I have shared in this column several times that naturally,
all Christians should not have an issue voting yes for all
four amendments. All four amendments are simply and clearly
about equality between male and female in the constitution.
It is my view that gender equality is a Creation design and
a post-Calvary mandate. There is no debate or doubt in my
heart about this subject. Under the constitution, all
human beings are to have the same rights and privileges.
All human beings are to have the freedom to have full access
and opportunity, and to have equal voice, vote, authority,
and protection.
It is sad that the constitution did not fully reflect that
from its beginning. It is my view that the reason these
rights were not fully embedded in our constitution from day
one is because our constitution and constitutions of many
other countries were drafted in a culture of male
superiority and privileges. It certainly might not be the
fault of our own founders but those who constructed the
model constitution that we adapted. Just within one
hundred years ago in many countries only men could vote.
In some countries, only whites could vote and have full
rights and privileges under the constitution.
The constitution is a governing document that is to reflect
equality and speak to a pluralistic society. That is, under
the constitution, every citizen of The Bahamas is to have
the same rights, without prejudices. This has nothing to do
with who washes the dishes in the home or who stays at home
full time. This is not even a set of “required” roles in a
relationship. This is simply providing
openness, freedom,
privileges, rights, oneness, access, opportunity, for both
male and female.
There are some that have a focus on preventing same sex
marriage. Thus their views are skewed into a direction
where the constitution amendments are not leading us. The
wording and intent of the amendments are clear. There is no
suggestion, nor implication, regarding same sex marriage.
The irony is that, from the discussions I have heard, many
who are against amendment four, really, in principle agree
with it. However, since they have what they believe is the
Christian’s duty to prevent same sex marriage, they read
into every sentence the introduction of same sex marriage.
Hence, they are willing to deny equal rights to their own
family, children, grandchildren, friends, just because they
do not want same sex marriage; or just because they have a
fear of same sex marriage being legally practiced in our
land.
I want to remind all readers of this important point. If
you study countries around the world where same sex
marriage
has been introduced, you will note carefully that the drive
for same sex marriage did not initially begin because the
citizens requested a change in their constitution, or that
some rights were missing in the constitution. The drive
first started because some citizens simply felt it was their
right. It’s simply that. That propelled them to push for
what they believe. Although we do not have any evidence so
far that any group in The Bahamas is requesting same sex
marriage, it is important to understand that the fear coming
from the extreme fundamentalists is not warranted. A change
in the constitution is not what propels people to demand
freedom or equal rights. It is because of awareness,
education, understanding, and one’s feelings or concept of
equal rights. Then, when they notice that the judicial
system or constitutional documents do not grant that full
access, they seek to make it happen. Note that we have no
such drive as yet in our country regarding same sex
marriage. Note also, that request for the right for same
sex marriage can come with or without the changes in the
constitution. It is not related.
I must draw your attention to the country of Jamaica. The
change for equal rights in the constitution has already been
done. They were able to understand the philosophical
difference between constitutional right and behavior.
Ironically, they have one of the strongest drives against
same sex marriage in the Caribbean, even though they agreed
on a similar amendment as ours. They do not connect the
two. Why can’t we do the same?
I really wish our religious leaders would focus on preaching
and living the gospel instead of demanding or “requiring
national” religious standards. I wish they would focus on
and teach their members how to live in a sinful world and to
expose the gospel and not impose it. In my study of Holy
Scripture, I have never read where the writers, particularly
the New Testament, insisted that God’s people demand that
the country have laws that match the Bible. There are
myriad of passages where God’s people are asked to “live the
gospel” and be “witnesses.” The strongest language about
the Christian’s role and behavior is this one found in
Ephesians 5:3-10:
“3 But among you
there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of
any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are
improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be
obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of
place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be
sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is
an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for
because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are
disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the
Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the
light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10
and find out what pleases the Lord.”
Note carefully that is about living a good life and not
demanding constitutional change. It is imperative to
understand that same sex relationship was very, very high in
the Roman and Greek world and during the time of the New
Testament. However, God “demanded” His people to live the
Gospel, but there is no insistence that they must persuade
the government to make constitutional change to parallel
with their behavior. Why is that? Because religious
liberty and religious freedom in a country means the freedom
to believe and practice any religion one chooses, or not to
have any religious belief at all. This freedom must be
guaranteed by the constitution. This frightens some
Christians, because they see themselves as purifiers of the
nation through laws, instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to
purify people’s hearts.
Dear readers, voting yes will not open the way for same sex
marriage. On the other hand, voting no will not prevent it
either. This amendment has absolutely nothing to do with
same sex marriage. Let us protect the rights of the
generations to come, and keep our country free with equal
rights for all under the law.
Barrington H. Brennen, MA, NCP, BCCP, JP, is
a marriage and family therapist and board certified clinical
psychotherapist, USA. Send your questions or comments to barringtonbrennen@gmail.com or
write to P.O. Box CB-11045, Nassau, The Bahamas, or visit www.soencouragement.org
or call 242-327-1980 or 242-477-4002.
