Originally posted by Mysti-ken:


The practise of religious belief dictating human and civil rights is what drove the pilgrims to the boats. And although the current debate isn't directly analogous, the lessons learned are still valuable and should be headed.




"Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia; doe, by these Presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland, the fiftie-fourth, Anno. Domini, 1620."

As quoted form the Mayflower Compact you see that the real reason that they wanted to establish a colony is in that first line. Although it may not be directly relevant it should be noted. There is no freedom of marriage listed in any law. You can not establish marriage but only recongnize it for what it is.