The Southern Baptist Convention has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that calls for overturning Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling which legalized gay marriage nationwide ten years ago.
As the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptists' yearly meeting is often used as a means to take the pulse of the evangelical community at-large on social and political issues.
What Does the Vote Mean?
A formal rejection of same-sex marriage by members of the SBC shows a renewed willingness by the evangelical community to challenge marriage equality in court, something they’ve been hesitant to do in the ten years since the Obergefell ruling.
Some see the vote as an opening salvo in a broader campaign to overturn same-sex marriage at the federal level.
Is same-sex marriage at risk?
What the Resolution Says
Resolutions in years past declared marriage as only between one man and one woman, but this year’s takes things a step further, officially calling for the overturning of Obergefell.
It’s the first time the SBC has called on members to legally mobilize against gay marriage, which they say “[denies] the biological reality of male and female… undermines the truth of God’s design, and lead to social confusion and injustice.”
The Obergefell v. Hodges ruling is also described as "legal fiction" in the SBC’s proposed resolutions.
The measure opposing same-sex marriage was included in a lengthy and wide-ranging resolution titled “On Restoring Moral Clarity through God’s Design for Gender, Marriage, and the Family.” The resolution also calls for defunding Planned Parenthood, supports “parental rights in education and healthcare,” and advocates for “safety and fairness in female athletic competition”—a nod to ongoing debates over the participation of transgender women in women’s sports.
Other resolutions ask members to vote on approving bans on pornography and abortion pills, as well as significant curtailing of sports betting.
These resolutions are not legally binding, but often give insight into what issues are capturing the attention of religious circles beyond the walls of the SBC… and what they might hope to accomplish in the courts in the coming year.
Evangelical Opposition
SBC representatives acknowledge their movement could be unpopular. Gay marriage has widespread and bipartisan support nationwide; 68% of Americans support the rights of same-sex couples to marry and just 29% of Americans oppose it, numbers which were nearly reversed 30 years ago.
As SBC ethicist Andrew Walker put it, “it now seems the case in many sectors of American society that same-sex marriage is just as American as baseball and apple pie... What we’re trying to do is keep the conversation alive."
Among faith groups, evangelicals represent a major holdout on acceptance of gay marriage; A 2024 survey of faith groups found that only 36% of evangelicals even agree that homosexuality should be accepted in society at all – let alone be involved in marriage.
“We know that we’re in a minority in the culture right now, but we want to be a prophetic minority,” said Denny Burk, the president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
So Long, Gay Marriage?
Evangelicals, emboldened by the successful overturning of Roe v. Wade a few years ago, are fighting to return to a world where marriage is between only a man and a woman – and they're willing to play the long game.
After all, it took the anti-abortion movement some 50 years to argue the right case at the right time in front of the right court.
But many LGBTQ+ rights groups worry that this effort could be swifter than the battle over Roe.
The current Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, offers fewer ideological roadblocks than past courts. And some religious groups believe this creates an opportunity to overturn Obergefell, or potentially even institute a national ban on gay marriage.
Considering that Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas left the door open to future legal challenges to Obergefell back when Roe was overturned, they may not be wrong.
What is your reaction?
54 comments
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James Riggle-Johnson
Why do they keep singing the same tired song? Same-sex marriage hasn’t ended civilization. Society hasn’t fallen apart. If anything is threatening it, it’s religious zealots trying to force their beliefs onto everyone else—telling roughly 10% of the population how they should live.
The real question is this: Should same-sex couples be treated as equals under the law, or does the Constitution allow for second-class citizens? Equal protection under federal law means everyone. At least, it should.
All the opposition to same-sex marriage comes from religious groups and their followers—as if their religious freedom is more important than someone’s basic humanity. But no one is forcing churches to perform same-sex weddings. And let’s be honest—no same-sex couple wants to be married by someone who thinks their existence is sinful.
Religious freedom matters—but so does personal freedom. And both should be protected.
Groups like the Southern Baptist Convention—and certain state lawmakers who share their religious agenda—are fighting something that doesn’t affect them at all. These aren’t just neutral legislators; many are driven by the same theology and dogma that fuels these anti-LGBTQ efforts. They say LGBTQ people should “keep it in the bedroom,” but they’re the ones peeking through our windows. They say we’re divisive, while they’re the ones drawing the lines.
Knock it off. Stay out of my home, my marriage, and my life. If you want to help society, focus on real problems—like starvation, gun violence, and poverty. Leave the LGBTQ community alone.
