When it comes to equal marriage rights, where”s the harm?
We have so many freedoms and we have come so far when it comes to curing discrimination, but when it comes to who we want to marry, there is discrimination slapping gay men and women in the face.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, “What about the states that allow gay marriage?” The fact is that same-sex marriage has no federal standing. The Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 states that only one man and one woman may marry for the purposes of federal law.
Meaning that no matter how many states decide to recognize, as it stands now many states do not, the union between a same-sex couple the federal government will not.
My question is why shouldn”t homosexuals have all the same rights as heterosexuals have?
I am well aware of the fact that most people would disagree with me. After all, gays are only a minority, right? It seems to me that because of the mainstream religious belief against the homosexual lifestyle, the majority of our nation has decided for our gay and lesbian neighbors that they do not wish to tolerate equal rights when it comes to marriage.
Disputers of The Defense of Marriage Act, including myself, may tell you that it violates the Equal Protection Clause under the 14th Amendment, the Full Faith and Credit Clause, and also disturbs the basic right to marriage under the due process clause.
At least now I know I am not the only straight person bothered by this.
Once upon a time, words out of the Christian Bible were our laws. Now we have something called the “Wall of Separation,” and my personal favorite, the “First Amendment.” How can the government come so far as to allow it”s American citizens the right to worship Satan or Mickey Mouse and not grant two people in love (regardless of sexual orientation) the right to be married?
The problem is that we allow our leaders” personal beliefs guide our country a little too much, at least in this case. It”s not like I am asking for murder to be legalized or the drinking age to be lowered. I would just like to see that our first and 14th amendment rights be taken more seriously without hypocrisy.
My wish is not to change or argue anyone”s faith. All I hope to strive for is tolerance and understanding for everyone”s rights, and that includes the individuals that I don”t necessarily agree with.
Although, there are times that I just can”t believe I live in a nation that allows for any woman to have as many abortions as she wanted, but not allow two men or two women the simple right to be married. When it comes to equal marriage rights, where is the harm?
Kyleen Erickson
Lakeport
