Marriage

The government of the United States currently defines marriage: States issue "marriage licenses" and the federal government uses these certificates of marriage to determine, for example, how federal taxes are calculated.

But for many Americans, marriage constitutes something different than what the government recognizes. The Catholic Church, for example, considers marriage a sacrament that cannot be undone by divorce. Orthodox Jews believe that a cohen cannot marry a non-Jew or a divorced woman, and that children of such a union are mamzers. And yet, our government is perfectly willing to declare such a couple married, in defiance of the Jewish halacha. Similarly, it places no obstacles in the path of a Catholic couple seeking divorce.

Holding the government to be an authority in determining which religions have the "correct" definition of marriage is, to me, the wrong way to go about things. Recognition of the validity of a marriage is best handled by individuals, their families, and their religious communities: not the government. Ron Paul is the only candidate who supports government recognizing contracts between individuals - meaning, allowing two people to place themselves under the laws affecting property, taxes, etc. that current apply to married couples - but to not define marriage. I believe this would result in more respect for both the American government and for the faiths of our citizens, and I am grateful there is a candidate I can support on this issue.