Commentary: Vote on Marriage Act coming up in U.S. Senate

Mike Griffin

In as little as two weeks, the U.S. Senate could vote on the deceptively named “Respect for Marriage Act.” This proposed bill threatens Americans who follow the biblical definition of marriage, and it should be of concern to every pastor and person of faith.

This legislation enshrines same-sex marriage into federal law and jeopardizes the religious freedom of millions of Americans who follow the biblical definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

This proposed bill should give every church and ministry grave concern for three reasons:

1. It would require the federal government to recognize any state’s definition of marriage – such as polygamous marriages – without any limitations.
2. It would empower activist groups to sue religious individuals and organizations that believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman.
3. It could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of non-profit organizations that believe marriage is only between one man and one woman.

Many Senators are still on the fence about how they will vote so, before the vote takes place, ministry leaders across the country must make their voices heard.

This is a substantial attack on religious liberty and because Georgia Baptists are in partnership with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to defend religious liberty and keep the legal doors open for the Gospel, we would like to ask ministry leaders to please sign on to a letter they will be sending to the Senate. This letter will express concerns with the proposed bill and call for Senators to oppose it.

ADF would like to have at least 1,000 signatures from ministry leaders by Thursday, September 8th. Ministry leaders can learn more about this harmful bill as well as read and sign the letter by visiting:  https://adfchurchalliance.org/respect-for-marriage-act.

We all must understand that standing up for the Biblical definition of marriage has never been about discrimination. It is simply about the FACT that marriage is a lifelong, exclusive union of one biological man and one biological woman, and it is not just a religious ideal – it is, on the whole, what is best for society in a concrete sense, especially for children.

Now is the time to make your voice heard! Please make sure your church ministry leaders know about this important effort!

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Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.