Why are we so split over gay marriage? (From Warrington Guardian)
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Debate continues over whether same sex couples should be allowed to marry
1:57pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in News
DEBATE has been raging this week as to whether same sex couples should be allowed to tie the knot.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, which would enable gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies, moved a step closer as MPs voted in favour on Tuesday night.
While some have embraced the possible change, others warn it is ‘redefining’ marriage.
We asked for some of Warrington’s viewpoints on the great gay marriage debate.
OAKWOOD parent Kath McGleenan-Reed became civil partners with Christine in 2007 and have two children.
The 44-year-old said the pair would love the chance to get married if the law changes and added marriage and families have already been redefined.
The musician, who attends Metropolitan Church in Manchester, said: “Redefining marriage and families is something we should all be doing as families are no longer mum, dad and the kids.
“I look at all my straight friends and nobody is still married to the same people we first met and exes are living together so the kids can see both parents.
“The whole nucleus of families is changing.
“I believe we should live and let live and if some people think same sex couples shouldn’t get married in church it’s fine with me as long as I know I have the same rights as everybody else.
“It doesn’t surprise me people have different views as it’s built into us that marriage is between a man and a woman.”
A GROUP of church leaders from the town have written a letter to MPs opposing changes to marriage.
Rev Paul Hockley, vicar at St Paul’s, Penketh said it was not homophobia and many people were concerned the bill was not a good use of parliament time.
He added: “We are especially concerned that legal opinion at the highest level has deemed it likely that, despite assurances that church leaders would not be required to act against their conscience in this matter, any unwillingness on the part of a church leader in Warrington to conduct the marriage of a same-sex couple in church would render that church leader liable to legal sanctions under European law.
“Marriage should be between a man and a woman for life and while 50 per cent of marriage breakdowns is terrible that doesn’t mean you should change your rule book.
“We pray it won’t go through but think it probably will and as soon as you start changing things where do you stop?”
Comments(4)
old-codger
says...
3:06pm Thu 7 Feb 13
The bible was written 400 years after the event, It contradicts itself over and over again, Religion is a belief and not a law, Lets live our own lives and let others live theirs. There is too much inerfierence from church and state in our lives..
mr_BLUNT
says...
3:20pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Sophie_1996
says...
7:33pm Thu 7 Feb 13
I'm 16 years old being brought up to be polite, be generous and share to one another, not to be judgmental and help others.... yet how can we follow this when the church, who is supposed to be supporting these morals, treats these people different and refuses to give them equality, that which they preach to everyone..a little hypocritical if you think about it , society changes and it needs to be accepted, just because a gay couple marries doesn't mean it will affect people's morals and their beliefs ... oh and by the way my mother is a lesbian..... being gay doesn't affect parenting and in fact should be supported, if anything it gives a wider acceptance toward people and their lifestyles:) nothing wrong with that is there?
chunkymunky says...
2:32pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Shall we go back to the days when a husband could legally (and morally according to the bible) beat his wife?
The church does not own marriage, it plays a part which other can choose to engage with, as much as a those who choose a civil marriage, or a Muslim wedding etc
But your right it was Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.....but if they allowed women to be bishops and canonised she could become St.eve......its close enough!!