St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial: The UN-marriage bill

St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial: The UN-marriage bill
Copyright by The St. Louis Post Dispatch
May 5, 2007


Illinois state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, wants to delete the word "marriage" from his gay union bill. Politically, it's a smart move.

The bill would allow civil unions between gay couples, which would include all the legal bonds and rights provided to heterosexual couples in marriage. To underscore that point, the bill was full of the word "marriage."

In the face of opposition from social conservatives, Mr. Harris now wants to drop nearly all references to marriage, but not change the bill's effects.

The move provides some political cover for legislators who might want to vote for civil unions without offending too many of their constituents. It also reflects a proper regard for the separation of religion and government in America.

Marriage has a legal meaning and a religious one. Both resonate with the majority of Americans, including those who support civil unions and do not consider themselves anti-gay. America has gotten along quite well over two centuries by protecting the right to worship while keeping government firmly secular. That should be the guiding principle on this issue.

Many people of faith consider marriage to be a holy sacrament joining a man and a woman. Period. The state, on the other hand, has the power to regulate inheritance, property ownership, taxation, medical decision-making, hospital visitation and other civil issues that come into play when a man and woman say "I do."

Certainly the state can adjust those civil matters for gay couples without marrying them.

"This is not marriage," says Mr. Harris.

Still, it's too close for some. "It is marriage, and no one should be fooled by this," insists Ralph

Rivera, a lobbyist for the Illinois Family Institute. Mr. Rivera should read the bill. It says "civil union."

There is a good argument for putting legal rights and obligations in a single piece of legislation designed to benefit gay couples. It brings clarity to these and many other of life's practical matters. It recognizes the parity of committed relationships, regardless of gender. There is no reason to enmesh religious ceremonies and traditions in the matter