Matt Birk #77 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on as blood drips from the bridge of his nose against the New England Patriots during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Ravens won 33-13. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
By Reid Cherner, USA TODAY
3:55PM EST October 1. 2012 - The issue of marriage has become a hot topic for NFL players in Baltimore and Minnesota.
After Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo supported gay marriage, state delegate Emmett C. Burns Jr. wrote a letter asking Baltimore owner Steve Bisciotti hip to limit such comments from players.
That led Vikings punter Chris Kluwe to pen a profane letter to the delegate defending both free speech and gay marriage.
DEBATE: Kluwe ready to argue gay marriage
Now Ravens center (and former Viking) Matt Birk has penned an opinion in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune supporting free speech and opposing gay marriage.
...Same-sex
unions may not affect my marriage specifically, but it will affect my
children -- the next generation. Ideas have consequences, and laws shape
culture. Marriage redefinition will affect the broader well-being of
children and the welfare of society. As a Christian and a citizen, I am
compelled to care about both.
I am speaking out on this issue
because it is far too important to remain silent. People who are simply
acknowledging the basic reality of marriage between one man and one
woman are being labeled as "bigots" and "homophobic." Aren't we past
that as a society?
Don't we all have family members and friends
whom we love who have same-sex attraction? Attempting to silence those
who may disagree with you is always un-American, but especially when it
is through name-calling, it has no place in respectful conversation.
A
defense of marriage is not meant as an offense to any person or group.
All people should be afforded their inalienable American freedoms. There
is no opposition between providing basic human rights to everyone and
preserving marriage as the sacred union of one man and one woman.
I
hope that in voicing my beliefs I encourage people on both sides to use
reason and charity as they enter this debate. I encourage all Americans
to stand up to preserve and promote a healthy, authentic pro-marriage
culture in this upcoming election
USA TODAY