Separation of church and state: a particular religion's beliefs should not control secular law

US and state laws (should) have a rational, secular basis -- whether or not a particular religious teaching agrees. Even if the Ten Commandments said \"Thou shalt murder\", murder would still be outlawed (we hope!) because providing for the general welfare, and supporting our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, involves a society that deters murder and puts away murderers so the rest of us won't fear becoming their next victim. We achieve true religious freedom by NOT singling out one set of religious teachings for state support. Our laws are supposed to benefit people of any religion or of no religion.

Back to LivingVote.org

This is a minimally functional text-only version of this debate. To be able to see the full debate and voting information, or to vote yourself or add arguments, you must use the Flash version of the website. Please make sure javascript is enabled and that you have the latest version of the flash player

California Prop 8, which states \"only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California\" should stand.
          Children are best served when reared in a home with a married mother and father.
                    The American Association of Pediatrics disagrees with this opinion.
                    As president of a group promoting discredited \"ex-gay\" therapy, A. Dean Byrd distorts psychological research to conform to his anti-gay bias.
          Public schools will have to teach children about gay marriage
                    Public schools will still have discretion in what they teach.
                    If schools teach about same-sex marriage... GOOD!
          Prop 8 protects the free expression of religion
                    So do the Gays
                    Civil marriage is not a religious institution
                    Separation of church and state: a particular religion's beliefs should not control secular law
                    Prop 8 denies religious protection
                    Marriage is a civil act
          Not being allowed to marry has financial consequences
                    Prop 8 will not take away financial rights, protections or benefits.
                              Benefits of domestic partnerships does not extend to a federal level
                              Federal Defense of Marriage Act
          CA Prop 8 is discrimination
                    Prop 8 does not take away any rights
                              Equality in civil marriage does not \"redefine\" or weaken anyone else's marriage.
                              Being GLBT is not chosen or a \"lifestyle\"
                              Prop 8 denies the right to marriage among other things
                    There is nothing to be against
                              supporting facts..?
                              Marriage has already been radically redefined, for the better.
                    Prop. 8 actually established FOUR classes of Californians, with no rational basis
                    Prop 8 discriminates against more than just \"gay couples\".
          Gay couples deserve the dignity of marriage as well.
                    Gay couples deserve to be happy
                    Marriage should not exist as a government function, period.
          Same-sex marriage is GOOD for the economy and employment
                    Brings in more jobs