Court ruling displays 'judicial activism'

Steve Cornell, senior pastor, Millersville Bible Church - Millersville, Pa.

Judicial activism strikes again. The people of New Jersey may be forced to embrace gay marriage. Where are the thinking people in this national discussion ("Ruling on gays may echo at polls," News, Oct. 26)?

Much of the current analysis of gay marriage is based on a faulty, superficial and offensive premise. It is faulty because it wrongly equates chosen lifestyles with unchangeable realities such as race and gender. It is superficial because it glosses over the historic understanding of marriage as essential to the health and well-being of society. It is even more superficial in its failure to include the statistical data regarding the negative health effects of homosexual lifestyles. It is offensive to actual minority groups and, in the final analysis, to those who struggle to be free from bondage to homosexual behavior.

Those who support gay marriage often work off the assumption that one is "born gay" and can't change. Ask those who once practiced the homosexual lifestyle but are now free from it. If being born gay is as real as being born African-American, laws must protect homosexuals from discrimination. Wrongful discrimination injures people for what they are by nature. If, on the other hand, homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle, discrimination laws should not be applied.

If we start protecting sexual preferences from discrimination, we'll find ourselves on a slippery slope. Others will surely demand special protection and provisions for their sexual preferences. Where will we draw the line?

In the final analysis, homosexuality is a behavior that people choose. Two men could live together and deeply care for each other without being homosexual. Homosexuality becomes part of the equation only when they commit sexual acts with each other. As a result, "homosexual" refers not to one's disposition or desire, but to one's behavior.

After years of counseling, I am convinced that those who practice homosexual behavior do not genuinely accept that they were meant to live this lifestyle. Deep down inside, radical homosexual activists know changes in legislation or public opinion will not remove the agony they feel.

The homosexual lifestyle robs people of both dignity and freedom. Court decisions and marriage licenses will not give these people the dignity or freedom they desire.

Compromise not enough

John McIntyre - Cleveland

I read with interest both opinions that were published in USA TODAY regarding the New Jersey Supreme Court decision on gay marriage. I believe that neither accurately reflects the issue at hand ("This time, judges find sensible compromise on gay unions," Our view; "Where's judicial restraint?" Opposing view, Same-sex marriage debate, Friday).

The opinion from the Family Research Council suggests that the only value to society inherent in marriage is procreation. Need I point out that it is possible to procreate outside of the bounds of marriage? I believe that the benefits to society of a strong marriage are stability in finances and purpose, commitment to values, creation and support of a community, and productivity that benefits both the individuals and society as a whole.

While I can understand and appreciate the view expressed by USA TODAY, which calls the court's decision a "reasonable" compromise, I believe it still is not the best solution. USA TODAY seems to rest its views on the argument that the middle ground is a popular opinion and therefore the court ruling and any laws that reflect the popular middle ground are the answer to the question of gay marriage. But the argument is not about what is popular; it's about providing what is right, fair and just to all citizens. Only a decision that recognizes the rights of gays and lesbians to marry under existing laws without discrimination can do that.

Vote for conservatives

Paul Holbrook - Hurricane, W.Va.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has delivered a wake-up call to conservatives who have thought about not voting in the upcoming election. With the court's ruling on same-sex couples, it has reminded us that this election is not just about the war in Iraq. This is not the time to give control of Congress to liberals just because we are dissatisfied with the performance of Republicans so far. Yes, things could be much worse.

The constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman is stalled in Congress. It must have a two-thirds majority to pass and move to the next step. So you see, we still have a lot of work to do to get Republicans a two-thirds majority in both houses. Be sure to turn out to vote for the Republicans on the ballot in your district. If we stand together, we can swing the number in each chamber by voting Republican.