Chuck Smith on Proposition 8 Ruling: 'Absolutely Tragic'

Chuck Smith on Proposition 8 Ruling: "Absolutely Tragic"

By Josh Dulaney Tue., Feb. 7 2012 at 4:12 PM

Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel today led off his daily radio program Pastor's Perspective not with a prayer, but a protest.

Smith referred to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals striking down California's ban on same-sex marriage as "absolutely tragic", and wondered if other states would eventually follow suit.

"It's going to be a disaster for our country, one after another," Smith told co-host Don Stewart.

A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that Proposition 8, which limits marriage to one man and one woman and was approved by voters in 2008, violates the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who is now retired, ruled in 2010 that the ban violated federal equal protection rights for gay and lesbian couples.

The panel not only upheld that decision, but also found that Walker wasn't biased in his ruling, even though he is gay and was in a relationship with another man.

Not so in the court of Calvary Chapel.

Stewart called the decision "sad but not surprising", saying that Walker and one of the panel's judges are "that way."

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CookieKrisp

Give them civil unions not marriage like Elton John.

Salvageitl

If they want to get married, thats on them. Just dont FORCE us or our children to accept it.

Dave Lieberman

Subtitle: "I'm still relevant! Really! I even have a show on the ol' wireless!"

Decent American

At least Judge Walker never molested any children "Pastor"

Delvecchiojr

This guy is a major douche. Yay for another step towards equality!!! :)

Bobo

I'm curious, what did the local Imam's and Rabbi's have to say? You seem to have a personal beef with Calvary Chapel.

Gturner

Rabbi's, Imam's, Bodhitsattva's, Pope's, Lawyer's, school teachers, truck driver's... anybody who wants to deny gays the same rights that straight people have are bigots and a***ole's.Calvary has had some issues, but nothing worse that the Catholic Church.

Dee

@ Gturner-Really nothing worse than the long track of homosexual priests raping boys??!! Have you been living under a rock!!

Gturner

That was my point Dee. Don't you remember, Calvary Chapel had at least one pastor arrested last year for child molestation. Chuck Smith ignored it. But he is outraged at Gay Marriage. BTW my manners are fine, but some people are just a***oles. Also Freedom of Speech was never at issue here. And for the record I do understand the 1st amendment which guarantees free speech and also eliminates the possibility that people can force their religious dogma on people by passing laws that reflect their purely religious views. ie. Prop. 8Have a nice evening.

Gturner

This guy is entitled to his opinion, even if it's a bigoted, disgusting one. Chuck Smith is a huge a***ole.That's my opinion.

Dee

Yes Gturner, he is entitled to his opinion whether you like it or not! What part of free speech don't you get?? you are entitled to your ill-mannered opinion as well!