Bill Cameron said, in this thread that when Brooks released this song, there was a lot of negative reaction within the C/W community over the line about being "free to love anyone we choose."  Brooks apparently prevailed in getting the song released because he was such a big name with clout, but it was not very successful with the Opry crowd -- probably much too "politically correct," "touchy-feely," and "liberal.  Personally, I think it's one of his best songs (partly because of its roots) and a very inspiring song, period.