Hidden consequences of redefining marriage will come back to haunt us

If marriage is redefined in Ireland, I fear that you will suffer when the ballot paper you ticked with emotion turns out to have far more practical consequences than you ever dreamed.

I fear that you will be vulnerable, when your elected representatives, education system and media promote a sexual anarchy with which you disagree but which the upcoming generations will be too frightened to resist.

I fear that you will be voiceless when hate crime legislation makes defending traditional values punishable by fines and imprisonment and when your belief in the family is subject to the approval of the State and bound by the morality of a new constitutional amendment.

I fear for you, Christian, because your government will request that you bow to an ideology at odds with your faith and at odds with the Scriptures.

I fear for you, preacher, because the discipline and purity you exhort will brand you a homophobe, a bigot, and a prude, and you will lose your pulpit as John the Baptist lost his head.

I fear for you, educator, because your desire to shape the character and lifestyle of your students for better will be overshadowed by the necessity of political correctness.

I fear for you, entrepreneur, because you will now be forced to serve an ideology before serving your customers when the same-sex couple knocks on the door of your hotel business, conference centre, bakery or printing press.

If same-sex marriage is legalised, we will be sending a strong message to Christians and people of all religions that their sacred beliefs are no longer relevant in our classrooms, their standards no longer acceptable in our businesses, and their voices no longer welcome in our places of debate.

If marriage is redefined, and Senator Katherine Zappone’s desire for a secular state is granted,

I fear for the independent-minded.

I fear for those who think for themselves.

I fear, most of all, for believers.

Martina Burke

Cloonsunna

Castlebar

Co Mayo