Dear Editor,

This week, the Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage in Indiana. By delaying any action on this issue, they enacted the lower court’s decision, legalizing homosexual marriage in eleven states including Indiana. We knew it was coming and were preparing for this day.

While groups may be cheering, there is a great alarm that has just sounded in the hearts of Christians all over the nation.

We know what this means for our religious freedom. We’ve watched cases fall like dominoes across the nation where Christian businesses, colleges, and churches have come under fire for standing on Biblical principles.

A recent case was in Oregon, where Sweet Cakes Bakery faces bankruptcy due to discrimination fines that total over $150,000.00. The crime? They wouldn’t bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple.

It’s important to note, they would make any other kind of pastry, for any other event, just not a wedding cake. They held firmly to their Biblical belief of marriage, and because of this, face bankruptcy.

It’s hard to hear the grim reality of the situation through all the cheering. With gay marriage now legal in Indiana, where does this leave our Christian colleges? Will they be required to censor their beliefs in the name of tolerance, or fear of lawsuits? What happens with our bakeries or Christian photographers? What happens when a gay couple comes to your church and demands to use your church property for a wedding?

The opposition loves to say it won’t happen, but the fact is, it’s already happening. Just ask the Gilfords who own Liberty Ridge Farm in New York. They’ve used their property for social functions including marriage ceremonies and wedding receptions. They were sued by a lesbian couple for not allowing use of the property for a wedding ceremony. There was permission for a reception, just not the blessing of a wedding ceremony. They were fined over $13,000.00, and no longer host any weddings. Oh yes, and they must attend reeducation classes that impose the state’s view of same sex marriage.

It’s time to stop pretending this is simply about letting 3 percent of the population hold same-sex wedding ceremonies and receptions. It’s much bigger, and a direct attack on religious liberty. This particular issue is being used by the secular hard left to directly assault Christian churches, businesses and families.

Voters, you need to decide now where you stand. Right here in District 22, you have democrat, David Kolbe, running for state representative, who according to Advance America’s voters’ guide believes churches should be regulated. He also believes, as Kubacki and Heuer did, that Hoosiers should not have the opportunity to vote on marriage.

This should ring warning bells all across the district. I will vote for the man who will protect religious freedom, not for someone based on personality or empty words. Thankfully we have that choice. Republican Curt Nisly will stand up for District 22 and do what’s right for his constituents and protect religious freedom.

Monica Boyer
Kosciusko Silent No More