How to Advocate for Traditional Marriage?

Disclaimer: Although this post will be talking about marriage between a man and a woman and how to defend it, it does not mean I do not respect or have prejudice towards same sex couples. It does signify, though, that, personally, I believe in traditional marriage. 

Now, lets get to business. Why traditional marriage? First, from a religious stand point, I believe that God created man and woman, each with specific characteristics appurtenant to their gender. David A. Bednar affirmed: "The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation." Second, they were commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, a commandment which can only be achieved by a man and a woman. Third, I believe that a family constituted by man, woman, and children is more beneficial to the society.  

As same-sex marriage rights spread rapidly around the world, people like me, who still believes in traditional marriage feel the pressure from society to conform to its new values. However, it is important that we hold our stand and advocate for what we believe, as much as the same-sex advocates do. The current trend is that if you do not agree with same-sex marriage then it is assumed that you are being prejudiced. Justice Alito, one of the of the judgeds from the Supreme Court who opposed the same sex petition, said: “The decision will also have other important consequences. It will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy” (p. 101).)  He was right, this is exactly what we have been seeing nowadays. Thus, it is important to remember that civility and respect need to be used always when discussing this topic.

What can you do to advocate for this cause?

A initial thought would be to start in your own family: make your marriage work, establish family traditions, teach your children the principles of traditional marriage, preach by example, keep an open line of conversation about same-sex marriage with your children and clarify their doubts or conflicting thoughts they might have. 

Also, stand to what you believe. Do not be afraid to advocate for marriage between a man a woman. As long as you do so in a respectful, loving, and caring way. There are many others with this same belief and if we stand together we will have the ability to influence others.