Same-sex marriage controversy

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 U.S. states. In 1996, Missouri banned same-sex marriage.

Regardless of the current status of same-sex marriage and the legitimacy of it, there was a time when issuing marriage licenses was in the hands of the church rather than the state.

Prior to the 1700s, marriages were primarily a responsibility of local churches with marriages registered only with the state. By the latter part of the 19th century, states began to exert more control over who was allowed to marry, says Stephanie Coontz in a 2007 “New York Times” article. The primary reason for government control of marriage licenses remains for vital statistics recording and continues as a source of revenue for local and state governments.

Controversy surrounding same-sex marriage can easily be remedied by reverting the issuance of marriage licenses back to the church. Such licenses could still be registered at the local level so that a record exists, changing only the issuance. A same-sex civil union contract could be issued by the state for any person, same-sex couples or non-religious people who would rather not go through the church.

The institution of Marriage is, on my marriage certificate, written “United In Holy Matrimony.” The idea of a same-sex couple receiving such a document is a slap in the face to Christianity and to God.

Pastor David D. McNeely, Scott City