Same-Sex Marriage Ban Restricts Religious Liberty, Some Argue

Here’s an insightful argument against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage: not only would it restrict our civil rights, it would also “infringe on religious liberty.” This is the stance of Clergy for Fairness, an interfaith group of clergy opposing the amendment. Reform Rabbi Craig Axler, a member of the group, explains:

The backers behind this amendment seem to assume that every spiritual tradition considers one man and one woman to be the only form of marriage. . . . To consciously legislate against religious traditions, which is really how I see this amendment… is really an affront to my faith.

Others feel that this argument has no legal weight, as compelling as it may seem. Still, I think it may persuade some individuals that a same-sex marriage ban comes too close to stepping on some of our country’s most cherished freedoms.