Religion & Law

I mentioned my home state of Georgia in my post yesterday.  But one may fairly wonder whether even in New Jersey, wherein are located the green pastures of Princeton University (apologies to Robert Zimmerman), the determinative argument for refusing to extend the benefit of law to same-sex unions isn't religiously?indeed, biblically?grounded.  Consider this passage from an article about the controversy in New Jersey over whether civil unions for same-sex couples, which already exist in New Jersey, should be called "marriage":

Carrying signs declaring, ?God says no, [Senator] Baroni votes yes? and ?Phony Baloney Baroni,? a half-dozen demonstrators called out to passing motorists and party guests, warning the senator that constituents would hold him accountable for his vote.

?The Bible is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman, and homosexuality is a sin,? said Bob Pawson, who said he is a longtime friend of Mr. Baroni?s and has volunteered on his campaigns. ?So to promote this lifestyle ? it?s actually a death style ? is sending the wrong message.?

Mr. Baroni, a Roman Catholic, said he respected the demonstrators? right to air their views, but nonetheless intended to vote for the marriage bill because he considered it a matter of civil rights.

?I have never voted for discrimination, and I?m not about to start now,? he said.

You can read the entire article here.

Senator Baroni's friend and critic--Bob Pawson--is not alone.  We are often instructed that same-sex sexual conduct is (and therefore same-sex unions are) "in direct opposition to God's truth as He has revealed it in the Scriptures."  So said the Rev. Ron Johnson, Jr., on Sept. 28, 2008, to cite but one example.  See Peter Slevin, "33 Pastors Flout Tax Law With Political Sermons," Washington Post, Sept. 29, 2008.