Editorials

Consequently, on Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to add an amendment to the Alabama Constitution that prohibits same-sex marriage in the state and refuses recognition of same-sex marriages done out of state. Never mind that Alabama already has a law that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman and stipulates that the state will not recognize as valid any same-sex marriage performed in any other jurisdiction.

Putting this amendment on the ballot is the crudest of political ploys, designed to mobilize Christian conservatives. There was a time not too long ago when it looked like the ploy might benefit Roy Moore in his bid for the Republican nomination for governor. At this point, however, it would take intervention by the Almighty himself to save Moore’s moribund candidacy. (The Democrats, on the other hand, can take solace in the fact that the referendum question is not on the fall ballot.)

A sensible person might look around and conclude that if the self-appointed protectors of the family wanted to defend real families, they might fight for health insurance for all Alabamians, or a living wage that would enable people to support their families or decent child care for all working parents. But no, it’s those same-sex couples who somehow pose the greatest threat to the family.

Voters with a well-grounded moral intelligence will reject this shameless gay-baiting and diversion from the real problems facing our families and vote against this amendment on Tuesday.