Senator Rand Paul: US Constitution silent on question of marriage, so why change it?

Senator Rand Paul says ‘our founding fathers went to the local courthouse to be married, not to Washington, D.C.’ Reuters

The United States government should keep its hands off the religious convictions of others and should not redefine marriage, Republican presidential aspirant Rand Paul said.

In his opinion on the Supreme Court ruling on the legalisation of the same-sex marriage throughout the United States, Senator Paul argued that the federal government should not "confer a special imprimatur upon a new definition of marriage."

"The Constitution is silent on the question of marriage because marriage has always been a local issue. Our founding fathers went to the local courthouse to be married, not to Washington, D.C.," Paul said.

"I've often said I don't want my guns or my marriage registered in Washington," he added.

Paul also pointed out that the federal government has meddled with the institution of marriage for so long through taxation and regulation.

"It is hard to argue that government's involvement in marriage has made it better, a fact also not surprising to those who believe government does little right," he said.

The Republican senator also stood firm on his disagreement towards the high court's decision to allow same-sex marriages nationwide, saying it is tantamount to "redefinition of marriage."

"Marriage, though a contract, is also more than just a simple contract," Paul said.

"I acknowledge the right to contract in all economic and personal spheres, but that doesn't mean there isn't a danger that a government that involves itself in every nook and cranny of our lives won't now enforce definitions that conflict with sincerely felt religious convictions of others," he added.

The lawmaker further said that he is ready to "resist any intrusion of government into the religious sphere."

"Perhaps it is time to be more careful what we ask government to do, and where we allow it to become part of our lives," he said.

related articles
US constitutional ban on same-sex  marriages pushed to protect families
US constitutional ban on same-sex marriages pushed to protect families

US constitutional ban on same-sex marriages pushed to protect families

Texas governor orders agencies to  prioritise free exercise of religion
Texas governor orders agencies to prioritise free exercise of religion

Texas governor orders agencies to prioritise free exercise of religion

Alabama responds to Supreme Court ruling by freezing marriage licenses
Alabama responds to Supreme Court ruling by freezing marriage licenses

Alabama responds to Supreme Court ruling by freezing marriage licenses

US Senator Ted Cruz supports freeze  on same-sex marriage licenses
US Senator Ted Cruz supports freeze on same-sex marriage licenses

US Senator Ted Cruz supports freeze on same-sex marriage licenses

Online petition urges US Congress to pass constitutional amendment on marriage
Online petition urges US Congress to pass constitutional amendment on marriage

Online petition urges US Congress to pass constitutional amendment on marriage

Mississippi officials consider options to  avoid issuance of gay marriage licenses
Mississippi officials consider options to avoid issuance of gay marriage licenses

Mississippi officials consider options to avoid issuance of gay marriage licenses

News
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday
7 simple ways to stay close to God when you're on holiday

Here are 7 simple, meaningful ways to stay connected to God - no matter where you are.

Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'
Christians face 'increasingly perilous existence' in Syria; church bombing serves as 'brutal reminder'

The bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, last month that killed over two dozen people is an indication that Syria's Islamist-led authorities under President Ahmad al‑Sharaa are enabling radicalism that threatens the existence of Syria's Christian community, experts warn. 

Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime
Church calls for reform of tax and spend regime

The document takes issue with Britain’s current “individualised” form of taxation, saying this this puts single-earner families “at a significant disadvantage”.

Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel
Four CofE dioceses to receive £30m to spread the gospel

More than half of the funds (£17.8 million) are going to the Diocese of Birmingham.