My "NO" Vote...Allow Me to Clarify.

I've come under a bit of heat since my post about "Why I'm Voting No..." and that was expected...anticipated...and dare I say welcomed?  Because without these tough conversations, change doesn't happen.  I doubt women received the right to vote and interracial marriage was legalized without some controversy and hard conversations between friends.

But allow me a moment to clarify one of the points I made.  It appears that my reference to some Old Testament scripture may have come off as mocking.  That was not my intent at all.  Here's  my purpose in referencing that scripture.  I cannot rationally wrap my mind around the thought that one Old Testament law was relevant only for that period in time, but another law (gay marriage) is apparently relevant for eternity.  How does that work and who decides?

Sure, these laws had their context...they fit in for that time and that place, I'm not disputing that.  The point I am trying to make is that it's not fair to choose.  To choose to hold on to one piece of that and not all of it.

Here's the other part that I find difficult.  I read so many things that say, "Gay Marriage shouldn't be allowed because being gay is a sin..." [For the record, and I think this is obvious but I'll say it anyway, I disagree with this statement.]  By that logic, then all sexual sin and immorality and anyone who has engaged in it should not be allowed to marry.  This would include anyone who has engaged in pre-marital sex, had an affair or been divorced by those same Old Testament standards.  And yet I don't see people picketing and posting signs asking to ban these individuals from being married.

It's true, many of my opposition would say that homosexuality is something that is chosen and is done repeatedly [Again, a statement I disagree with] but if that is the argument, then glance again at the above list because I'd say all of those are also chosen and often repeated.

And again, if I'm being completely honest...my personal faith [I'm not declaring this ultimate truth, simply what I believe] is just a portion of my decision to Vote No.  I believe Jesus was inclusive, not exclusive.   I'm also voting no because I want a world wear people truly can achieve their dreams, especially if that dream is to be gay & married.  And also, because it ultimately comes down to an equal rights issue.  You can read more thoughts on voting no here.  There are stories from gay and straight families alike, the church and so much more.  I urge you to take a moment to explore it.

In conclusion, this post is probably going to receive even more backlash than my original, but I'm ok with that.  I'm passionate about this subject.  I'm passionate that my friends receive that same rights I do.  And I'm willing to take a little smack for it.

I believe in a world where we are truly equal.  And yes, progress is made, albeit slower than I'd like...Women can now vote, blacks and whites can be married...and someday, I hope, my gay friends will have that same privilege and I'll be able to dance at their LEGAL and RECOGNIZED wedding celebration.

Why I'm Voting "No"...

This year Minnesotans will be asked to vote on adding a constitutional amendment.  The question is, “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in Minnesota?” 

This post is a reflection of my reasoning as to why I am voting "NO" to this amendment...It is not intended to offend you...or upset you in any way.  It's simply one Minnesotan sharing her thoughts on the subject.

In my heart of hearts...I believe LOVE IS...LOVE IS...LOVE.  And I believe that's the way God intended it. Now, you may feel the need to defend this...saying, "Adam & Eve..." or quoting several Old Testament references to the subject.  Who knows...in your arsenal you may even have some New Testament scripture you'd throw at me stating why homosexuality is wrong.  But if you do, I'd hope that you'd be ready for the scripture that I would spout back at you.  I was going to pull my own, but luckily a Facebook friend did it for me the other day...

Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.
- Leviticus 19:19

I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.

1 Timothy 2:12

Let alone when Moses says in Deuteronomy that if your brother dies, you must marry his wife.

And maybe you'll say these verses have no context in our society today...but then can you really say that any scripture does?  How can you point to one verse and call it relevant but not the other?

Enough with the biblical context, I could argue this all day and I'm guessing my opposition could as well.  I simply reference it first because it seems to be the go-to reason for many "Vote Yes-ers"

Here are my last two points...You may or may not have heard the radio ads that say you need to vote Yes because if you don't heterosexual marriage will be ruined because they will teach about Gay Marriage in schools.  Seriously?  How does that ruin your straight marriage?  Because it wouldn't ruin mine...it's funny to me that people would be ok with their kids learning about Hitler and the Holocaust...all of the World Wars...and evolution but would be upset about Gay Marriage being referenced.  It's 2012...kids are going to know what Gay is.  They should know.  And they should be tolerant...if not welcoming, accepting, loving and compassionate.

And finally this...I'm a parent, as I'm sure many of you that are reading this are.  I look at my little girl each day and love her so much more than I thought was possible.  As she grows I want the best for her.  Heck, I want to give her the world.  I want her to grow up believing she can do and be anything she wants if she sets her mind to it.  Where does this amendment begin to effect this?  If someday down the road my daughter comes to me and tells me that she is gay -- she likes girls -- I never want to have to change that phrase and say to her..."Honey, you can be anything you want to be...except gay & married...because a bunch of people voted and took that right away from you."  In my mind there would be nothing worse than limiting your child's hopes and dreams.

So do yourself a favor...If you're voting Yes, make sure you have done your research...Make sure you've befriended a gay couple or a gay family...make sure you understand the significance of your vote.  Make sure you comprehend what you'd be limiting and taking away.

And if you're voting NO -- virtual high-five right here -- share your reasoning.  Don't be afraid to explain to others why you are passionate about it.  Don't let fear of being belittled or badgered keep you from sharing what's on your heart.  Stand up for EQUALITY and STAND UP FOR LOVE. Make sure your VOICE IS HEARD.

Thanks for hearing me out, I appreciate it.