The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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October 22, 2012

Your View: Marriage need not involve religion

Timothy McTigue, Mankato

It is my understanding in Minnesota a marriage may be performed by a judge and two witnesses. No mention of God, Jesus, scripture, church or religion is necessary. Registered with the state, it then becomes a legal marriage.

A divorce must be done through a court of law, divorce court. When completed and registered with the state, it then becomes a legal divorce.

Churches are not allowed to divorce married couples.

Quite simply, this is a definite separation of church and state. Even Jesus knew of the separation of church and state when he said, “Render onto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 20: 11-21).

I ask all religious leaders and members of any particular faith to please not expect all of society to conform to your own constrictive views of marriage. To do so appears to be a very homophobic prejudice directed at people who, though not like you, are only trying to live with love and kindness in their hearts.

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