For Pride Month, the Southern Baptists want to overturn same-sex marriage (their term). That’s not quite accurate; their vote against the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision coincided with the end of the first day of the denomination’s annual meeting.
(I was conflating it with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who renamed the USNS Harvey Milk, intentionally timed to coincide with the month.)
It comes at a time when there is a record party divide on the issue. “Since 2021, the percentage of U.S. adults who think marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized with the same rights… has ranged from 68% to 71% (the trend high in 2022 and 2023). Yet, this stability in Americans’ backing for same-sex marriage masks shifts in partisans’ views over the same period. Democrats’ support has risen to 88%… Independents’ backing for same-sex marriage has been relatively stable in recent years and currently stands at 76%…
“At the same time, Republicans’ support, which peaked at 55% in 2021 and 2022, has gradually edged down to 41%, the lowest point since 2016 after the Obergefell decision.” This is likely due in part to the current regime’s continued escalation of its attacks on our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors. Perhaps these individuals could stream some movies and shows to gain a better understanding of Pride. (One can dream…)
Moral Clarity?
“The measure opposing same-sex marriage was part of a sweeping and unusually long resolution under the title, ‘On Restoring Moral Clarity through God’s Design for Gender, Marriage, and the Family.’ It includes calls for defunding Planned Parenthood, for ‘parental rights in education and healthcare,’ and ensuring ‘safety and fairness in female athletic competition,’ a reference to the debate over transgender women in women’s sports.
“The resolution is nonbinding, but suggests that evangelicals have long-term ambitions to dismantle an institution that many Americans now accept as a basic right.” They are encouraged by the overturning of Roe v. Wade regarding abortion.
We must fight against the regression that we have already seen in voting rights, environmental protection, and many other areas that had once been “settled law.”
I don’t know if I told you, but Luka (formerly Laura) (they/them) married their Al (he/they) in April. All parents involved are SO proud of them. We will also fight like hell to ensure that trans and Queer rights are restored. Pride Month has never been more poignant… I tell folks we fly the Pride flag 365 days because “our kid is Queer all year.” Thanks for this, Roger. Amy