U.S. evangelicals draw battle lines against same-sex marriage

[Jazzy]

With the U.S. Supreme Court expected to rule by the end of the month on whether same-sex marriage is legal, many Christian evangelicals say they would refuse to obey a decision allowing gay unions.

The Defend Marriage pledge, signed by more than 50,000 people, is one of a series of measures launched by social conservatives to push back against same-sex unions.

"The justices are not always right, and this is clearly a case that finds a right that is not in the Constitution, and we will not be able to respect that ruling," said Rick Scarborough, a prominent Baptist pastor in Texas and one of the authors of the pledge.

Scarborough says those who signed the petition will resist all government efforts to require them to accept gay marriage. He says some, including himself, will accept any fine, arrest or even jail time to protect their religious freedom.

"We respectfully warn the Supreme Court not to cross this line," Scarborough said.

Republican state lawmakers in recent months have introduced a raft of bills targeting gay marriage and gay rights amid expectations that the top U.S. court will find a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. It is now legal in 36 of the 50 U.S. states.

But of the 55 bills in 21 states that could have some bearing on gay marriage, the vast majority have failed to become law, indicating that any backlash to a Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage could be limited.

The Defend Marriage pledge was launched in March by social conservatives. It says it is God's will to have marriage being only between a man and a woman.

"We affirm that marriage and family have been inscribed by the Divine Architect into the order of Creation. Marriage is ontologically between one man and one woman," it says.

Notable signers include U.S. Republican presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum.

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Thoughts?

 

[beowulf]

 

[WHO IS SERAFIN]

Not sure where you got that inaccurate info from. Churches do more to help the poor then government ever has done or ever can do. And I am atheist so you can't claim I am some person defending my religion.

Do I believe Gay couples should have the same rights as straight couples short of making government bigger and offering more of the peoples money out for benefits? Yes I do! Do I believe any of these people should be forced to except the gay life style and forced to marry gay or straight couples? No I do not!