Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Mississippi

If the supreme court votes to change the definition of marriage can I get an annulment due to the fact that the federal Government has change the institution of marriage into something that conflicts with my religious beliefs? I am commanded to separate myself from all unrighteousness and state marriage would become an abomination or a wicked vile thing according to my Biblical convictions.


Asked on 6/25/15, 7:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Mitchell Interaction Law

No. Not at all. First of all, people can only marry according to state law. Second, the Supreme Court is not considering a redefinition of marriage. Third, the Supreme Court is only considering whether it is unlawful for the government of any state to prohibit someone from marrying who that person loves just because the person they love is of the same sex. Fourth, although it is quite common for members of the clergy to officiate at weddings, marriage is a civil union, and those who officiate are carrying out a public rather than religious function, as far as the law is concerned. Fifth, regardless of the state law of marriage, there is nothing to stop individual couples from placing greater personal value on the religious ceremony. (It is not uncommon for people to have a civil ceremony in private just to be able to deal with red tape requiring marriage, but not really consider themselves married until a religious ceremony at a later date.) Finally, I respectfully suggest that your marriage is not a wicked or vile thing -- I certainly hope not -- and that nothing this conservative Supreme Court does will change that. But if you want to disassociate yourself from wicked and vile things, perhaps a more constructive approach is to make sure to pay workers a decent living wage, even if the minimum wage is less; to get corporations (which are by nature amoral) out of government; and to vote for lawmakers who will support progressive values such as freedom, fairness, decency and kindness, rather than just hold themselves out to do the work of the most influential campaign contributors. Cherish your spouse. Don't let a bunch of hateful homophobic people stand in the way of your pure love for each other. When you do, "marriage" will remain a covenant between the two of you that will not change no matter what others do or say -- even the Supreme Court.

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Answered on 6/25/15, 10:27 pm


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