Originally Posted by /^Blackmagik^\
I am conservative, but i oppose state governed marriage altogether. what i don't get is how liberal people can argue that a plaque with the 10 commandments in a courthouse is unconstitutional, but state sanctioned marriage, whether it be hetero or homosexual is constitutional? marriage is by definition a religious union between a man and a woman, so what happened to the seperation of church and state? this can't be a new idea, i just don't see how state sanctioned marriage of any kind is constitutional.
You're asking why that "ten commandments" monument in a courthouse is unconstitutional? Because it represents government endorsement of a specific religion. It is a slap in the face to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Wiccans, and other groups whose religions do not observe the bible or decalogue. The second commandment is blantantly and overtly hostile toward other religions, because it basically states that you're right, we're wrong, and your religion and your god are "superior" to all other gods and religions, and that all religions are NOT equal. Therefore, putting up a "ten commandents" is an endorsement of bigotry, hatred, and prejudice towards many millions of Americans who happen to be of other religions. And keep in mind that interracial marriage was once illegal too. But we "altered" the definiton of marriage when we legalized it, because it was the right thing to do.
Now don't get me wrong, Blackmagik, you're entitled to your opinions on religion. If you believe Christianity is the "only" truth out there, then that's your right. But as US citizens, we're all equal under the constitution regardless of our race, religion, gender, or anything else that makes us who we are. "Freedom of Religion" in the first amendment means ANY religion
.