How will Senator Portman vote?

Supreme Court Justice Nominee Amy Coney Barrett served for nearly three years, beginning in 2015, on the Board of Trinity Schools, Inc, which was founded by People of Praise, a Christian religious group of which she has been a member. This is according to the Associated Press, which also reports that Trinity Schools explicitly discriminates against LGBTQ people in its admissions and hiring policies.

In her confirmation hearings, Ms. Barrett carefully avoided answering specific questions about almost every topic that was brought up. But it is clear from what we know about her that she is deeply committed to her religious convictions. And although she claims that in her service on the Court, she will only be guided by the Constitution, it is highly unlikely that she will leave her deeply-held religious convictions at the door when hearing and considering cases.

I am convinced that complete objectivity on matters that touch human lives and happiness is something few human beings can realistically claim. One cannot expect Justice Barrett to rule on matters regarding LGBTQ rights without being influenced by her conservative religious commitments.

In 2013, Ohio Republican Senator Robert Portman announced that he had undergone a change of heart regarding same-sex marriage. The change was brought about by the coming-out of his son, Will. Portman could no longer oppose same-sex marriage, given his family experience. Which is often how it goes when thoughtful and sensitive people (which I believe Sen. Portman to be) have to choose between human experience and legalism.

I cannot help but wonder whether Senator Portman is wrestling tonight with his vote next week on Ms. Barrett’s nomination. I wonder if he and Will are talking together about it. I wish I thought the Senator would listen to what I dare believe is in his heart, but I fear he will not.