As elections draw closer, The Bulletin has encouraged its readers to study the issues and discuss them so that they can make informed decisions and vote wisely. But after Oregon voters overwhelmingly supported the constitutional marriage protection amendment — twice — Judge Michael McShane single-handedly overturned the will of the people.

The Bulletin’s editorial, “Gay marriage decision reflects human progress,” glorified McShane’s decision and then praised Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum for refusing to perform her sworn duty to defend the Oregon law. Where is Oregon headed when the people, after having clearly spoken twice, can be dismissed by just one man, betrayed by those who were elected and sworn in to defend the law, and insulted by those who buy ink by the barrel? Is this The Bulletin’s idea of “human progress?”

The editorial pointed to President Barack Obama as modeling someone who previously “stood firmly against gay marriage,” implying that even he had eventually evolved. However, the editorial failed to mention that he was also in favor of “gay marriage” before he was “firmly” against it, so Obama is someone who has revolved, not evolved.

The Bulletin said “Hate must be rejected on all sides,” yet the only “hate” evident to me is the hostility I see against anything or anyone who rejects ideas that are contrary to biblical teachings such as those against homosexual practices. No one should be demonized or ostracized for who they are, but The Bulletin perpetuates marginalizing Christians and invites future clashes when it ignores the guaranteed constitutional right to religious freedom. While the world becomes increasingly ablaze in the horrific persecution and annihilation of Christians, The Bulletin has remained steadfast in keeping its spotlight on the emotionally charged political movement which, implicitly, demands the abolishment of the right to practice one’s religion.

The Bulletin seems to insinuate and build upon the scathingly false notion that associates “hate” with those who follow biblical teachings and who believe that rejecting those teachings is an objectively disordered rejection of God. The truth of the matter is that those who follow those teachings also believe that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, respect the human dignity of every person, and promote faith in the love and mercy of God who offers forgiveness to all sinners who turn back to him and repent.

On the secular side, The Bulletin does a grave public disservice — particularly to the homosexual community — when it avoids honest discussions on the numerous negative risks and multifaceted consequences associated with homosexual lifestyles, and the ultimate impact of upsetting the social order by abandoning natural law. Instead, it has chosen to insult Oregon voters by celebrating it as some vague form of “human progress.” What ever happened to having a conversation?

The Bulletin claimed there’s been a “broad shift” in attitudes about the issue, but laments the fact that the voters didn’t confirm that. The Bulletin said, “It will take time for the understanding to spread,” but you can’t acquire understanding unless you are willing to have an honest discussion. It would have been more honest and accurate for The Bulletin to say, “It will take time for the indoctrination to spread.”

People of authentic faith do not force their religion upon others, and they shouldn’t be expected to compromise their own core beliefs and forced to tailor them to suit another’s. The line in the sand is drawn. Sadly, Oregonians may be forced, directly or indirectly, to participate in the support of so-called “gay marriage,” or into positions where they must choose between their religion or their government, between God’s law and man’s law, between building their house upon rock or upon sand. God help us.

— Marie Annette lives in Prineville.