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Lawrence A. Benson
Very well said. Thank you for sharing.
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Katina Ford
I myself, have been married to my wife for almost 8 years, June 17. We also live in a bible belt community of Mississippi. yes, we have had a few locals that dont agree with us as a married couple or even as a in general. But for the most of people here, they don't have much of a problem with it, once they meet us and get to know us for who we are. We own several businesses in our town and are well known for them. Customers show up every day, new and old ones, yet they never make any judgement calls. We dont choke people down with out lifestyle but when we introduce ourselves to others, it is this is my wife_____. So to say the least, everyone has their own opinion, but I feel we are all facing only ONE JUDGE. And that needs to left up to him, to guide us where he wants us and have the last say so. Women marry omen every day that are child molesters, as some women are too. Are they can marry someone that is a woman abuser, a murder, etc, The list goes on and on. So do we marry those people, just because they are the opposite sex, as oppose to who we love.(male or female). Remember-EVERYONE is entitled to be loved, even the murders and so on..
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Rev. MichaelRS
My personal opinion is that, as long as they are not forcing any particular religious faith or individual to act contrary to their teachings, same-sex marriage should remain the law of the land.
Basically leave the Roman Catholics and Southern Baptist others alone if they don't want to perform and recognize those rites.
There's always the Anglicans or the Metropolitan Community Church or City Hall as well as many here who will happily oblige.
That being said, use whatever mental gymnastics you would like to, but whenever the judeo-christian scriptures touch on the subject of same-sex relationships it is not in the context of saying anything positive about them. But if your faith community has a different view... well, I guess we'll eventually find out which is right.
And I know the atheist, who ironically like to call themselves "ministers", but ministers of what exactly I'm not sure, will weigh in on this. Though I'm not sure why they think they have standing to. This is a faith-based discussion and they, apparently, don't have any (faith).
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Michael Hunt
Atheists have faith that there is no afterlife or higher being. They just have no core set of beliefs such as the Bible, Torah, Quran, etc.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
As a ULC ordained minister, I advertise on my ULC minister’s website, that my SHP denomination of the ULC is (to the best of my knowledge) the only church which can actually prove the existence of God; we don’t have any commandments — however we have numerous moral recommendations, for example, if one’s sexual preferences, deviate from the norm, and no one is harmed (including minors) it’s no body’s business, except for those so involved. Those arrogant enough, to understand that what they consider right or wrong, should be right or wrong for everyone else, are the reason the word arrogant evolved in the first place— and if there’s afoot of all evil —it’s arrogance by true believers.
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Lawrence A. Benson
Somebody needs to re-read the story of Lot and his family, Sodom and Gomorrah. (and keep re-reading it until you get the true meaning). It seems to me that religious scholars need to spend less time "judging" others and more time worrying about themselves. Jesus lived with sinners and preached through example, not judgment. "Judge not lest you be judged". Jesus preaches about the golden rule and the dangers of hypocrisy.
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Dan Anderson
Lawrence - May I made a minor editorial on your point with the fable of Lot & Company.
Sodom & Gommorah were destroyed because of INHOSPITALITY AND RAPE.
I can tell when people use this story to justify hatred of homosexuals that they have NOT read most, if not all of the Bible.
Keep up the good work!
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Nicholas J Page
As a heterosexual man this is definitely discrimination we have 2 gay girls living above us and I have offered my services to them.
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Tecla Caryl Loup
So what did they say??
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William E Muldrew
Read your Bible, Adam and Eve, not Jane and Jennifer. That's why they world is going to burn.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
YOUR world might be burning but if it is it’s not due to same sex marriage. Nor is it due to the existence of transgender human beings. In fact, it’s not due to anything other than your own hatred and misdirected anger.
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Michael Hunt
The world is going to burn because of global warming since no one in a position of power cares to do anything about it. The LGBTQ community won't be the reason.
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Lionheart
Is it that the same book that talks about a talking Snake and a Talking Ass, and a Unicorn, and a man walking on water that was born to a 13 or 14 year old girl? Just asking for a friend of mine that loves other books of fiction like Alice In Wonderland, and Harry Potter. 🤭
🦁♥️
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Rev. BH
William, and who did Adam and Eve's three sons impregnate? Mom? Yikes!
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Keith Ramsey
It seems like everyone that makes this statement, forgets the rest of their beliefs. According to those beliefs, every human was created by their God. So yes, their God created Adam and Eve, as well as Jane and Jennifer.
