Baltimore Ravens Matt Birk opposes marriage equality

Matt Birk (left) and Chris Kluwe (right)

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk, wrote a commentary piece for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune opposing marriage equality.

"Marriage redefinition will affect the broader well-being of children and the welfare of society," he wrote. "As a Christian and a citizen, I am compelled to care about both."

He added, "A defense of marriage is not meant as an offense to any person or group. All people should be afforded their inalienable American freedoms. There is no opposition between providing basic human rights to everyone and preserving marriage as the sacred union of one man and one woman."

Birk's former teammate, Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, wrote a rebuttal to Birk's commentary saying, in part:

I know Matt Birk, having played with him for multiple years in the NFL. I respect Matt, and I respect his right to his own views and ideas.

However, in this instance, Matt I think you’re wrong. This is not an attack on you as a person or your beliefs, but the argument you presented in the Star Tribune simply does not stand up to logical inspection.

Your argument lacks facts, sources, or statistics. You can’t just say “Same-sex marriage is bad for kids because I think it’s bad for kids, and I think it’s bad for kids because it’s bad for kids”. That’s called circular reasoning and it’s a logical fallacy. If you want us to understand why same-sex marriage is bad for kids, you need to provide some sort of substantial evidence. Tell us that children from same-sex couples are more likely to grow up broke and miserable and alone and will end their days starving in a gutter.

You’re trying to raise a religious argument in a secular matter. The First Amendment isn’t just about the freedom FOR religion, it’s also about the freedom FROM religion. The word “marriage” appears in thousands of legal documents and laws in this nation, and to attempt to narrowly define it through a religious application means you’re trying to assert a religious viewpoint on those who may not necessarily hold the same views. Our founding fathers knew quite clearly the dangers that state sponsored religious persecution could inflict (they lived through it!), and the First Amendment is worded in favor of state neutrality for a reason. I will support your right to worship at whatever altar you choose, but I will not support you trying to force it on someone else, or to deny someone else legal benefits due to religious reasoning.

Chris Kluwe goes point by point with logic and respect, and makes clear why marriage equality is a good thing for society.

Make sure you read Kluwe's post by clicking here.