With Supreme Court decision near on same-sex marriage, are we ready?

A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could issue an opinion soon on a case in which the Texas ban on same-sex marriage has been ruled unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court in April is expected to hear arguments in four cases about whether the 14th Amendment forces states to recognize same-sex marriage. An opinion is expected in late June. Are you prepared to live by what the highest courts say on this matter, or do you expect the nation to continue to struggle with it?

Same-sex couples have been building committed lives, raising children, attending church, paying taxes, embracing their communities, surviving recessions, cherishing anniversaries, caring for ill loved ones and fearing their futures yet planning for the best since before anyone reading this was ever born.

We’ve been married in all but name. But words do matter.

Despite no government infrastructure to sustain us, our love has stood the same test of time as opposite-sex couples.

Those clamoring about the fall of civilization make more noise than sense.

Those with differing religious views may hold onto theirs just as the rest of us will freely exercise ours.

All we seek is the same degree of government respect and equal opportunity as our neighbors.

— David Mack Henderson,

President, Fairness Fort Worth Inc.

I believe same-sex marriage violates God’s moral law, based on Judeo-Christian writings in the Bible, which lay the foundation of all Western law.

God does not hate sinners, of which I am one.

But He also says that we must turn from our sin.

One of these sins is homosexuality. Same-sex marriage is a blatant “shaking the fist” in the face of God.

I choose to follow Him rather than man.

— Jon Hoaldridge, Fort Worth

Marriage is a legal union between two consenting adults. What happens in their bedroom is nobody’s business.

The LGBT community consists of families, business owners, volunteers and taxpayers. In short, believe it or not, they are “just like us.” Why shouldn’t we extend the courtesy and compassion to ensure their freedom to marry?

— Adrienne Harp, Hurst

Marriage has been, in its history, a land deal, an alliance, a transfer of property and in the recent past a love choice that ends in divorce much of the time.

Church officials were originally included to be witnesses to a promise, so people were held accountable to their promises. It is still more an institution of the government versus the church.

At the end of the day, how can two consenting gay adults getting married challenge or change anyone else’s marriage?

— B.J. Lewis, North Richland Hills

A marriage law shouldn’t even be mentioned in a “civil” government, except that the family unit and its survival are the primary purpose in establishing civil laws.

Civil unions may demonstrate a level of commitment similar to a marriage, but same-sex unions produce no chance of biological progeny in an orthodox fashion.

Arguments can be made that a lack of marriage commitment and rising divorce rates suggest erosion of societal norms and mores.

I would argue many lifestyles accepted in America today are rapidly taking our nation to the brink of moral insolvency.

— Eddie R. Dunlap, Decatur

I do not care who legalizes same-sex marriage, polygamy, bisexuality and/or adultery. I will not argue with anyone but will refer them to the Holy Bible.

Any individual, church, or legal entity that chooses to believe homosexuality is a healthy and good lifestyle is deceived.

— Sandy Russell, Hurst

The first issue is whether marriage is a right, a tradition, or an institution established to create stability in a society. A nation cannot prosper without the stability created by marriage and family.

The second issue is a constitutional issue. Laws (and rights) must be based upon uniform constitutional standards. If marriage is a right, all Americans must have equal rights.

A person must have the right to marry a person of the opposite sex. A person must have the right to marry a person of the same sex. A bisexual person must have the right to marry a man and a woman. A person must have the right to marry multiple spouses: polygamous or “commune” marriage.

— Gil Cain, Joshua

Our Constitution is about affirming rights for all our citizens — not taking them away.

There will be struggles, but sooner or later, people are going to have to accept the concept of equal protection under the law.

— Dennis Novak, Fort Worth

A common argument is that marriage between people of the same sex doesn’t impact anyone. Really?

Ask the photographers, hoteliers and bakers who face fines and/or imprisonment for not accommodating these so-called marriages.

You will be made to care.

— Stephen Kaine, Grapevine

Thomas Jefferson gave us a warning that the judiciary would work like subtle sappers and miners, gaining a little each day like a thief against state rights and consolidate all the power to the federal government. Unless people start taking an active interest in our government we will never overcome the damage done to this great country in the past seven years.

— Buster Neubauer, North Richland Hills

This story was originally published February 27, 2015 at 6:55 PM with the headline "With Supreme Court decision near on same-sex marriage, are we ready?."