Defenders of Marriage

I really enjoyed reading the Obergefell v. Hodges case in our reading this week.  It opened my eyes to see how things can get complicated very quickly as the law begins to be conformed to the traditions in today’s society. In the text of this case, Obergefell v. Hodges is this quote: “Far from seeking to devalue marriage, the petitioners seek it for themselves because of their respect—and need—for its privileges and responsibilities.  And their immutable nature dictates that same-sex marriage is their only real path to this profound commitment.”[1] My understanding from reading the proceeding of this case, is that those seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage do not want to devalue marriage, however, by legalizing same-sex marriage they are doing just that. Just by altering or changing these little words between “man and woman” now will include between “two women” or “two men.”  From this stems the controversy in how marriage is defined in society today.  From the beginning of time, marriage was and has always been between a man and a woman. This was all part of Heavenly Father’s plan.  Couples want the privileges that other traditional couples have as a result of marriage. They want the closeness, the respect and the companionship of having a family.  They also see the importance of rearing children as a family. The family is also being compromised as to what constitutes a family unit, if there is not both a father and a mother.

Russell M. Nelson (2014) said, “God is the Father of all men and women. They are His children. It was He who ordained marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Marriage was not created by human judges or legislators. It was not created by think tanks or by popular vote or by oft-quoted bloggers or by pundits. It was not created by lobbyists. Marriage was created by God!”[2] Today we are being asked to be defenders of marriage.  So what does this mean?  To me, marriage means a union of two people, male and female, who come together by means of legal marriage to love and cherish each other in good times and in bad times.  Marriage is the first step taken to prepare for establishing a family here on Earth.  A defender is one who stands up for that which he believes. 

References:

1 https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf

2 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson_disciples-jesus-christ-defenders-of-marriage/