had the opportunity to express their reasons and concerns as to why they voted no.  All four of the judges that dissented (Roberts, Scalia, Thomas, and Alito), agreed on a few basic reasons why they dissented from the ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges.  One of those reasons is that traditional marriage goes back for millenia and is linked to procreation.  Also, because this case was passed, it poses a new threat to those who disagree with same-sex marriage.  Alito states, “those who cling to old beliefs will be able to whisper their thoughts in the recesses of their homes, but if they repeat those views in public, they will risk being labeled as bigots and treated as such by governments, employers, and schools" (Obergefell v. Hodges 2015).  This means that those who disagree with same-sex marriage and voice their approval of opposite-sex marriages will be vilified, making it difficult to express opinions, even though the First Amendment protects religious freedom.   The dissenting justices also warned that the Court was exceeding the limits of its power, by not allowing the people rule themselves by putting this issue to a vote.

Regardless of the court’s ruling, social and political pressures to change marriage laws are resulting in practices contrary to God’s will regarding the eternal nature and purposes of marriage. "Man simply cannot make moral what God has declared to be immoral. Sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God" (Nelson 2014).

I would like to reference The Family Proclamation and the pattern the Lord has set.  The "family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

I believe in traditional marriage, which is marriage between a man and a woman.  “The day is gone when you can be a quiet and comfortable Christian.  There is no such thing as a “part-time” disciple.  God is our judge” (Nelson 2014). I believe in every individual having agency and right to self-expression, even if it is different than my own.  This is tolerance.  We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of differing opinions on traditional marriage.  

Nelson, Russell M. (2014, Aug. 14). Disciples of Jesus Christ-Defenders of Marriage. Brigham Young University Commencement.

            Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015). Supreme Court of the United States.

           The Family: A Proclamation to the World. (1995, November). Ensign, 25, p. 102.