A Federal Judge overturned California’s Prop 8 Bill today. This opens the way for Same-Gender Marriages that have taken place to remain valid, and for others to be married as well, in California. This also opens the possibility for the law to be challenged at the Supreme Court level, possibly calling into question the constitutionality of other state and federal laws that bar same-gender marriages.
Some proponents of the right to marry for same-gender couples compare this victory to the victories racially mixed couples won in their fight to marry in the 1960’s.
Should the law of the land to recognize same-gender marriages become valid, what should the response of the United Methodist Church be? More importantly, what should be the response of Good Shepherd Church be?
Even now, the Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. is engaged in serious dialog regarding their response to the community they serve, in view of Washington’s legalization of same-gender marriages. Perhaps it is time for Good Shepherd Church to do the same. Some times – often – it is more noble to be a leader in opening doors and minds and hearts, than to go grumbling along at the end of a battle that it is too late to engage.
I encourage each of you to express you thoughts to the Administrative Council Chair, Kathy Green, and the PPRC Chair, Evan Bays. Let them know if you would be supportive of the rights of LGBT persons to share in the life of our church, including their right to marry, should it become the law in WV in the future.
I, for one, say AMEN! to these developments and welcome ALL persons into the life of Christ and the Church. I hope you do, too.
The following article was in today’ Washington Post
Federal judge overturns gay marriage ban in California
By LISA LEFF
The Associated Press
Wednesday, August 4, 2010; 5:01 PM
SAN FRANCISCO — A person close to the case says a federal judge has overturned California’s same-sex marriage ban in a landmark case that could eventually land before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker made his ruling Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by two gay couples who claimed the voter-approved ban violated their civil rights.
A copy of the ruling had not yet been publicly released.
Both sides previously said an appeal was certain if Walker did not rule in their favor. The case would go first to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals then the Supreme Court if the high court justices agree to review it.
