Congressman Ron Paul's position on the role of federal judges in the gay marriage debate. by Jake Morphonios
(libertarian)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Congressman Ron Paul does not believe that the issue of gay marriage is a matter to be decided at the federal level. He has said that the effort of a federal official to change the definition of marriage is "an act of social engineering profoundly hostile to liberty." He stated further, "Americans understandably fear that if gay marriage is legalized in one state, all other states will be forced to accept such marriages." The issue of gay marriage is one to be decided at the state-level by the citizens of the state, as the people of California did when they passed Proposition 8. Ron Paul supported the Defense of Marriage Act to ensure that the US Constitution's Full Faith and Credit Clause continued to allow one state to refuse to recognize the same-sex marriages of another state.
Paul also co-sponsored the Marriage Protection Act, which would have barred federal judges from hearing cases pertaining to the constitutionality of same-sex marriages. Had this legislation passed, today's headlines might have been different.
Today a federal judge in San Francisco, Vaughn R. Walker, ruled that the California Constitution violates the US Constitution by refusing to recognize gay marriage. While opponents of homosexual marriage are disappointed, some are breathing a sigh of relief. The ruling, which favors gay Americans, is unlikely to result in the kinds of violence, personal intimidation and property destruction perpetrated by pro-gay activists relating to the 2008 Proposition 8 ballot initiative.
Prior to the Prop 8 vote, Fresno Mayor Alan Autry spoke in favor of the ballot initiative from City Hall. That week, both he and Pastor Jim Franklin received death threats from Prop 8 opponents. Property belonging to the LDS Church in Orangevale was spray-painted with insulting messages and an affiliate group of the Trans/Queer organization known as Bash Back! spray painted the church's walls and poured glue into the buildings locks. Several other churches of various denominations similarly reported vandalism, property destruction and harassment against their members by anti-Prop 8 activists.
Homeowners in San Jose with pro-Prop 8 yard signs awoke to find "No on 8!" messages spray painted onto their garage doors. Kelly and Tom Byrne were among the victims. "I can't think of a way that is more counter-productive, or against those kinds of beliefs than coming and damaging someone's personal property, trespassing, and really showing a message of hate," said Tom. Police noted a significant increase in politically motivated vandalism. Sergeant Mike Sullivan stated, "People are passionate about the issue, but we just ask that they make their points in the voting booth, not on other people's [property]. If they're caught, they could be arrested for felonies. That should be a concern to them." Regardless of such voter intimidation tactics, Proposition 8 was passed by a majority of Californians.
Following the vote, gay activists took to the streets in a union of mass protests. Cars, businesses and other property were vandalized in the demonstrations. Again, churches were targeted, including the Mormon temple in Los Angeles. At the scene of this particular protest, activists flooded the streets to halt traffic and police were called to the scene. After one protester jumped on top of a police car and physical aggression broke out, a number of activists were arrested. The violence continued, with the windows of Mormon and Evangelical churches being shot out by protesters in Utah and Florida.
Much of this drama could have been avoided if only the federal government held to its constitutional role and refused to exceed its mandate. Congressman Paul foresaw the division now being widened by federal bureaucrats and warned against "judicial activism" to promote gay marriage. And so, regardless of the present victory by gay marriage advocates, the issue of same-sex marriage will not end with the ruling of Ronald Reagan-appointee Judge Walker, who is himself openly gay. Attorneys in support of the California Constitution have indicated their intent to appeal the judge's decision. It seems that the case is destined for the US Supreme Court.
In the meantime, it is unlikely that gay activists will be subjected to the destruction of their private property by angry Methodists, experience disruptions from mass heterosexual protests at Lady Gaga concerts or have the windows of their favorite latte shops shot out by little old ladies on their way to bingo-night at church. Neither Congressman Barney Frank nor Perez Hilton is going to receive death threats as did Mayor Autry and Pastor Franklin. In short, the winners of this round of political intrigue can expect to be treated with a level of tolerance from their opponents that they have been proven incapable of demonstrating themselves.
Maybe it is the traditional-marriage group that should be carrying the rainbow flag of diversity as their banner.
