Rights Vs. Privileges. (UPDATED Again)

With all of the Prop 8 protests going on, the Anglican Curmudgeon lays out a very strong, rational argument against gay marriage that is worth your reading.

While I agree with Anglican Curmudgeon that marriage is a privilege, not a right, I also think that the promotion of monogamy has a direct positive benefit to society, just as the promotion of having both the father and the mother directly involved in raising of children as a direct societal benefit.

Speaking as matter of civil law (and not theology or Scripture) I think that an equally rational argument can be built for gay marriage based on the notion that the promotion of monogamy, and the limiting of sexual expression to it, has a direct positive benefit for society. I could be persuaded by such an argument, as could many, but I have not seen one from the pro-gay marriage side. Nor do I think they will make it, as I agree with Anglican Curmudgeon that there is a much larger agenda at work here and gay marriage is a menas - not an end.

And the other sticky point is, if you accept the notion that the society grant the privilege of unions between more than a man and a woman, then on what rational basis does one draw the line in limiting what unions will be recognized? Will multiple partners be allowed to marry? Immediate family members?

Having said all of that I still believe, Scripturally, that homosexual practice is a sin - just like heterosexual practice outside of marriage - and the Church should not be compelled to recognize it, solemnize it, or bless it just because society does. (But I also I think that a person should never be turned away from Christ or the Church because of their sexuality.)

UPDATE 12NOV08: As I said yesterday, the Prop 8 protests seem to have less to do with gays wanting into the mainstream (marriage) - and more to do with radicals finding an excuse to bash the mainstream. Coupling the gay marriage issue with violence isn't going to win anyone over (intimidate, yes; but not change minds), and gay Americans who truly want to be included in the mainstream of American society need to condemn these bigots before they end up controlling the debate.

UPDATE 13NOV08: Gay Patriot agrees that this kind of thing is little more than a juvenile temper tantrum (I'd call it a hate crime), and asks where are the grownups. Good point. Grownups understand that sometimes you loose, and grownups try to learn from that to win in the future. Again, the opponents are not winning any friends over to their side with this kind of thing.

Sidebar - Do you think this fellow will get at all upset about a Cross being angrily trampled in this situation? Me, either.