Segments
This weekend, tune in to State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, to hear the religious, political, and legal significance of the Supreme Court’s groundbreaking decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8.
The Long Awaited Ruling
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced landmark rulings on marriage equality. While it seems that, in a flash, the state of LGBT issues has been completely altered, we cannot forget that the road to marriage equality has been long and difficult for many. We’ll hear from the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop and retired Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, who’s helped pave the way for much of the forward progress towards inclusivity that we’ve seen in recent decades.
Religious Opposition to SCOTUS
Following the Supreme Court’s decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8, a flood of negative reactions poured out from some conservative religious and secular leaders. Groups including the Family Research Council, the Catholic League, and the Southern Baptists, have pledged to “defy” the rulings – even though they’re not actually affected by them. Kevin Eckstrom, editor-in-chief of Religion News Service, joins Welton to discuss whether this threatened religious non-cooperation has any practical significance and its political implications for conservative Christian voters in the next election.
Translating the Legalese
While we know that the unconstitutionality of parts of DOMA and the fall of Prop 8 are groundbreaking, these rulings are tied up in obscure legal jargon. Leslie Gabel-Brett, director of Education and Public Affairs at Lambda Legal, is on State of Belief to decode the legalese telling us what same-gender couples and LGBT individuals need to know, and what actions they need to take to ensure their rights.
A Change of Heart
While a majority of Americans support same-gender marriage, we know that this was not always so. As the times have changed, many people have changed their minds on the issue. On this week’s show, we will hear from the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong, retired Episcopal bishop of Newark, whose long career moved from ancestral racism and homophobia to an inclusive vision of the sacredness of all of God’s children. He will share his reaction to the news out of the Supreme Court, and his thoughts on what the future might bring. CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT