Backers of so-called same-sex marriage continually insist that gays and lesbians getting "married" won't negatively impact society or infringe on people's rights. And yet the list of those very things continues to grow.
From CNA: Conscience Protections Sought for Nebraska Psychologists
.- Responding to concerns that psychologists might be required to counsel homosexual couples about strengthening their relationship, Catholic leaders in Nebraska are asking for conscience protections for psychologists who refuse to treat or refer clients because of religious or moral convictions.
Speaking during a licensing rules hearing before the Board of Mental Health Practice, Nebraska Catholic Conference executive director Jim Cunningham proposed a “convictions of conscience” rule for psychologists. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that he warned that Catholic Charities in Omaha and Catholic Social Services in Lincoln might have to stop hiring licensed counselors and psychologists if they are not protected by the law. The Lincoln agency provides about $100,000 in free mental health services.
I imagine it'd be pretty difficult for a Catholic marriage counselor to provide a gay couple advice, for instance, on how to improve their sex life, especially if the counselor is faithful to Church teaching. But there are many people (Catholics included) who argue that "professionals" ought to keep their faith separate from their work, and if they have issues with certain lifestyles and behaviors, they should have not gotten into that particular line of work. They believe the same of Catholic pharmacists who refuse to dispense contraception - to not do so is un-Christian, if you can believe that.
However, if Catholics are to retain and bolster their Catholic identity (a theme Fr Z constantly discusses), then exercising one's faith ought not be turned on or off like a spigot. It must flow freely into all areas of life. If we are to affect the culture, or impact society, then faith must inform every decision, and not be overshadowed by the pressure of the secular environment.
The issue of so-called marriage is not a private affair, as this story demonstrates. It goes way beyond the two individuals, affecting many areas and layers of society. The "just let two people who love each other call it marriage" argument is a strawman. The effort here is to force the culture at large to accept homosexuality as normal and mainstream, and term anyone and everyone who oppose it on any grounds, but especially religious grounds, as bigoted and homophobic.
I don't have much hope for Nebraska in this situation - but with prayer and fasting, all things are possible.
Instant "Acts"ess
