THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM writing in response to the letter written by Trevor Gray, entitled "Gay Marriage a Human Rights Issue," appearing in the Monday, March 15 issue of The Gleaner. While his arguments appear logical and reasonable for one writing in support of gay rights, they are founded on erromeous assumptions. Gay marriage is not a human rights issue; it is a moral issue.
Homosexuality is a violation of God's divine moral order (see Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9; 1 Tim 1:10; Jude 7). Same sex genital relations are contrary to God's intended purposes for humans. Any attempt to legalize gay marriage would be in clear violation of this purpose intended for the essential order and stability of the family, the very foundational structure of human life in society.
What the whole gay marriage debate points to is the serious moral crisis facing western contemporary societies most of which have turned their backs on traditional religious values and have courted secular humanism to the extent that personal values have become totally detached in these societies from their religious roots; and now everyone does what seems right in his/her own eyes. Let us face it, moral laws governing human sexuality are not based on concepts of ethical self-perceptions subject to social, cultural or moral modifications as Mr Gray would have us think. They are constraints set by God for the preservation of human society.
APPROPRIATE INSTITUTION
One can understand Mr. Gray's concern about the high divorce rates, spousal abuse and other problems resulting from dyfunctional marriages but these problems, though scary, do not make heterosexual unions undesirable. Despite these problems the heterosexual nuptial is still viewed even amongst persons who are not religious as the most appropriate institution for procreation, the nuturing of children, and for companionship.
Denying gays the right to wed does not deny them living with the basic human dignity, respect, support and inclusion. Denying them the right to marriage is not only fundamental to preserving our way of life but critical to the survival of human civilization.
I am, etc.,
Rev. NEWTON
GABBIDON, MA
IPMIorg@aol.com
Intercessory Prayer
Ministry International
PO Box 360-356
Brooklyn, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
