04 July 2015

If you don't agree with same-sex marriage, you will be silenced

As I reflected last week on the implications of the Supreme Court decision Obergefell vs. Hodges, I warned that
we can surely expect those who rejoice in the decision of Obergefell vs. Hodges to attempt to silence us whenever we speak of the truth of marriage as created by God as a means for one man and one woman to grow in holiness together. Just as many seek to use the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade to silence our voices when we speak of the beauty and dignity of life, many will likewise seek to use this decision to silence our voices when we speak of the beauty and dignity of marriage and of the high calling a husband and wife receive from God to reflect his love to the world.
As it turns out, I was right, and sooner than I expected.

Bakers in Oregon who did not make a cake for a so-called wedding of a homosexual couple have been silenced by the Oregon Labor Commissioner:
In the ruling, Avakian placed an effective gag order on the Kleins, ordering them to “cease and desist” from speaking publicly about not wanting to bake cakes for same-sex weddings based on their Christian beliefs.
I can only presume the commissioner did not actually read the decision of the Supreme Court. Had he read the decision, he would have found these words:
Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.
But as I said last week, these words won't receive much attention. We can surely expect more such orders of silence in the days, weeks, and months to come, the actual text of the decision notwithstanding.

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