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Opinion
Amendment
on marriage decision for the people
June
9, 2006
The
question of same-sex marriages continues to be a hot political
issue. In South Carolina there’s a constitutional amendment on
the ballot which, if approved, would define marriage in this
state as between a man and a woman. In Washington the Senate
has rejected an amendment to the U.S.
Constitution on the
same subject. Nevertheless, the House still plans to consider
it.
In South Carolina, opponents of the amendment are
incensed, as are some in Washington. They include homosexual
rights groups, some ministers, and others.They call the
proposed change a political stunt that would legalize
discrimination.
This is one of a half dozen states with the
marriage amendment on the November ballot. Nationwide, 19
states have changed their constitutions to protect the
traditional definition of marriage.
SOUTH
CAROLINA HAS A marriage law, to be sure. Proponents
of a constitutional amendment, however, say a change in the
state Constitution would assure that courts don’t overturn the
law. Furthermore, the state could refuse to recognize same-sex
marriages performed elsewhere.
On the national amendment,
President Bush urged passage. He says traditional marriage is
the cornerstone of a healthy society and the issue should be
“put back where it belongs: in the hands of the American
people.”
You may not agree with the president. However,
whether for or against either of the amendments, it’s a matter
that is too emotional and volatile for politicians or judges
alone to decide. It’s a choice for all Americans. Anytime
we’re afraid or reluctant to listen to what the people have to
say, something’s wrong. After all, it’s basic to the very
freedom that keeps this the place where so many people around
the world would like to live.
Editorial expression in this feature represents
our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.
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