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Colleen McAllister
I am an Evangelical and a female. Do I think homosexuality is "normal"? No but we live in a fallen world and things here are not as God had planned. Therefore instead of judging those who live differently we need to embrace them. Most people do not choose their sexial preference so I do not see it as a sin. Same sex marriage should be accepted just as divorce is. A friend of mine once said that someone's sexual preference is none of our business unless we intend to have sex with them. Let the law stand.
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Jimmy Moon
GOD has already ruled against the sodomites. Repent.
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - how has GOD already ruled against the sodomites?
Are you talking about Leviticus 18:22 and 21:30? That was an issue regarding the Canaanites using male temple prostitutes in their religious ceremonies. It had nothing to do with two people of the same gender.
How about Romans 1:26? Oh, if you only knew the historicity of your own religion. Paul/Saul was observing a religious ceremony to the goddess Dianna. It had to do with hopes of increase calvings & lambings, and also improved crops. This event ended up in an orgy! It had nothing to do with any feelings between to males or two femails.
1Cor6:9-10. Take a peek at the KJV1611 version of your own Bible. the term 'homosexual' does not even appear there. That was added more recently. So much for 'shall not change the Word of God, one tittle.'
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Jimmy Moon
You sound like you are lost. I could be wrong, but your interpretation is sorely lacking. Repent and be filled with the Holy Spirit and gain the wisdom to understand. Until then, KJV Matthew 7:6 "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - Not to brag, but have you studied the historicity and culture of Christianity? I have.
How am I lost?
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Jimmy Moon
Only a heart knowledge of JESUS CHRIST as your SAVIOR will do you any good. Historical knowledge is just like reading about WWII history. It won’t get you to Heaven.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Jimmy, that’s not God speaking to you… It’s the Devil. You seem to miss how much the bible has been rewritten to fit certain people's own desires, and not the word of God!
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Jimmy Moon
Bless your heart. You need help. And GOD is the only help you need, but I think you are rejecting HIM.
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James Riggle-Johnson
No, I just need people with your beliefs to leave me and my kind alone. Mind your own business and stop trying to make me live by your rules. I think that is what God really wants. He told me.
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Jimmy Moon
You are confused. I am not in your business if I have never spoken to you. You live by your rules. Live like Hell if you want. Sin to the max. Break all the commandments. The truth is all around you.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Jimmy, I am not confused. Your arguments against sodomites about this article make me believe that you agree with the Southern Baptists on ending same-sex marriage. That means you are in my business, wanting something stopped that does not affect you. So again, stay out of my business. My marriage has nothing to do with you or the Southern Baptists. Stop playing God and let him judge. I think you’ll be surprised.
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - when has assumption worked out for you in the past? Maybe you should educate yourself before condemning someone just because they hold a different perspective than you.
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Jimmy Moon
Sorry lady, I condemned no one. I can only point to the only way to Heaven. JESUS CHRIST.
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - you condemned nobody?
"And GOD is the only help you need, but I think you are rejecting HIM."
Do you think that demanding others have to believe as you do as being beneficial to them?
What you have been spewing is that of your faith-based belief. None of it is based on empirical evidence, but purely what you believe.
If someone does not agree with your thinking, fine! Let them go and you go on your own way.
Simple.
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Keith Ramsey
According to multiple religions, your claims here are inaccurate.
It seems that you want everyone to blindly follow your faith. It really seems like your interpretations are sorely lacking. You've spent multiple posts attacking others. You insinuate others are committing Sins, but what does this say about you?
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Lionheart
Which God is that? Is it the one in 2 Kings 2 that that killed 42 children for ridiculing a bald man?
🦁❤️
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Jimmy Moon
It is the exact same GOD of the Bible. Good call.
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Lionheart
Oh okay. He’s the one that drowned babies, infants, children etc., right? Do people actually worship that genocidal monster then?
🦁❤️
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - So that means also the God of the Jews and the God of the Muslims, right?
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - as you seem to acknowledge that the Bible claimed that your God of Abraham drowned nearly all life in the world, including infants and babies, that caused two she-bears to maul 42 children for teasing a bald man, who endorses slavery including the instructions on how to treat them (if you beat them and they get up in a day or two, no crime and no foul.)
Why do you endorse such a deity that DEMANDS that if even your brother becomes an apostate, that you must kill him? Even in Islam, that is not the case.
