Do you believe that churches have a right to refuse marrying a same-sex couple?

The church has every right to refuse a gay marriage on moral grounds, however, in the same sense we have every right to refuse to set foot in such a hateful place.

 

Well, yeah, I can believe that!

Can't see it happening with the Church of England though.

 

The Church of England has a different set of rules to play by, though. It's the state religion, exactly the opposite of the "seperation of church and state" concept the US has. It has to be a little more "in touch" than some of the more fringe-y American churches.

 

Well,yeah,they do. They believe that being gay is a sin and immoral so why would they want to perform something they're against? They're not "wrong" to turn them away if they don't believe in it and their religion opposes it and really shouldn't be a big deal.

 

Yes, clearly they do. But marriage is a civil institution, not a religious one.

 

It makes me sad that there are religious institutions that discriminate but it is their right. And since marriage is a legal rather than religious process, they can do so with no impact on the right of two people of any background to marry somehow

 

I hate to say it, but yes. The good thing is, if the church refuses to marry, we know who the bigots are and the church can be boycotted. ^_^

 

Rather than getting butthurt about cakes, this is truly a religious freedom issue. The problem is that the church has already used this card.

That said, I personally would not want to get married by my old church pastor. Why would I want to get married by someone who disapproves of my union? They can refuse me, but I can also refuse to associate with them. 'Merica!

 

Sure, whatever. I guess. But I believe it's important to challenge the morality of people who come up with bad views for bad reasons and good views by sheer accident...

 

We have separation of church and state, so the decision is up to them.

They (some congregations) do not feel they need to minister to LGBT people.
Conversely, LGBT people can then steer clear of these congregations.

 

I don't understand why anyone would want to be married in a place where they are not accepted. I wedding should be a joyous occasion, not one filled with disapproving glances and tension.

 

Well, I think the thought behind it is to force the church to have a conversation about inclusion. After all, the only way you're going to confront evil is by force, so why not?

I say the energy is wasted. If they have such a fucked up epistemic view, the energy one could spend on a church like that is better spent helping gender and sexual minorities in general.

 

This is exactly how I feel about it. Like with all the hysteria about businesses that won't cater gay weddings...why would I want to support a business that loathes me? I'll go to the caterer/florist/designer who supports me and won't judge me, thank you very much.

 

It's not hysteria at all. It's the community choosing to highlight businesses that are needlessly exclusive, and then let individuals in the market make their own choices.

 

I agree. In addition most of the news sources I've heard today have said that in the majority opinion SCOTUS said that today's ruling does NOT mean that churches will be forced to perform same sex wedding ceremonies, if they have a religious objection.

 

I guess. But think of it this way. They also have a right to refuse to marry interracial couples, pregnant couples, people outside their church, etc. So I'm not saying they're exactly bastions of morality here.

 

Practially... Not sure... Ideally... don't really think they belong anywhere at all if they don't accept other people...

 

I also agree. Equal rights across the board, for gays and non-gays. If a church has a moral problem standing in front of their God and performing what they deem as an "immoral" union... Then they shouldnt have to.

Having said that, I also think its time people remember that only their God can judge what is moral or immoral. And until then.. Refusing to marry a gay because they dont believe its moral .. Is judging.. And technically thats against their religion too. Sooo.. There is no right answer.. I just hope they do what they feel it right, with human decency.

 

Mine doesn't, atleast not for the person who chose to get divorced.


Yes. They should also have the right to do anything, as long as they can show support from their religious text and any laws going against it came after it would be required of the religion.

 

Yeah, I believe they have the right to refuse if they want to. As human beings with strong beliefs, I do not believe they should be forced to take actions that go "against" their beliefs.

There will always be other churches/places that are willing marry us (gay couples) of their own free will and because they truly believe it is right in their hearts. I would in no way feel comfortable being married by a church/priest that was secretly disgusted by me/my orientation. I can't see that as being beneficial to anybody!!