by Tony Rucinski, Coalition for Marriage
The shocking murder of college campus influencer Charlie Kirk last week left many reflecting on his influence and legacy. Kirk was uncompromising on marriage being between one man and one woman. He repeated this in campus exchanges across the US.
However, he always showed respect to those with whom he disagreed. He was clear that he had no ‘hate in his heart’ for anybody, including those with same-sex attraction.
This raises a sharper question. Can real marriage supporters treat those who experience same-sex attraction with dignity and respect while still holding firm to real marriage? The answer is not only yes we can, but yes we must. C4M has supporters who experience same-sex attraction yet affirm that marriage describes what only one man and one woman can do. The UK recognised this distinction through civil partnerships, which granted equal legal rights while reserving marriage for its unique social and biological meaning.
The state may permit many arrangements in a liberal democracy. Churches and faith groups will rightly hold their own views. But government and media should promote what the evidence shows brings the best outcomes for the greatest number, i.e. real marriage. Research consistently demonstrates that married families are more stable and that children raised by married parents have better outcomes. It’s not marginal.