During the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in Dallas, a resolution seeking the reversal of the landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 was overwhelmingly approved by delegates. The largest Protestant denomination in the United States, represented by over 10,000 church affiliates, voted unanimously to adopt the measure, as reported by WFAA.
The resolution calls into question Obergefell v. Hodges, urging the elimination of legal acknowledgments of same-sex unions and promoting legislation that defines marriage exclusively as a union between one man and one woman. Although the text does not explicitly call for a ban, its language unambiguously advocates for the dismantling of laws and court rulings that contradict "God's design for marriage and family."
The Southern Baptists' stance reflects a broader commitment to biblical teachings on family, gender, and fertility. It also comes on the heels of a previous year's resolution opposing in vitro fertilization, underscoring a continued effort to align U.S. law with the denomination's Christian values.
Key to the resolution's strategy is the long-term legal approach, drawing parallels to the successful campaign to overturn Roe v. Wade. Andrew Walker, a Southern Baptist ethicist and the author of the resolution, emphasized this aspect, noting that Christians are "called to play the long game" in an interview with The New York Times. Walker highlighted ongoing legal-strategy discussions aiming to challenge the Obergefell decision.
Justice Clarence Thomas's concurring opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which overturned Roe, has been interpreted by Christian conservatives as a potential blueprint for contesting other major legal precedents, including Obergefell.
The resolution also addresses issues of gender and sexuality more broadly, opposing laws that compel speech contrary to the "biological reality of male and female" and advocating for policies that support raising children within "intact, married families." It calls for a cultural shift to embrace marriage and childbearing, in light of concerns about declining fertility rates.
The SBC's actions represent a potent declaration of intent to reshape American legal and cultural landscapes in accordance with a conservative Christian worldview. It reaffirms the denomination's commitment to promoting public policies that it believes reflect "the truth of creation and natural law."
As the resolution gains attention, it has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, including expressions of pride from Southern Baptist members and advocacy for a reversal of the same-sex marriage ruling.
