Chick-Fil-A Controversy

            After spending this week listening to and reading all of the hatred being cast at the LGBT community, I wanted to take the time to voice my support of the LGBT community.  Before I get into my comments on the controversy at hand, see the following cautionary statements.  First, let it be known that many individuals that are dear to me are a part of the LGBT community.  I am aware that everyone has a right to their own opinion but hateful or obscene language in the comments section will not be tolerated.  You are not being forced to read this blog post, and indeed most of you will despise everything I have to say.  In that case, I know that I wrote exactly what needed to be said.  I will not care if you are offended by my viewpoints as I will likely be offended by yours and you are welcome to be hateful elsewhere.  You have been forewarned.  Now, I tackle the daunting task of injecting some rationality into an irrational argument.  

            This blog post would have come about without the Chick-Fil-A controversy, however I found that this controversy provided a window of opportunity to share part of my thought process of this issue.  I support the concept that marriage should be based on love not the sex of the individuals seeking marriage.  Chick-Fil-A is a fast food restaurant that has an opinion on same sex marriage.  This notion seems absurd to me.  Such a position does not promote the Christian values that this company holds in the highest regard.  In the end, their stance could cause irreparable damage to the company.  

 Throughout the outpouring of support for Chick-Fil-A, I have happened across some of the most perturbing arguments against the LGBT community.  In one comment, people described the definition of marriage as inflexible and, as such, the definition does not allow for same sex marriage.  Another comment said allowing a same sex couple to marry is a direct violation of the sanctity of marriage.  Perhaps the most disturbing comment yet, was that God hates the LGBT community.    

            There are many arguments concerning the definition of marriage.  According to the United States Code, 1 USC §7, marriage is defined as, “a legal union between one man and one woman.”  However, another definition defines marriage as a civil contract.  I agree with the civil contract definition because the first definition is rather religious for a nation that is secular.  To the best of my knowledge, a contract can be made between two mutually consenting parties.  I further argue that banning marriage between any individual based on the sex of their partner would deprive them of equal protection under the law as provided to them by the 14^th Amendment of the Constitution.  In only permitting a “legal union” between a man and a woman, the first definition is inherently discriminatory.

            One should also bear in mind that laws have the ability to be changed for the better.  Just because the current law appears to be unfavorable to same sex marriage, do not assume that it will not change.  Recall a time in American history when the Jim Crow Laws forbade the marriage of a white person to a black person.  Since the Jim Crow Laws held up so well, clearly the definition of marriage will remain unchanged forever. 

            Surely you are about to argue that the sanctity of marriage needs preserved.  Kindly consult the latest divorce statistics in the United States before inserting your foot too far into your mouth.  In addition, where were the mass protests for Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian’s mockeries of the sanctity of marriage?  The sanctity of marriage needs protection from the growing number of divorce, infidelity, and narcissism in America, not from the LGBT community. 

            Undoubtedly, in mentioning the sanctity of marriage, the religious floodgate has been opened.  Per my understanding of the Bible, at no point are Christians told to hate a person for any reason.  In fact, Jesus said, “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:36-40).  A Christian’s duty is to spread God’s love instead of justifying hate, discrimination and bigotry in the name of God.  Most Christians accept the idea that God created people, with each person being unique in their own way.  Following that idea, how can being born a member of the LGBT community be wrong?  Since God created each person, whether they are heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual I find it difficult to challenge the LGBT community on a religious basis.  Perhaps, some Christians are so blinded by their hate and intolerance that a world where God created people to be different is incomprehensible.  Christians are not supposed to pass judgment on others judgment should be left to God on Judgment Day.  Stop using religion as a means to oppress a group of people for being different.  God would not want anyone spreading hate in his name, despite the brutal history of Christianity.  Given the aforementioned reasons being religious is not a valid reason to hate any person, regardless of sexual orientation. 

            The last time I checked, the United States is a secular nation.  In case any of you have lived under a rock your entire life, there is separation of religion and state in the United States.  Therefore, I would argue vehemently against religion barring same sex marriage.  The government does not meddle in religious affairs and religion should not meddle with legal equality.  I realize that every American is entitled to their opinion and you are allowed to express your opinion to the fullest extent of the law, however your rights cannot infringe on another person’s rights. 

            In summary: 1) Legal definitions change continuously. 2) The LGBT community is not violating the sanctity of marriage. Go bother Britney Spears or Kim Kardashian. 3) According to the Bible God loves everybody. 4) Stop using religion to justify your hatred, discrimination, and bigotry. 5) Christians are supposed to spread God’s love instead of hating in the name of God. 6) The United States is secular. 7) You are allowed to disagree with me but hateful comments will be deleted immediately. 8) Chick-Fil-A may have caused irreparable harm to their business by voicing their political beliefs. 9) Members of the LGBT community are fighting in the military so you may keep your right to freedom of speech. 10) When the federal government legalizes same sex marriage, Canada does not want you.

All of my love to my LGBT community friends, as always.  I support anyone who increases the amount of love in this cruel world.  I invite civilized and intelligent discussions in the comments section.