same sex marriage

The Sanctity of Marriage Has Gradually Evolved With the Changing Times

Jun 3rd, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

Views on marriage and what it means, has been changing rapidly over the years. Today, there are more voices speaking out for “equality” in marriage then ever before. Even politicians are weighing in, in favor of the topic. Vice President Joe Biden spoke out in support of same sex marriage in 2012.

Marriage was essentially limited to the opposite sexes coming together as one however; controversy over the issue has enraged many who think the definition should include same sex unions. In an article written by James Rush from the Daily Mail in the U.K., “The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, suggested it was time to ‘rethink’ attitudes towards allowing same-sex couples to marry, as Christians did with slavery and apartheid.”

Some churches are slowly acknowledging same sex marriages. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Pastor Flora White, Senior Pastor of Victory in Christ Ministries in Greensburg, PA., said, “what The Bishop of Salisbury had to say about same-sex marriage was quite offensive because it has nothing to do with marriage and its original meaning as far as Christian beliefs go. Its like comparing apples to oranges.” White added, “There is far too much compromise concerning filling up church pews these days.”

Pastor Flora White officiates wedding ceremony. (Photo taken by Victory in Christ Ministries)

In 2013, Alison Gobnik wrote an article entitled, “Culture Begets Marriage-Gay or Straight.” The article investigates “how a growing acceptance of same-sex marriage in American culture is indicative of cultural evolution in 2013, discussing how humans rely on cultural development for continued success as well as why it has become culturally acceptable to support gay marriage,” (2013).

There are a large number of American people who still believe in the sanctity of marriage and what it stood for many decades ago. Dick & Diane Baumbach operate a faith based enrichment program called Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME). The Baumbach’s offer a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian marriage. “We honor the longest married couples in the U.S., based off of the nominations we receive. The main focus of WWME is to make good marriages, great marriages. Approximately two million couples since 1969 have gone on a weekend retreat, averaging about 10 to 12 thousand per year,” Baumbach said. “Worldwide Marriage Encounter is designed for a man and a woman, however; an organization called Heart 2 Heart Ministries offers similar events that welcomes all,” he added.

Marital record keeping has been taking place since record keeping began. This is a great way to keep track of statistics and trends in marriage and divorce. Ancestry.com keeps track of such records and offers a lot more. Dick and Diane Baumbach have been married for 47 years. The couple said their vows in 1966. They believe that love is a decision and not a feeling. In other words, you choose whom to love, circumstances do not.

Gay and Lesbian Acceptance is Making Gradual Progress

May 20th, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

Before 1967 it was illegal for males to engage in homosexual behavior. The consequences were oftentimes imprisonment. Once the Sexual Offenses Bill was passed, the game changed for homosexuals in the U.K. The acts of private sex between two men of the age of 21 or older were decriminalized. Public objection for female on female relationships was just as unwelcomed, however, upon the birth of the Minorities Research Group (MRG) in 1963, a glimmer of support and assistance began to emerge. The MRG provided resources and information for these females to meet other females who shared the same sexual interests.

Charles Joughin, Deputy Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in Washington, D.C., said, “Support for LGBT equality in America continues to grow, and our momentum is not slowing down. All across the country fair-minded Americans are speaking out in support of their LGBT friends and neighbors, advocating for a more fair and just society.”

The HRC is a civil rights organization that works to establish equality for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender Americans. The organization has nationwide support from members and supporters reaching over 1.5 million strong.

On Saturday May 18, 2013, French President Francois Hollande singed a bill that made same-sex marriage legal. France became the 14th country to do so.

The State of LGBT Rights Around the World infographic by ahunnel

“Eight out of 10 Americans know someone who is LGBT. In my opinion, we have come as far as we have because it’s virtually impossible to continue to discriminate against us the more you know us,” Joughin added.

In 1924 the Society for Human Rights in Chicago was the United States’ first recognized organization for gay rights. On May 13, 2013, the Minnesota Senate voted to legalize same-sex marriage in this state. The couples will be granted the privilege as early as August 2013. The Gay Rights Movement has come along way. With evolving generations and changing mind-sets, this group may one day soon see total equality across the globe.

Gays and Lesbians Face an Uphill Battle

May 13th, 2013 in Lifestyle by Robin L. Hamilton

The King James Bible states in Leviticus chapter 20:13, “ If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Homosexuality has been considered “taboo” by much of society for many years. In past generations, if a person chose to practice this type of lifestyle, he or she would go out of his or her way to keep it under raps or stay “in the closet,” for fear of public humiliation or ridicule. Today, gay and lesbian couples continue to face social issues. The main issue is acceptance or equality.

Many churches still do not recognize same sex marriage or welcome gays and lesbians. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Many church leaders are speaking out on what they call the “redefining” of marriage, as we know it. Cardinal Francis George of the African American Clergy Coalition spoke out in early April of this year according to an article published in the Chicago Tribune, siting that if the Biblical definition of how marriage was designed is legally altered it “will not serve the common good of our people and will certainly lose the sense of family that is the basis of our understanding of who we are.”

Xavier Simon is an openly gay General Manager of Econo Lodge in Atlanta, Georgia. He said, “I already struggle with being a black male, but being gay on top of that just adds to my social struggles.” Simon emphasized “Being gay prohibits me from attending a certain Pentecostal church in the Atlanta area because it is not accepted there. The discrimination is a problem because it does not allow me to seek that personal relationship that I desire with my God.”

Several countries including the United States have begun to overturn laws that prohibit same sex marriage. However, procedural barriers continue to interfere with allowing total legal recognition. The American Unity Pac is a Republican group that supports equality for all. They stand by their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters saying “They are deserving of the same rights and responsibilities under the law.”

Same sex marriage is not legal everywhere. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

Legalizing same sex marriage is only a fraction of the social issues that are encountered by this group. In addition, raising children and being accepted by society will continually strike a moral nerve in many people around the globe.

Little Five Points in Atlanta, Georgia presents an off beat character yet offers a gay-friendly environment. (Photo by: Robin L. Hamilton/Full Sail University).

“In March 2013, a guest had to be escorted out of the Atlanta Econo Lodge. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions and leaving accordingly, the irate guest chose instead to cause a scene and call me a ‘faggot’. The ignorance may never end.” Simon said.