Monday
Jun162008
California Legalizes Gay Marriage
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 09:43PM
So it turns out that California has become the second state to legalize same-sex marriage. Some are calling it a huge win for civil rights, others are calling it an absolute travesty. Personally, I think it is a huge win for the homosexual community. Good for them. But frankly, I just don't see why anyone who is not homosexual cares.
It seems sad to me that in this day and age we should still be struggling for certain segments of our society to be getting even the most basic of human rights. I would have hoped that we had progressed farther than that. Of course homosexuals should be able to wed, why not?
In a day when there are so many things to separate and divide us as people, isn't it a positive move to support something that encourages a loving bond? In a world rife with violence and despair, isn't it a good thing that we should be supporting commitments of love? Who has a more legitimate marriage, a gay couple that stays together for 50 years, or a straight couple that gets divorced less than a year after their marriage?
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that homosexuals have more meaningful, longer lasting relationships. Nor am I saying that heterosexuals all get divorced in time. What I am saying is that both groups are completely capable of having meaningful, long term relationships, and the government SHOULD recognize that fact.
There are those who argue that homosexual marriage somehow cheapens other forms of marriage. I think this is an absurd notion with the sole intent of maintaining a status quo. The fact is that a homosexual marriage does not cheapen a heterosexual marriage anymore than a Hindu marriage cheapens a Christian marriage. Furthermore, no one is going to capture you and force you to marry someone of the same sex. All the legislation does is grant equal recognition under the law, a concept which is at the very heart of the foundation of the United States.
It seems sad to me that in this day and age we should still be struggling for certain segments of our society to be getting even the most basic of human rights. I would have hoped that we had progressed farther than that. Of course homosexuals should be able to wed, why not?
In a day when there are so many things to separate and divide us as people, isn't it a positive move to support something that encourages a loving bond? In a world rife with violence and despair, isn't it a good thing that we should be supporting commitments of love? Who has a more legitimate marriage, a gay couple that stays together for 50 years, or a straight couple that gets divorced less than a year after their marriage?
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that homosexuals have more meaningful, longer lasting relationships. Nor am I saying that heterosexuals all get divorced in time. What I am saying is that both groups are completely capable of having meaningful, long term relationships, and the government SHOULD recognize that fact.
There are those who argue that homosexual marriage somehow cheapens other forms of marriage. I think this is an absurd notion with the sole intent of maintaining a status quo. The fact is that a homosexual marriage does not cheapen a heterosexual marriage anymore than a Hindu marriage cheapens a Christian marriage. Furthermore, no one is going to capture you and force you to marry someone of the same sex. All the legislation does is grant equal recognition under the law, a concept which is at the very heart of the foundation of the United States.
Reader Comments (5)
I think you make excellent points. Too bad the Christian right can't see it this way.
I think you make excellent points. Too bad the Christian right can't see it this way.
Fact 1, Califonria did not legalize gay marriage. One judge on the supreme court did. Californians voted against it.
Thank you for your logical thoughts on the issue.
I sincerely believe that those on the "other" side of this issue will find themselves on the wrong side of history. We must remember that there was VEHEMENT opposition to emancipation of slaves, women's suffrage, integration, etc.
I think that society will evolve as it gains knowledge, wisdom, compassion and experience. And marriage, as a societal construct, will continue to be revised and redefined. That which does not evolve will stagnate and rot.
Thank you for your logical thoughts on the issue.
I sincerely believe that those on the "other" side of this issue will find themselves on the wrong side of history. We must remember that there was VEHEMENT opposition to emancipation of slaves, women's suffrage, integration, etc.
I think that society will evolve as it gains knowledge, wisdom, compassion and experience. And marriage, as a societal construct, will continue to be revised and redefined. That which does not evolve will stagnate and rot.