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Jimmy Moon
Because HE IS GOD. Only HE can make the rules. If you don't like it, make your own world where you set the rules. But you have to use only what you have created personally. Not anything GOD has already created. I'll stick to this verse. Matthew 7:6
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Dan Anderson
Jimmy - Please show empirical evidence that your faith-based beliefs are fact.
"Only HE can make the rules." Does this mean that any other theology has to be wrong? Please prove your point.
One last thing: What do you say to the more than one million Christian Buddhists?
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Keith Ramsey
Which GOD is he? There have been over 18000 of them in history. It seems like you are trying to claim that everyone is wrong but yourself.
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces." This verse, part of the Sermon on the Mount, advises against sharing sacred or valuable things with those who will not appreciate or respect them, potentially leading to harm for the giver, according to multiple Bible translations
That is your Matthew 7:6 - It seems that the verse you like promotes being cruel to others. It also seems to imply that others can't appreciate things, with no evidence to support the claim. Explain to us what precisely is HOLY?
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Keith Ramsey
Which Bible?
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Lori-Ann Neeb
Mr. Moon ... You are in for on huge surprise when the time someday comes for you to return Home and you see many of those you condemned in this life already there . God never judges anyone. We judge ourselves as to how well we lived out our own life charts before resuming our real lives there. It is between you and God why your chart has you living a life to believe as you do. That depends on what you wanted to learn or experience in this lifetime. God does never judge. He is the same God for all men. The fact that some people have different names for him is all on us, not Him. Everything that man has done against other men has always been all on us. Every different interpretation of beliefs and deeds done in that name has always been all on us alone .
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Jimmy Moon
I can tell you have never read the KJV Holy Bible. All I can say is, read Matthew 7:6.
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Keith Ramsey
See my previous post.
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ServantOfJudgement
Mr Moon,
The trouble you're running into is you're trying to communicate with people who don't believe the bible is true and therefore simply can't comprehend what it says nor it's multitude of meanings with each verse.
In other words, you're speaking trigonometry to 4 year olds. They just can't get it and they can't get that they can't get it. The bible says they won't understand the document beyond it's surface if they don't believe it. It's right there in black and white yet they're blind to it.
I'm real sorry about that guys.
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Jimmy Moon
The god of the muslims is Satan. BIG difference. But you keep trying.
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Michael Hunt
No, Satan is not their god. They call their god Allah, which translates to "God", as in the Abrahamic God that Christians also follow. They just have different beliefs as to who the primary prophet was. Christians have Jesus, Muslims have Mohammed. Muslims also consider Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus to be prophets, but they believe the verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad by God, through the archangel Gabriel, and are the unaltered word of God, while the Bible and Talmud are claimed to have become distorted—either in interpretation, in text, or both.
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Jimmy Moon
Wrong on all accounts. Satan has you blinded. allah is not GOD. He is Satan in disguise. And mo- ham- head is no prophet, only a fake.
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Keith Ramsey
Except, the one that is wrong on all accounts is yourself. You've blinded yourself with your hate.
Allah is God. The same God you worship. If you are saying that Allah is Satan, that would mean that your God is also Satan.
I have seen people claim that if God is all powerful as some claim, then he or she would also be Satan...aka, they are one in the same.
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ServantOfJudgement
Keith, the God of the bible is quite different than Allah. The two are in conflict with one another.
I wish things were as easy as saying something and it becomes truth but it's not.
When your understanding of God and Allah grows beyond a Google translation you'll be in a much better place.
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ServantOfJudgement
Michael,
Islam and Christianity are diametrically opposed to the point that each fits into the final judgement as Satan. Jesus isn't the son of God to Islam and Mohammed isn't a prophet to Christianity.
Literally each is in each other's final prophecy as the opposition.
Allah most definitely does not translate into God when using Biblical definitions nor does Jesus equate to God in the Quran.
Either one is wrong or both are wrong but both are not right by any stretch.
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Keith Ramsey
Based on your own posts.. your God is Satan.
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Rudolph M Garza
There's a Southern Baptist vote at their Convention! Who you gonna call?
GHOST BUSTERS! Oops....
Make that a ULC minister! LOL
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ServantOfJudgement
All states require a marriage license.
A licence is permission to something which is otherwise illegal.
It's illegal for anyone to get married in all states.
Wake up.
OMg! I'm so scared of happily married gay couples in my neighborhood! (Remind me, what's the problem again?)