Christians Suffer for Opposing Homosexuality

Respect Is a Two-Way Street
By Father John Flynn, LC
2009-05-31

Excerpt:
How much of a threat to religious freedom is the introduction of same-sex marriage? A recent consideration of the matter came in a question and answer forum sponsored by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.

In the transcript, published May 21, professors Robert W. Tuttle and Ira "Chip" Lupu of The George Washington University Law School discussed the possible conflicts.

Opponents of same-sex marriage, they noted, are concerned that preaching against homosexuality in sermons could become a criminal offense.

Other concerns involve religious institutions, such as hospitals and universities, who fear they may be obliged to provide the same benefits to same-sex couples as they currently do for heterosexual spouses.

This is not just a theoretical consideration, the two professors added. In 2006, Catholic Charities in Massachusetts had to stop its adoption service as state anti-discrimination laws were changed, making it obligatory for agencies to offer children for adoption by same-sex couples.

Another area of concern involves private businesses and individuals who have religious objections to same-sex marriage. This could involve those who provide services for weddings or rent out residential accommodation.

In their commentary the professors admitted that the legal situation of such religious objections is largely untested. Court battles so far have mainly centered on the question of whether states should recognize same-sex marriage. the rest