Issue date: 9/21/04 Section: Editorial

SIUE students have much more at stake this election year than potentially at any other time in history. The Campus Activity Board is sponsoring two speakers at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the Morris University Center on one of the most heated debates in recent SIUE history - homosexual "marriage."

What is more, the university's own recent decision regarding same-sex benefits for university employees makes this particular topic of debate one of much controversy. I find it personally unfortunate that this debate takes place on an evening when I, along with many of the opponents of homosexual "marriage" on campus, will be unable to attend due to the fact that many churches hold their mid-week worship service at this same time. That's why I feel compelled to weigh in on this topic early.

The first thing I'd like to say in opposition to homosexual "marriage" is that it will be devastating to the children of America. After the success of the feminist movement, I'm appalled that women in America are willing to allow two gay men say females in our nation are not needed for the healthy development of a child.

The next thing people seem to have missed is the fact that in Utah, polygamist Tom Green, who claims five wives, is citing Lawrence v. Texas as the legal authority for his attempts at legalized polygamy. In other words, sanctioning gay unions inevitably opens the door for some judge to rule that three men and one woman can marry.

Another objection is the homosexual agenda, whether it takes ownership of this motive or not, would ultimately end the nation's interest in marital relationships altogether. I often hear people claim same-sex marriage will not affect heterosexual marriages. Wrong! If marriage is redefined, the door will be opened for divorces to be obtained instantly, further jeopardizing our nation's children.

For all those who claim that our nation's economy is the only real major issue in the coming election, I would have you consider what these new "marriages" would do to Social Security by adding billions of dollars to an already overburdened system.

And as a Christian youth pastor, I must say that I'm very concerned at how this legal move would significantly lead to the government's interference with what I choose to preach from the pulpit. If the Bible calls homosexuality a sin, yet to preach against it would be considered a "hate crime," then, in essence, the government would be running the church.

If you are not alarmed by this possibility and you are a Christian, it's time to wake up and take action. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, issues as serious as the potential redefining of the age-old institution of marriage that has sustained our civilizations for thousands of years merits your serious concern and your dedication to vote. After all, the rest of the world is watching to see how we will decide on this topic. Your vote could hold international implications.

Brad Branham

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