Baltimore Ravens’ Matt Birk is upset because his teammate, Brendon Ayanbadejo, recently spoke out in favor of marriage equality. Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who is the Ravens’ current center, writes in the Star Tribune:
“Marriage is in trouble right now — admittedly, for many reasons that have little to do with same-sex unions.In the last few years, political forces and a culture of relativism have replaced ‘I am my brother’s keeper’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ with ‘live and let live’ and ‘if it feels good, go ahead and do it.’The effects of no-fault divorce, adultery, and the nonchalant attitude toward marriage by some have done great harm to this sacred institution. How much longer do we put the desires of adults before the needs of kids? Why are we not doing more to lift up and strengthen the institution of marriage?”
So, Birk demands that the LGBT community be his personal Jesus Christ — condemned to suffer for the relationship sins of heterosexuals? Sorry Matt, but you and other heterosexual supremacists should get your act together and stop punishing my relationship because you and your friends are fond of screwing around on your wives and divorcing them for younger models. But thanks for acknowledging the obvious: The failure of heterosexual families “have little to do with same-sex unions.”
It is interesting to see Birk cloak his bigotry in the guise of caring about the kids. However, what he is really doing is putting his own selfish desire to promote his backward religious beliefs over the welfare of children. How many thousands of children growing up in same-sex households will be made fun of, humiliated, and bullied because of this football star’s ignorant commentary? So, much for caring about the kids.
Claiming his opinion “is not meant as an offense to any person or group,” Birk opines:
“Same-sex unions may not affect my marriage specifically, but it will affect my children — the next generation. Ideas have consequences, and laws shape culture. Marriage redefinition will affect the broader well-being of children and the welfare of society. As a Christian and a citizen, I am compelled to care about both.
I am speaking out on this issue because it is far too important to remain silent. People who are simply acknowledging the basic reality of marriage between one man and one woman are being labeled as “bigots” and “homophobic.” Aren’t we past that as a society?”
Well, Birk, I am offended and you are offensive. I married my partner a year ago and now — with no provocation — you decide to demean our relationship and others like it, even though you admit earlier that it has no affect on your own relationship. And it is fascinating that you claim that marriage equality has no bearing on your marriage, but it will affect your children?
Huh? Do you think before you write? I’m curious as to why you believe that you have raised kids who won’t be able to navigate the issue and have successful marriages if gays can marry. If my marriage doesn’t hurt you today, then it stands to reason that it won’t harm your children tomorrow. May I suggest a little more faith in your progeny?
Sorry Birk: you are a bigot and you are homophobic. And, no, we aren’t past this as a society — because in this society self-righteous zealots like yourself impose your beliefs and turn others into second class citizens. When my family has the same rights as yours we will be past it. Until then, stop shoving your religion down my throat and forcing people to live according to your church’s rules. If I wanted to belong to your church I’d have a membership card.
To summarize, here is Birk’s argument in its purest form: I’m a heterosexual Christian and you’re not. This makes me superior. Therefore, you will be second class citizens. And you have no right to criticize me for harming you and your family.
Sorry, Birk. It doesn’t work that way.
