loving art, science and creative kids

First Fight

Acrylic Painting  36” x 25”  : $ 425.

Anger can underline an issue but if not dealt with in a timely manner it festers over time and becomes destructive. 

Marriage Controversy — Finding a Solution

The issue of gay marriage has been controversial for much too long.  There is a simple solution that should take it out of the realm of moral imperatives and put it in its rightful societal place. This subject does not have to be such an emotional and divisive one.

If our country really accepts the doctrine of separation of church and state then why not get the government out of the business of issuing marriage licenses? It would take the sting out of the word “marriage” if a civil certificate was given to any two people who find it beneficial  to live together in an economic union.  Rights would be spelled out involving health benefits, social security, hospital visitations, ownership of property and children. The license would be a binding agreement that clarifies legal instead of moral responsibilities. The couple would not have to declare themselves to be pillow partners. Those issuing  these  government contracts would not have their religious beliefs called into question.

Instead it would be up to the churches to issue marriage licenses. In this way, a religion that preaches that marriage is between a man and a woman would have the right to follow its conviction. One with a more liberal interpretation could condone gay marriages. Followers of each denomination would feel satisfied that their beliefs were being fully taken into account.  A government clerk would not be asked to act against his or her beliefs.

There are many people besides gay or male-female couples who might benefit from a civil license.  I know of older people who have lost their spouses. Not wanting to remarry, they live together and might benefit from a legal document to bind their current co-habitation situation. There are others too who may choose to reside with a man or woman of the same or opposite sex purely for economic and friendship reasons.  

Also benefiting would be those who are asexual or severely handicapped, preferring not to marry yet needing to reside with a partner without being looked at in a questioning way. There are many gay men or lesbian women who prefer to reside with someone of the opposite sex even though their relationship is asexual.  If they decide to dedicate themselves to their partner for legal, health and economic reasons why should anyone object?  There are so many business contracts that are agreed to, a civil union would just be one more. 

A multitude of relationships are presently studded with emotional and complex innuendos could benefit from the more tolerant approach of a civil union — one that is not burdened by a definition that challenges our Judeo-Christian heritage.  

Since this is a controversial subject I would appreciate hearing your opinions on my blog site at eichingerfineart.com/blog.