Lincoln, Neb., Nov 5, 2013 / 02:10 am
Warning that a "fierce debate on the future of marriage" is coming to Nebraska, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln emphasized that same-sex unions are not civil rights and urged the state to recognize the unique role of the natural family.
"Civil union proponents will work hard to shroud the question in the language of civil rights," the bishop wrote in a Nov. 2 column for the Lincoln Journal Star.
"But nearly every benefit sought by civil union legislation already is legally available to Nebraskans. Civil union legislation is not about civil rights. It is about denying the unique and special role that families play in civilizations."
The legalization of civil unions is "an effort to redefine marriage itself" and to undermine the understanding that "stable, fruitful partnerships between men and women should be promoted and protected," he continued.