NY Journal News

Biblical edicts cited selectively
(Original publication: March 25, 2004)

People who are against same-sex marriage often refer to the Bible for support, as did all four of the letter-writers on Sunday. The relevant passage is clearly found in Leviticus where the holiness code is pronounced. Leviticus 18:22 states, "thou shall not lie with a man as with a woman."

The people who quote some scripture conveniently forget other passages in Leviticus where other behavior is either permitted or proscribed. Why don't those who are opposed to gay marriage also ask the U.S. government to legislate the following, found in Leviticus:

• 20:10 states that if we commit adultery we should be "put to death."

• 25:44 states that we may possess slaves, both male and female.

• 11:10 proscribes the eating of shellfish. It is an "abomination."

• 19: 27-28 prohibits cutting the beard and getting tattoos. Other books of the Bible also provide guidance for new laws.

• Exodus 21:7 — we learn we may sell our daughters into slavery.

• Exodus 35:2 — we will be put to death for working on the Sabbath.

• Deuteronomy 22:5 — it is an "abomination" for a woman to "wear that which pertaineth unto a man."

It seems all three Abrahamic faiths have strayed from that "old-time religion." Better to embrace the logic of the Bill of Rights and keep religion out of our civil life. It could be a slippery slope; if we legalize gay marriage today we may be forced to legalize barbers and lobster tomorrow.
Steven L. Epstein, White Plains