Marriage Defense Act Needs to Be Redirected
Palladium-Item,
February 23, 2005
P.O. Box 308, Richmond, IN 47375
765-962-1575
A bill is making its way through the state Legislature,
“The Defense of Marriage Act.” Its real purpose is not to defend marriage.
Were legislators really out to defend marriage,
wouldn’t they repeal divorce laws? Wouldn’t they restore (or call for
enforcement of) laws prohibiting adultery and fornication? Why don’t they go
after bastardy and the mothers of babies born out of wedlock? Why the
lawmakers don’t tackle these matters that do far more to undermine
traditional marriage seems obvious: such steps would be politically dangerous.
So they target the last segment of society against whom
bigotry may be directed without incurring much backlash, gays and lesbians.
Let’s be candid. The real reason some craven legislators make gays and
lesbians the scapegoats for all the changes in society and the law that
organized prejudice deplores and that have transformed marriage, family and
adult relationships seems pretty plain. Many lawmakers know full well their
gesture is simply closing the barn door after the horses have galloped away.
But foolishly they pretend they are defending marriage.
—Peter Cline, Richmond
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