NY Gay Marriage Bill: The Hidden Faith Factor

The number of faith leaders who called on the New York State Senate to pass the marriage bill played a pivotal role in the passage of the new law, according to studies conducted by the Empire State Pride Agenda organization and other religious groups.

Researchers say hundreds of religious leaders have promoted legislation for homosexuals to have the right to marry since the 1960s.

However, opponents of same-sex marriage say they are going to ramp up their efforts to squash the spread of same-sex marriage bills.

In recent years, same-sex marriage has been a contentious subject within many religious groups in the U.S. However, gay marriage rights debates are nothing new and have been a national issue for at least 15 years.

Research shows there are at least 700 individual religious leaders who support gay marriage.

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But, there are thousands more religious organizations and leaders who are opponents of the bill, according to Pew researchers.

Religious groups and churches pled with legislators to uphold marriage as a union between one man and one woman as the vote came before the Senate.

"What we've got to do is inform people, awaken people, and let them know this is not a time to be passive, just sitting back," said the Rev. Larry Tomczak of Sovereign Grace Ministries in Gaithersburg, Md., in a recent interview.

"We've got to be engaged in prayer and then in a compassionate way, we've got to communicate the truth, then be involved in the political process."

Most religious leaders who are actively opposing New York's bill believe a clear majority of Americans oppose gay marriage, but the problem is getting them to engage in the battle.

Tomczak said he will worry if those people won't engage, the war could be won by the minority who are passionate and vocal for same-sex marriage.

“It may be a shock to the American public that during the past few years, and even before, religious leaders in favor of gay marriage, have lobbied, written opinions, held public forums, and a host of other measures including financial support to sway lawmakers into approving the marriage bill,” said Dr. Michael Forge, a retired preacher from Boston, Ma.

“People think that it was mainly the gay community and the governor that pushed for the New York bill to go through but that is not true. There have been hundreds of signatures on petitions and believe it or not – they were all pastors and clergy.

In my Opinion: Shocking Senatorial Votes

Attended the then "Atlanta Division" of the University of Georgia, and the then Abilene Christian "College" (now University). Married (58 years, so far), 3 children (1 daughter), 5 grand children (2 grand daughters and 3 grandsons), and so far 1 great-grand daughter and now, 2 great-grandsons. Now FIVE great-grand children, and that is Really GREAT! The 2 year old boy; named Israel, "Izzy" for short, has a new Sister, named Trinity Lynn.

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