Same-sex Marriage vs Religious Freedom

Today in Meridian Magazine I ask the question, how long will it be before advocates force a discussion on which "right" is more important- the right to same-sex marriage or the freedom to exercise religion?

At first glance the question may seem outlandish and extremist to those who have not closely followed the issues. But the truth is, we may be asking that question within the next year.

Normally I do not like to make statements such as, "If we get four more years of Obama we'll never..." But this is an exception to that rule. If President Obama is re-elected, it is very possible that there will be a religion versus sexual orientation debate in the near future.

The Democratic National Committee drafting committee voted unanimously on Sunday to include same-sex marriage on the party platform. Despite the excitement from same-sex marriage supporters, the vote still has to be approved by the full DNC platform committee in two weeks, and then be voted in by convention delegates in Charlotte before the plank officially becomes part of the platform.

“There was a unanimous decision in the drafting committee to include it in the platform, which I supported, but everybody was for it,” committee member Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) told the Washington Blade.

In addition to support for same-sex marriage rights, the proposal included provisions that rebuke the Defense of Marriage Act and affirm the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The specific language remains under wraps.

Needless to say, if Governor Romney wins, these issues will get discussed, but not at the same level as if President Obama wins. Same-sex marriage is not a plank in the Republican platform.