Marriage amendment debate continues

As the debate about the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment continues, many questions are being raised, such as: what is the nature of marriage? Who decides the nature of marriage? What is the difference between a “marriage” and a “civil union?” What rights should be attached to each of these situations? These are questions that each one of us needs to ask ourselves, because ultimately we are the ones who need to answer them.

I believe that marriage between one man and one woman is a sacred relationship, instituted by God himself. The book of Genesis tells us that God created man and woman to be a complementary match, and it says “for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Regardless of personal opinion, if you believe the Bible to be from God, you must recognize that He intends marriage to be for two people of the opposite sex.

The Bible doesn't say this for the sake of condemning people. On the contrary, it clearly states that God's desire is for us to have the most fulfilling life possible. Jesus said in the book of John, “I came so [you] can have real and eternal life, more and better life than [you] ever dreamed of” And God, our Creator, believes that heterosexual marriage is a part of that fulfilling life.

If He made us, don't you think He knows what's best for us? If He loves us and wants our lives to be fulfilling, don't you think it's worth listening to what He says? I do.

This having been said, there is another aspect of this debate that we must consider. We live in a country that prides itself on its democratic ideals. The beliefs and opinions of its citizens are supposed to be the final law here. If that's the case, then “we, the people” should be the ones to make a decision about the nature of marriage. Thus far, these decisions have been made by only a few individuals. A handful of court justices passed a law allowing gay marriage in Massachusetts and in San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom took it upon himself to tell city officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This is not democracy in action.

Whether or not you agree with the Federal Marriage Amendment, it's at least a step in the right direction. It takes the power to make such an important decision out of the hands of a few judges and politicians, and puts it into the hands of the people. It is our responsibility to vote or write to our congressmen regarding what we believe. I, for one, will vote that marriage should be a union between only one man and one woman. But I will also respect a decision that says otherwise, as long as it is a decision made by the people of this nation, not by a few self-important officials that wield their power irresponsibly.

Here are some questions to consider as you form an opinion on this topic: What does the word “marriage” mean to you? What rights and responsibilities should gay or lesbian couples have? What will this mean for the future of our country? How will this affect our future views on marriage and family? Who should have the power to make these decisions?

Sarah Mebasser is a graduate student in English at CSULB.