Today is a fabulous day for equality in the United States, as the Supreme Court handed down a (hopefully final) victory for same-sex marriage this morning. My social media feeds exploded in celebration, as secular individuals and groups applauded in near unanimity. A few examples:
EQUALITY WINS. This is a victory for all Americans. pic.twitter.com/pfM8tjIKxH
— American Atheists (@AmericanAtheist) June 26, 2015
#LoveWins #MarriageEquaility #humanism #LGBTRights #LGBT #ObergefellvHodges pic.twitter.com/jNxagxLxkX
— American Humanist Association (@americnhumanist) June 26, 2015
We agree, Justice Kennedy. #Obergefell #SCOTUSMarriage pic.twitter.com/nKjS78CcE4
— Americans United (@americansunited) June 26, 2015
It is easy to forget that secular groups are predictably thrilled with this ruling not merely because their ranks are filled with generally progressive citizens, but also because conceptually separating “marriage” as defined by civil law from “marriage” as defined by religious tradition is entailed by the philosophical approach to governance that we call secularism.
Today’s decision even gives a nod to the First Amendment guarantees of religious liberty which will continue to ensure that the separation of civil marriage from religious marriage will persist:
Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered. The same is true of those who oppose same-sex marriage for other reasons. In turn, those who believe allowing same-sex marriage is proper or indeed essential, whether as a matter of religious conviction or secular belief, may engage those who disagree with their view in an open and searching debate. The Constitution, however, does not permit the State to bar same-sex couples from marriage on the same terms as accorded to couples of the opposite sex.
If Southern Baptists (or any other denominations) want to take another hundred years to come around on this issue, they are free to do so. In fact, I would much prefer it if they did.