The views expressed
in this article are those of Jake Morphonios only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Jake Morphonios is solely responsible for the contents
of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated
with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Posted By: Billy Roper
Date: August 5, 2010 12:18:45 PM
So true! I've had pro-homosexual rights activists who were allied with anarchists, the black block, and communist groups come out to oppose free speech demonstrations at the German Embassy in D.C., as well as the Israeli Embassy there multiple times. When they come out to express their support for tolerance, they have their HIV positive members fill condoms with their urine, and throw them at us. This is SOP.
Posted By: JackieFiest
Date: August 9, 2010 05:18:20 PM
I'm sorry, but that article has to be the most biased piece of garbage I have ever read in my life.
I agree, first of all, that no one deserves to have their property destroyed due to the way they voted or feel on an issue. I've seen people who are pro-marriage for homosexuals interrupt catholic church services dressed like they were headed to Mardi Gras and I agree, these people are wrong, and in some cases, should be forced to repair the damage they caused and then go to jail on top of that.
However, as a supporter of marriage for all people, I have to take exception to the way all of us were painted with a very wide brush. Yes, these people did damage, and they were wrong. But there are people, such as Matthew Sheppard, who were murdered for their mere existence. So does that make all people who oppose marriage for homosexuals murderers or people who condone murder? How would you feel if you were painted as ruthless for what a very small population did or condones?
For the record, I am a straight woman who has known happiness in my life with a man who was everything I ever dreamed of. I support marriage for homosexuals because I want everyone to be able to equally know that happiness, along with the legal protections that come with marriage (adoption, next of kin, right to life, inheritance etc). I don't think that makes me a vandal or disrespectful to anyone, and it's a shame that someone who is supposed to be a "journalist" was so willing to quick to paint myself and others like me with such a broad, and frankly wrong, brush.
Posted By: Winston Court
Date: August 14, 2010 08:34:52 PM
The only argument for allowing homosexuals to marry is to gain benefits from the government only granted to married couples, by the government; And, there are no benefits afforded homosexuals under Gods' marriage; Indeed, homosexuals are an abomination to God. So, the government first sets the stage, rules and regulations for the reasons homosexuals have an advantage in seeking to marry, then they justify the reasons to usurp the churches powers so these requirements, demanded by the homosexuals, to gain government advantages, can be realized. Really kewl!; And, self-justifying! Government “manufactured need” is sited by governments as the need to usurp Gods' authority so this can be realized, this all effectively begins the casting of government in Gods' role. I'd say that looks as much a plan of satans' as any I have ever yet seen! Indeed, this absolutely qualifies for the title of "Diabolically Evil." Thousands of years, and uncounted millennia of Gods' ownership, authority and tradition are wiped away with one judges decision; Marriage is redefined into an abomination! And, the judge looks a "little light in the shorts" to me too; What about you? It all seems part of the puzzle of the continuation of the fulfillment of the "Abomination of Desolation" spoken of in the bible. Christians should watch coming times closely.
Posted By: TeancumElite
Date: August 15, 2010 03:26:15 PM
Marriage isn't found anywhere in the Constitution of the United States. This is a FACT. However, (and I'm surprised Conservatives haven't pointed this out) Marriage is considered a religious pact.
That being said, THERE SHALL BE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION. (which also includes rituals, covenants, etc)
Marriage was* an institution of religion. It has been and is presently an institution of the government.
The Constitution is being ignored by EVERYONE. There should be no "benefits" afforded by the government simply for being married. The Constitution protects INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY to discriminate, to organize, to militarize for their own defense, and to PURSUE THEIR AMBITIONS THAT ARE NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW OF THE LAND.
In sum, Prop 8 is unconstitutional, but so are any privileges given to any "union" of any sort. Only the INDIVIDUAL is protected and provisions for that protection given.
I am LDS (Mormon). The Mormon Church and its members have received harassment's of every sort since we came out in support of Prop 8. HATE & MALICE are directed at us nation wide even though we are VERY SMALL MINORITY that had very little to do with the success of the referendum. Recent acts of vandalism and threats of violence have entered into my very home.
