As many of you know, I'm sure, gay marriage was made legal in Ireland on Sunday. Over 60% of people voted yes, creating an overwhelming popular vote. Many people however remain against the popar vote, putting Ireland in a conflicted place. Many churches feel as though the younger generation isn't listning to the Catholisism that has been taught to them. Ireland has been a very Catholic country, and some priest have even been fired due to their expression of liberal views and acceptance of women being ordained (Catholics are mainly the only ones who do not allow women to be priests for religious reasons: something along the lines of being a priest is like a reflection of Jesus). Either way, Ireland is the 19th country to fully legalize gay marriage, but the country is worried about what else will change. From this new law, the government is also deciding to look at their abortion laws. As of now, abortion is illegal in Ireland unless the mother is in medical danger.
Although I am really excited about this new law, I wish it was something it didn't even have to be voted on. Unfortunately, since the most famous Bible verse to explain why homosexuality is wrong was originally mistranslated, it has caused years and years of discrimination and ban of gay marriages. In fact, years ago, it was a crime to be homosexual in Ireland. I do feel like the Catholic country came a long way from just 5 or 10 years ago, but I really wish that a religion that focuses on not judging, hurting, or hating people would be a little more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community in the first place.
It is sad to think that many people abuse their religion in order to accommodate their prejudiced views. I'm not sure what kind of government there is in Ireland, but if they believe in separation of church and state, then is is a good step towards that. Same gender marriage is not practiced in the Catholic Church, so no law should be able to change that, which is why I'm so confused about the objection to gay marriage. The law permits marriage through the government, and is not even based in the church. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. Everyone is happy, no one is forced to do anything they don't want to do. Go Ireland.
ReplyDeleteThere is a division between the two generations in consideration to the belief system that they have been brought up on. I think Ireland's younger generation is taking a step in the right direction, and as time progresses the old ways of thinking will dwindle.
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