False dichotomy on gay marriage

Re “Will gay rights trample religious freedom?” Opinion, June 17

The California Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage does not confine religious people to the sanctuary.

The examples portrayed in Marc Stern’s Op-Ed article are misguided. If Catholic Charities chooses to avoid anti-discrimination laws by stopping adoption placement, that’s its decision. Religious freedom does not give such organizations the right to violate discrimination laws. And this ruling does not give same-sex couples the right to force religious individuals or organizations to act out of accord with their faith.

Separate but equal doesn’t work. I suggest Stern substitute “Jewish” for “same-sex” and see if his opinions remain the same.

Stephanie Campbell

Costa Mesa

Stern’s argument presents a false dichotomy in which all people of faith oppose same-gender equality. Many religious denominations embrace theologies that support same-gender marriage.

The California Supreme Court’s decision enhances religious liberty because it allows theological questions to be determined by houses of worship rather than governmental institutions. This case recognizes the important boundaries between the legal requirements for the civil institution of marriage and the theological requirements for the religious institution of marriage.

Stern’s position restricts religious liberty. He would rather see the government impose one religious view of marriage on a religiously diverse nation.

Just as houses of worship should not be forced to perform same-sex marriages, they also should not be barred from performing them.

For the good of religion and for the good of the nation, government should stay out of our temples, synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras and churches.

Rev. Dr. C. Welton

Gaddy

President

Interfaith Alliance

Washington

People who claim they want a constitutional ban on gay marriage for religious reasons do not seem to understand that they (unconstitutionally) seek to force their religion on people who may not share their beliefs.

It really doesn’t matter to a nonbeliever what the Bible says about gay marriage. The issue is moot to us.

Why should people who aren’t religious live by biblical edicts?

Either religious opponents of gay marriage haven’t thought this through, or they are hiding their bigotry behind a thin veil of faith.

Kari Tervo

Los Angeles