North Carolina's recent ban on gay marriage and Obama's commentary on the matter have led to much discussion of the controversial issue.
Gay marriage has led to many heated debates, typically between far right evangelicals and the left/libertarian leaning crowd.
Evangelicals are opposed to gay marriage, and homosexuality in general, because they view it as a sin.
The purpose of this article is not to argue the morality or immorality of homosexuality, but to make a religious, economic, Constitutional, and logical argument for homosexual marriage.
Again, this is not a case for the morality of gay marriage, but the legality.
Conservative Christians believe that God sanctioned traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
They argue that government is sanctioned by God as well, and they conclude marriage should be regulated by government in accordance with scripture.
Many sincerely believe that God will not bless our nation if we allow homosexuals to marry.
Does this view line up with Biblical teaching? Let's take a look! Matthew 5:21-22 says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.
' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,'[d] is answerable to the court.
And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
" Matthew 5:27-28 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.
' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
" You may be wondering what these verses have to do with gay marriage.
These verses illustrate that God judges the heart, not merely the actions of men.
While laws may change behavior they will not change hearts.
Because on that fact, the laws of men do not have an impact on God's blessing or curse; only the changing hearts of men will.
The First Amendment can also be used to make a legitimate case for gay marriage.
The Establishment Clause prohibits the federal government from "establishing an official religion, or from favoring or disfavoring one view of religion over another.
" Christians are quick to quote the First Amendment when it applies to them, but they seem to forget about it when it is others who are being oppressed.
If the First Amendment prevents merely religious arguments against gay marriage, then what other arguments can be made? Behavior cannot be banned simply because it is offensive.
Throughout history the Supreme Court has been quick to strike down any laws that have even a slight connection to impeding free speech or any other Constitutional right.
The Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause have also been used as defenses for gay marriage.
There is an economic argument for gay marriage as well.
Marriage is a method of reducing transaction costs, like any other institution.
Marriage would save gay couples from having to hire a lawyer to create the numerous contracts they would need.
It is simply more efficient to allows gays to marry.
Having to provide the proper contracts and documents whenever a decision needs to be made about a child or significant other's health would be inefficient and uneconomical.
While this article has focused on the reasons to legalize gay marriage, I would like to recommend an even better alternative: no federal definition or involvement in marriage whatsoever.
This would protect everyone's rights and put everyone on an equal playing field.
Marriage could still be dealt with through Contract Law; individuals would simply have to choose what type of contract they want to be bound by, if any.
This would also satisfy the Christian's belief in the sanctity of marriage.
No secular institution can sanctify marriage.
Only God can do so.