Thursday, December 17, 2009

I could go for this trade

The pavilion at Ocean Grove, NJ is a beautiful spot for a wedding. It's also a favorite example of Fundies trying to prove gays are out to overturn Christianity (and they always misrepresent the example). The town of Ocean Grove is essentially owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association with strong religious ties. The Assoc. had a tax exemption on the pavilion because it was open to the public. Except that gay couples weren't allowed to use it, so the exemption was withdrawn.

Now we get to chapter two. If the gay marriage bill before the NJ legislature passes (and it had better be soon) there is a provision that says that religious institutions cannot be required to accept gays who want to marry. That means the tax exemption for the pavilion would be restored while still allowing the Assoc. to exclude gays. Some see this -- allow gays to marry, but not in the pavilion -- as a fair trade. Some strongly disagree.

1 comment:

  1. I would take it just to get marriage equality, but would fight it legally after. If they get public funds and the pavilion is public they must allow the public (regardless of sexual orientation) to use it.

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