Holy Hypocrisy on Gay Marriage Ban!

Sometimes, the universe has an ironic (or, perhaps, sardonic?) sense of humor.

The Republican majority in the Minnesota State Senate has passed—and the Republican majority in the Minnesota State House is considering—an amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage solely as between one man and one woman. For the first time in state history, the amendment process would be used to enshrine discrimination and the taking away rights of one group of people. Shameful!

At the same time, married Republican United States Senator John Ensign of Nevada resigned last week, rather than testify before the ethics committee about his affair with (another) married Republican staff member (and the subsequent alleged bribery to keep her quiet.)

Republican Rudy Giuliani (on his third marriage) is once again contemplating running for President.

Republican Newt Gingrich (also on his third marriage, to a woman he began “dating” while married to his second wife) announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President.

Republican Donald Trump (yes, you guessed it—also married to his third wife), toyed with running for President, but decided that hosting Celebrity Apprentice is a better fit for his temperament and skills.

And today, former Republican Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger disclosed that 10 years ago—while married to his wife—he fathered a child with a household employee.

Here’s the thing: As a rabbi, I am a very forgiving soul. Own up to your mistakes, seek forgiveness from those you’ve hurt, offer appropriate restitution, and for heaven’s sake, don’t deceive your loved ones again! I understand that people are human; we transgress, we cause hurt, we seek forgiveness.

Call it a job requirement: I am a very forgiving soul.

But gentlemen, please—stop the painfully absurd attempts to legislate a moral code you’ve demonstrated you have no capacity to live by.

Leave the marriage business to those of us who have some idea of what we’re doing: clergy, therapists, wedding coordinators, caterers, florists, and photographers.

Here’s some advice: As it says in your sacred text, let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Now that would make some good public policy.