One Person At A Time

Yep - still pissin' off the world, one person at a time. But this time I am trying to outdo myself by pissin' folks off in BIG groups.

Here is my latest attempt - a personal letter that I sent to my state legislators. Now, I must warn you - at first read, this will offend a lot of people - not because it is a bad solution to a thorny issue, but because many folks already have taken a position on this issue and simply are not open to a solution. I hope my friends are a bit more open-minded than that, and take the time to think about the logic and sense behind it.

I would also state up front that I am not a proponent of gay marriage, because of religious beliefs. Nor is it necessary to be, under this solution. But I am a proponent of letting God decide such things. He has asked us to "judge not, lest ye be judged", so while I do not back gay marriage, I do back the premise that every human being should be entitled to the same legal rights, and the same right to choose their own destiny without requiring that others approve.

So, if you are interested, please read on. Think on it. And if it makes sense to you, and you want the great state of Maine to lead the way into the future, I would encourage you to email Senator Courtney at joncourtney@metrocast.net and/or Representative Sarty at rwsarty@fairpoint.net and let them know you feel this is a good idea that needs serious consideration.

Let me know your thoughts - but please, folks, although this is an emotionally charged issue, let's keep the discussion thoughtful and civil, and remember that every human being is entitled to live their own life their own way, and that someday it may be someone you love who turns out to be gay. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Trust in God to be the judge - because He will be judging us all.

Thank you

THE LETTER:

Sir:

It would behoove the state of Maine if it were to become a model for the rest of the nation in regards to a thorny issue that, until now, seemed to have no solution that would satisfy all parties. In short, Senator, the person/state to come up with a workable solution that almost all people could get behind concerning the gay marriage issue, well, that person/state would be national heros. Sooner or later, Senator, this issue - and the resulting turmoil - will come to Maine. We can head it off by taking the initiative, and create a model for the rest of the nation.

And such a solution is available - please bear in mind that you may need to read this a couple of times before the simplicity of it shines through.

Solution to the Gay Marriage Issue

If we are to resolve the issues revolving around gay marriage, we must first accept two simple facts:

1) Marriage is a religious rite, not a "state right".

2) The state unlawfully co-opted marriage by licensing it - they breached the wall of separation between church and state when they took control of the religious rite that has always been an integral part of the church

If we accept these two indisputable historical facts, and the Constitutional "separation of church and state" concept, the solution then becomes both obvious and simple.

First, ban the state from infringing on marriage, by recognizing and respecting its religious roots, returning marriage to the church from which it sprang. The state would then need a legal method of uniting couples for LEGAL purposes, alone, to take the place of marriage as a state sanctioned union.

To that end, the state would offer and license state-sanctioned Civil Unions for ANY couple of legal age (couples, only), regardless of their lifestyle preferences, and every couple united in a civil union would receive all the legal rights now conferred upon married couples, but they would not be "married", as that is a religious rite effected only by recognized religious institutions. Any couple of legal age may enter a Civil Union.

If a couple ALSO wishes to be united in the sight of God (marriage), they would then petition their church for permission to be wed, as was once the custom. If their church does not have an issue with a marriage between them, then the church may marry them. For example, if their church has no issue with gay marriage, then gays may marry in that church. If the church does not accept or condone gay marriage, then they cannot marry in that church.

The state of marriage - and the rules for marriage - should be determined by the church. The Catholic church already denies certain heterosexual marriages if either party is divorced. So, marriage, or its denial, would be strictly up to each church according to its own tenets.

All legal rights come from the state sponsored Civil Union. Marriage does not instill any rights outside of the church. Marriage can only be effected by a recognized church. Civil Unions would be performed by any Justice of the Peace, or appointed state officials, or church pastor/priest/rabbi etc. who shall be authorized to perform civil unions. Marriage, however, can only be performed by a church leader, in a church, and with the blessing of the church according to its tenets. The church may refuse a joining in marriage to ANY couple that is deemed to be unqualified according to the tenets of the church. If the tenets of a church do not permit gay marriage, the church may refuse to perform the civil union, as well, if the church so chooses. The couple may then be united by an appointed state official or JP.

In short, since marriage is a religious rite, only the churches have the right to accept or deny any marriage between its members, whether they be gay or not. In this way, the following concerns, which are the primary issues, are adequately addressed and dismissed:

1) EVERY couple of legal age may unite in a legal, state sanctioned ceremony and may enjoy all the legal rights now provided by marriage

2) Each church may retain the sanctity of marriage as they see fit, within the tenets of that church

3) All who object to gay marriage based on religious beliefs will have to defer to their church for making that determination

All marriages prior to the date that is chosen to begin this system shall retain their original flavor, and shall automatically be considered as both a Civil Union for legal purposes, and a marriage for religious reasons.

Frankly, Senator, we must all realize that, sooner or later, this issue is going to be a driving force in the politics of every state, even here in Maine. The state that first finds a good, workable compromise that satisfies most people will have taken the initiative and removed the teeth from the monster, putting this issue to rest once and for all, and without the need for Constitutional Amendments, court interference or all the angst and hatred that grows out of the controversy.

Think about it, Senator. It is "thinking outside the box", but that is the only true solution. And it is based on the Constitution - separation of church and state.

Let us show the nation that Mainers are "problem solvers", and do not wait for issues to get out of hand before finding solutions.

Regards,
Bill Vaughn
Limington ME 04049