Hawaii and Illinois have joined the growing list of states in the United States that now legally approve same-sex marriage. The dramatic shift in such a short period of time is not normally seen in other social issues. Sixteen states now have legalized same-sex marriage.
In 1996 when the Defense of Marriage Act was passed by the U.S. Congress defending traditional marriage, only 27% of Americans thought same-sex marriage should be legal. In 2013, it was 53%, nearly double.
As more and more states join the race to legalize same-sex marriage, expect that the U.S. Congress will come under heavy pressure to legalize it on a national level. The Supreme Court has already stricken down the Defense of Marriage Act, which banned same-sex marriage.
President Obama’s shift on the issue reflects that change. President Obama, who opposed same-sex marriage during his first election campaign, said “With today’s vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law.”
Groups opposed to same-sex marriage have warned of the consequences. “We’ve seen how marriage redefinition leads to those who believe in traditional marriage being punished, labeled ‘bigots’ and ‘haters’ in the public square, and forced to be silent about their deeply held beliefs or face repercussions,” said Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage. “And their children?” he asked. “They’re taught in schools that the values planted in them at home are bigoted and outdated, the equivalent of racism!”
“And they said, Stand back. And they said [again], This one [fellow] came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, [even] Lot, and came near to break the door.” Genesis 19:9.
“Likewise also, as it was in the days of Lot…” Luke 17:28