4 Myths of the Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
Myth #1: This ruling now gives freedom for all to marry whomever they want to marry.
Truth: Actually, this ruling redefines marriage in a very narrow way, opening up marriage to just one more group—same-sex couples. If you believe that laws dictating who you can marry are discriminatory, then discrimination still exists. A bisexual man or woman, attracted to both sexes who wants to marry one man and one woman, cannot—that’s polygamy. A man who wants to marry two women cannot. A 40-year-old woman who wants to marry a 14-year-old boy cannot. A man who wants to marry his sister cannot. This ruling did not give everyone in our country freedom to marry whoever they want. This simply redefined marriage in the US to include one more group, while leaving many other groups out. And it seems that those celebrating this ruling are fine with leaving the other groups out.
As Chief Justice John Roberts wrote: “It is striking how much of the majority’s reasoning would apply with equal force to the claim of a fundamental right to plural marriage.”
Myth #2: Christians are not allowed to oppose this new law.
Truth: (from the majority opinion): “Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.”
We are not to continue to contend for truth just because we have received permission from the majority opinion of the Supreme Court, but rather, we are to speak the truth in love because we are called to stand firm in truth even when God's Word is not celebrated by the culture around us. As Al Mohler wrote: “We are called to be the people of the truth, even when the truth is not popular and even when the truth is denied by the culture around us.”
Myth #3: Those who oppose this law are hateful bigots.
Truth: You can disagree with someone and still love them. I do not believe abortion should be legal, but I still love those around me who have had abortions. I do not believe same-sex marriage should be legal, but I love those who consider themselves homosexuals.
Justice Alito wrote: “The decision will also have other important consequences. It will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy…..I assume that 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… By imposing its own views on the entire country, the majority facilitates the marginalization of the many Americans who have traditional ideas.”
Myth #4: This ruling will ruin our nation and destroy the church.
Truth: Until the return of Christ, we will live in a fallen world with sin and darkness and things that oppose Scripture. And, until the return of Christ, the church will endure, God will receive glory, and we will live as lights in the darkness. (Phil. 2:15)