Mormons unlike many other "Christians" DO NOT BELIEVE gays and lesbians are going to hell. Only those who perpetuate the greatest abomination in the sight of God are destined for Outer Darkness. Only those who steal others life and liberty or in essence, betray their fellow man in order to get gain (ex: Cain) will be cast out of the presence of God.
A Statement on Communism - By President of the Church = David O. MCKAY
"The position of this Church on the subject of Communism has never changed. We consider it the *greatest satanical threat to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God's work among men that exists on the face of the earth.* In this connection, we are continually being asked to give our opinion concerning various patriotic groups or individuals who are fighting Communism and speaking up for freedom. Our immediate concern, however, is not with parties, groups, or persons, but with principles. We therefore commend and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to study Constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us. We wish all of our citizens throughout the land were participating in some type of organized self-education in order that they could better appreciate what is happening and know what they can do about it.
The entire concept and philosophy of Communism is diametrically opposed to everything for which the Church stands -belief in Deity, belief in the dignity and eternal nature of man, and the application of the gospel to efforts for peace in the world. Communism is militantly atheistic and is committed to the destruction of faith wherever it may be found. The Russian Commissar of Education wrote: "We must hate
Christians and Christianity. Even the best of them must be considered our worst enemies. Christian love is an obstacle to the development of the revolution. Down with love for one's neighbor. What we want is hate. Only then shall we conquer the universe." On the other hand, the gospel teaches the existence of God as our Eternal and Heavenly Father and declares: "... him only shalt thou serve." (Matt. 4: 10.)
Communism debases the individual and makes him the enslaved tool of the state, to which he must look for *sustenance and religion*. Communism destroys man’s God-given free agency. No member of this Church can be true to his faith, nor can any American be loyal to his trust, while lending aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies; for if he does, they will prove snares to his feet."
Posted By: jmounteer
Date: August 16, 2010 11:55:50 AM
I don't understand Ron Paul's reasoning on this topic. I usually find his arguments to be well reasoned and fact based.
It is nobody's business who I marry (assuming ability and age to consent). What makes anyone think they have a right to interfere in this personal decision? The Constitution and Declaration of Independence are on the side of this individual right, and are meant to provide protection form the tyranny of the majority. Who I marry is not open to a vote at federal or state level.
Posted By: Robots Made Man
Date: November 12, 2010 10:11:26 AM
I thought this was going to be a piece as titled. Instead I got 2 sentences on the "subject", then a very ignorant, biased piece on the California gay activists. I think we fail to remember that freedom isn't free and on occasion people have to stand up for their rights as Americans. But does a bit of extreme behavior make a point to these religious fanatics that preach gays should die and burn in hell? You bet it does! In history have we not seen this same behavior from other people that have had no or limited civil rights? You think a woman, or a black person has never fought outright for their civil rights! I have no sympathy for people who teach and spread hate. You cast the stone then expect the target to what? Be civilized? Am I the only one who sees the contradiction? This article made me sad. I am a married male, to a woman who believes in the rights for every American citizen.
death threats from Prop 8 opponents. Property belonging to the LDS Church in Orangevale was spray-painted with insulting messages and an affiliate group of the Trans/Queer organization known as Bash Back! spray painted the church's walls and poured glue into the buildings locks. Several other churches of various denominations similarly reported vandalism, property destruction and harassment against their members by anti-Prop 8 activists.
among the victims. "I can't think of a way that is more counter-productive, or against those kinds of beliefs than coming and damaging someone's personal property, trespassing, and really showing a message of hate," said Tom. Police noted a significant increase in politically motivated vandalism. Sergeant Mike Sullivan stated, "People are passionate about the issue, but we just ask that they make their points in the voting booth, not on other people's [property]. If they're caught, they could be arrested for felonies. That should be a concern to them." Regardless of such voter intimidation tactics, Proposition 8 was passed by a majority of Californians.
Cars, businesses and other property were vandalized in the demonstrations. Again, churches were targeted, including the Mormon temple in Los Angeles. At the scene of this particular protest, activists flooded the streets to halt traffic and police were called to the scene. After one protester jumped on top of a police car and physical aggression broke out, a number of activists were arrested. The violence continued, with the windows of Mormon and Evangelical churches being shot out by protesters in Utah and Florida.
