The Privatization of Marriage

Matt Sharp (Vanderbilt law student) passed on to me the following letter from Senator Mark Dayton (D. Mn.) to Jason Adkins (Univ. of Minnesota law student) It raises some of the same separation of church and state issues that have been addressed multiple times on this blog, most recently in a post by Rick. In this letter, Senator Dayton advocates privatizing the institution of marriage (giving it to God) while Ceasar (the state) creates a new and different institution.

Any reactions?

“Dear Mr. Adkins:

The current frenzy to amend the United States Constitution on marriage is unwise and unnecessary. Tragically, it has aroused prejudices against gay men and lesbian women and destroyed some of the important progress in recent years toward understanding and tolerance.

In the Bible, Jesus says, "Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar's. Render unto God, that which is God's." I believe that "marriage," which is now used in both religious ceremonies and social contracts, should belong to God. In many church wedding services, marriage is described as "an institution created by God." They conclude, "Whom God has joined together, let no one cast asunder."

Thus, government should leave "marriage" to organized religions and their appointed authorities. Government should adopt a different term, such as "marital contract," to define the rights, responsibilities, and protections, which would be accorded any two people, above a certain age, who wish to enter into such a relationship.

We have a choice. We can force this divisive and destructive debate into a Constitutional amendment process, which would inflame ugly prejudices and cruel denunciations in every state for several years; or, we can use different words for two different actions: one religious and one civil. I support the second approach.

My best regards.

Sincerely,

Mark Dayton
United States Senator"