Catholic Governor Chris Christie Must Choose on LGBT Equality

Governor Chris Christie

New Jersey’s passage of a law  advancing LGBT rights is raising questions about Governor Chris Christie because of 2016 presidential campaign potential. While several states have passed marriage equality and  LGBT protections under Catholic leadership, Christie’s unique path of moderation leaves some hopeful and others disappointed. Either way, delaying much longer on LGBT equality is no longer an option for the governor.

Governor Christie signed the law on Monday, which bans ‘conversion’ therapy and other attempts at changing a youth’s sexual orientation by those with state licenses. Christie, who is a Republican, said the protection of LGBT youth from harm is the spirit behind this bill, as reported in newstimes.com:

“In signing the ban, Christie reiterated his belief that people are born gay and homosexuality is not a sin, a position he first stated in a 2011 interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan

“Christie said on ‘issues of medical treatment for children we must look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and rewards,’ citing a litany of potential ill effects of trying to change sexual orientation, including depression, drug abuse and suicide.

” ‘I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate,’ he said.”

Opponents of the law claimed the ban overrides parental choice and suppresses their First Amendment rights, and U.S. Catholic reports at least one group plans to file a lawsuit.

As much as this ban on ‘conversion’ therapy is a step forward, LGBT advocates in New Jersey are also dissatisfied with Christie because of his failure to support marriage equality. The Washington Post reports on his mixed record:

“Christie vetoed same-sex marriage legislation last year and severely criticized the Supreme Court’s decision striking down a ban on federal rights for same-sex married couples. At the same time, he is ‘adamant’ that same-sex couples deserve equal legal protection, wants a referendum on gay marriage, and vows to abide by a same-sex marriage law if New Jersey voters approve it.”

New Jersey voters overwhelmingly support equal rights, including marriage, but future aspirations mean Christie is walking a fine line. The governor must appeal to conservative voters in the Republican presidential primaries, ensure more liberal New Jersey voters reelect him next year, and also appeal to swing voters in the middle throughout. As political pundits and campaigners calculate what it might take for  Christie to win three years from now, the governor should instead look to his  faith for guidance.

Catholics in government are called to pursue the common good of all people, including the LGBT community, which means advancing justice through the law. Christie might hope he can wait out the debate on marriage and remain essentially neutral, but marriage equality is having its moment. The sweeping victories for LGBT rights will seemingly continue and Christie must choose now, rather than later the side which he will take. As the nation commemorates fifty years since the March on Washington, I offer the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. for all Catholic politicians who have yet to commit fully to LGBT equality:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

What do you think? Will Chris Christie answer the Gospel’s call and fully embrace LGBT rights? Will he become worse on the issue as 2016 approaches? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

–Bob Shine, New Ways Ministry

7 replies
  1. duckman44625
    duckman44625 says:

    KUDOS to Gov. Christie ! “Conversion Therapy” – having been proven to be ineffective…based on emotions rather than science AND harmful to the person treatment – is tantamount to child abuse. NO PARENT has the right to subject their child to such because THEY or their RELIGION can not accept the fact that homosexuality is not only sinful, an “abomination before God” – but a genetic determinations – therefore – an intentional God created gift of diversity. It is time to stop looking to religion in arenas where clerics can not answer questions because they violate one of the basic tenets of Catholic theology – that true science and true faith – in the quest for TRUTH – never contradict. Anyone who thumps the Bibles in declaring gay nature to be sinful should also then endorse fundamentalist preachings that the earth is only about 6000 years old and dinosaurs and humans walked the earth contemporaneously. Take that path if you wish, but realize you check your intelligence at the door whose posting reads “abandon all hope all who enter here”.

    Reply
  2. pjnugent
    pjnugent says:

    My guess is he’ll work both sides of the street for a while. He has to appease the radical right wing of the party to beat Sens. Cruz and Rubio for the nomination, so he’ll oppose same-gender marriage through the primary season and nominating convention.
    But he’s a smart guy and savvy politician who will want to win the presidency, not only advance a political agenda, so he’ll soften his opposition, maybe even support it, in a general election campaign if he is the R’s candidate because he’ll know that is where most of the electorate is..

    Reply

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