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Florida Bishops Respond to Marriage Redefinition

Marriage licenses were issue for the first time today in Florida, after the expiration of a stay from the U.S. District Court ruling.  The bishops of Florida wrote a statement in response.

The bishops note, “How society understands marriage has great public significance” and that redefining marriage, “advances the notion that marriage is only about the affective gratification of consenting adults. Such a redefinition of marriage does nothing to safeguard a child’s right to a mother and father and to be raised in a stable family where his or her development and well-being is served to the greatest extent possible.”

The bishops also note the wide range of laws that are affected by the change in definition. “These laws also affect and pervasively regulate public and private institutions including religious institutions, such as churches, schools, and hospitals. Besides the predictably disruptive effects, imposing this redefinition of marriage threatens both religious liberty and the freedom of individuals to conscientiously object as already seen in those states that have redefined marriage to accommodate same sex couples.”

2 responses to “Florida Bishops Respond to Marriage Redefinition”

  1. matt says:

    Thank You Bishops! People must understand the problems that changing the definition of marriage will cause.

  2. Faran says:

    Benedict, You wrote that 70% of respondents to the Scottish Government’s coiltstaunon were against the proposal for same-sex marriage; true, but this should be seen in context. Unlike the ‘broad opinions’ plan of Westminster, the Scottish Government published not only opinions and actual statements from respondents, but also data.Of the some 68,000 responses, about 20% came from outside of Scotland and these were, to my understanding, not considered. I believe this to be proper, for it was a coiltstaunon for the people of Scotland not those residing in England or the USA. The responses (for and against) which were submitted via petition were also discounted. Petitions are easily manipulated and require little thought compared to a coiltstaunon questionnaire, so I can understand the reasoning for this as well. Of the remnant some 67% turned out to be in favour of the legalisation of same-sex marriage.I would like to note three other things:1. Out of the some 100,000 petition cards distributed to Catholic parishes, only about 6% actually foundtheir way to the Government. Why such a dismal rate of return?2. Due to the radical nature of the proposal, the Scottish Government’s coiltstaunon was well known and easily accessed via the internet. The process lasted several months and could be done online (as did I) or post (as did my parents).3. It took me 15-20 minutes to complete and was straightforward. Not a lot of time to spend on such an important matter. It is sad that many felt disinclined to participate in the proscribed manner.

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