Unanimous ruling: Iowa marriage no longer limited to one man, one woman | DesMoinesRegister.com
“The Iowa Supreme Court this morning upheld a Polk County judge’s 2007 ruling that marriage should not be limited to one man and one woman.
The ruling, viewed nationally and at home as a victory for the gay rights movement and a setback for social conservatives, means Iowa’s 5,800 gay couples can legally marry in Iowa beginning April 24.
There are no residency rules for marriage in Iowa, so the rule would apply to any couple who wanted to travel to Iowa.”
I have been asked multiple times about my thoughts and reaction to yesterday morning’s events in Iowa. To be completely honest, I haven’t yet had an opportunity to give the issue a great deal of thought. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to offer some initial reaction.
The Conservative Reaction
Yesterday’s news is certainly a hit to political and social conservatives. It brings the gay marriage debate to the Heartland, previously thought to have been protected by hundreds of miles from fringe liberal states such as California and Massachusetts. I can hear outrage already: The very fabric of our nation is being threatened! Our families are being attacked! This is an assault on the institution of marriage! The future of this great country is at stake! The sky is falling!
I’m Not Worried
What do I think? I can’t say that I am rattled by Iowa:
- We are merely talking about the legal definition of marriage here. The Lord towers above the authority of the United States government. He is not bound by our law. The Biblical, God-breathed, definition of marriage (one man, one woman) is still safe and sound.
- God is mighty and sovereign. The world is not spinning out of control nor will any human institution rob the Lord of His glory. Not even the Iowa Supreme Court.
- I maintain that the ‘solution’ to ungodliness does not rest in political action, legislation, or court decisions. Rather, the answer is the Gospel. It is only through the blood of Christ that sinners and enemies of God are justified and reconciled to their Maker.
Gay Marriage and the Good News
The most significant questions and concerns that have arisen in my mind revolve around the future of the Gospel in the gay community. That is, how receptive will the community be to Jesus if marriage becomes a legal and commonly-accepted option for gay couples. Is a gay man less likely to respond to the Gospel if he is married to another man versus simply living with his partner? I fear that hearts will be hardened as same-sex couples marry. If so, then we have uncovered the true tragedy of Friday’s events.
Of course, none of this matters if Christians refuse to be broken for the gay community and develop an authentic desire that they be saved. Until then, it seems, our message will continue to be, “Stop being gay.”
Disagree? I’m sure you aren’t alone. What are your thoughts on Iowa? Comment below.
