Gay Marriage

My opponent stated: "These civil unions still do not allow homosexuals all of the legal rights as heterosexuals are given. Homosexuals are denied Social Security benefits, Immigration Rights, and the right to file jointly for Federal taxes. " You will see in my conclusion that I completely agree that legally homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals in a civil union when I stated in my conclusion: "Legally homosexuals partners should have the same rights that heterosexual partners have. " "With which upon I will agree, but the fact is that this has not happened. " It absolutely has happened: "The UCC's general synod passed a resolution affirming "equal rights for couples regardless of gender". The decision is not binding and will not require pastors to marry same-sex couples, though some already do. " SOURCE: . http://news.bbc.co.uk... My opponent has agreed and accepted my new definition of marriage. The first amendment prohibits the U. S. Congress from making laws that "respect an establishment of religion. Furthermore there are many religious institutions that allow gays to marry. My argument is, that it is unconstitutional ( for the government to make any law respecting what religion can and can't do. Instead the government only has authority over the civil union process and not the religious ceremony. "I do believe this is immoral and racist however. " A religion can do whatever it wants. "Many argue that the Bible frowns upon homosexuality, but not once is the term homosexual or gay mentioned in the bible. " Actually it is quite explicity mentioned in the new testament by Paul Corinthians 6:9-10 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders So you cannot blame some christians for feeling as they do. However the same apostle (Paul) who had those thoughts on homosexuality also had these thoughts on marriage: 1 Corinthians 7:1 "Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. " 1 Corinthians 7: 8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. Also old testament law does not apply anymore. You'll notice that Peter is not God when he gives directions from God in Corinthians 7:10 he says "not I, but the Lord" Which is different from Corinthians 7:8 when he uses the words "I say". Do I believe that Gay marriage should be allowed in the Christian church? Absolutely. However I also believe that it is unconstitutional for the government to make any law that forces or prohibits a Religion to do anything (in a religious context that doesn't violate anyone's rights etc. ) To Conclude: My opponent accepted my definition of marriage as being one that is a religious ceremony. My opponent himself stated that "The first amendment prohibits the U. S. Congress from making laws that 'respect an establishment of religion' " Therefore my opponent completely agrees with my side that it is unconstitutional for a government to either legalize or illegalize gay marriage from the basic premise that it is unconstitutional. We should allow each individual relgious institution decide for itself whether to allow it or not. Those that do will gain a great set of people. Those that don't will miss out on what the homosexual community has to offer.