Only Tarheels and Queers… Come From North Carolina

Dave Durand - Contributor

This May, North Carolinians will have the opportunity to vote for an amendment to the state constitution that would ban gay marriage. While it is currently illegal for gays to marry in NC, this measure would be a hefty road block for any future legislature to repeal the current law. It is also a safeguard against any overzealous judge that may feel the need to legislate from the bench.

There are several reasons often given to justify a general ban on gay marriage, but I’ve yet to hear one that convinces me of the need to restrict the personal liberty of my fellow citizens. Here are my thoughts on the main two. 

Homosexuality is a sin, and therefore gay marriage should be illegal.

As a Christian, I completely agree with the first half of this statement. The Bible is quite clear that homosexuality is a sin. But to those who feel that sins should be outlawed, allow me to let you in on a little secret…

… there is a difference between a crime and a sin. (Gasps of Horror!!!)

A sin is an act of disobedience against God. A crime is an act of force against man. These two ideas do not necessarily overlap. For instance: It is sin to get drunk, but it is not illegal. It is a sin to cheat on your spouse, but it is not illegal. It is a sin to covet, but it is not illegal. It is sin to be selfish, but not illegal.

I am not sure why Christians don’t just use the force of government and eradicate sin all together. Why not simply make it illegal to be a homosexual. After all, it is the underlying sin that drives all this gay marriage hoop-la. Why not take it a step further and make a law mandating that everyone in America must convert to some brand of Christianity. In fact, let’s get real here and makes it illegal to not accept Christ as you personal savior. Problem solved right?

Gay marriage threatens the sanctity of marriage.

I argue heterosexuals have done a pretty good number on the sanctity of marriage all on their own. Something like 40% of all first marriages ends in divorce, and nearly 50% of all subsequent marriages end in divorce. I am pretty sure the sanctity argument was thrown out long ago by straight couples.

Also, I just don’t get how the deeply personal relationship between you and your spouse can be somehow threatened by the existence of another relationship. Did you or did you not promise before God, your family, and your friends to uphold your marriage vows? Was there an exclusion clause in the fine print that gives you an out if two dudes tie the knot down the street? Let me ask you this. Are you any less married if gay couples are allowed to marry? Are you really worse off in any tangible way? If so, how?

So how will I vote?

Well I have to say that in the interest of liberty I will vote against the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. I can see no threat to my life, liberty, or property posed by gay marriage, and therefore I will not support government standing in the way of personal choice. All things being equal, I would vote to get the state out of marriage entirely, but since we are forced to ask for the government’s permission to get married, I can only support a decrease in Raleigh’s control over us.

May God help this straight, married, liberty-minded Christian.


Dave Durand is a weekly contributor to Letters to the front, and has his own mind on matters of liberty.