Jun 18 2008
Defining Marriage
With California now allowing same-sex marriage; the dispute between religion, government, and choice once again seems to be the forefront of conversation in communities large and small. Many on the religious front feel it should be outlawed: however occasionally within this group a voice or two of reason shine out. The cries of injustice and intolerance are emitted from both sides of the argument.
With such a divided topic who ultimately has the rights to determine such a thing? Many make the claim since our country was founded on a basic belief in God and our forefathers believed God should be watching over us, shouldn’t we then follow what religion claims is “God’s” path in marriage being between man and woman for the purposes of procreation? What about our forefathers’ request of a separation between church and state? Should that then be ignored in the favor of religion? Our country was founded on the principle of freedom and equality for all. For those who have their right to religion and freedoms, those same freedoms should also be extended to others including gays, inter-racial couples etc.
Often the argument is brought up regarding others rights including pedophiles etc. If we allow gays to marry why not allow pedophiles to do what they wish, murderers and the like, since there is after all a fundamental belief being gay is “harmful”? This is absolutely ridiculous. Those situations involving forcing and/or harming other individuals. Gay marriage or even just a gay relationship is a choice by both parties to entertain, just like straight couples. It is an attraction and a love mutually agreed upon by adults who are fully able to make that distinction. They are not causing themselves or others harm by their choices, other than potentially offending those with religious beliefs that differ. Although I would say this has more to do with the religious side allowing themselves to be offended rather than gay side inflicting offense.
My question for those of the religious sect is where are your scriptures and beliefs truly? Although there are references to same-sex relationships in them, I’d venture to say there are far more references to treating everyone fairly, loving everyone, judging not and so on. According to scripture, it is GOD’s right to judge and not anyone else’s. However, even putting that argument aside: this is YOUR religious choice and preference NOT everyone else’s. They have a right just as you do to believe in God or not. There are enough arguments on both sides of the fence to prove or disprove his existence. Regardless of whether or not YOU may believe God is the overall end, our laws and regulations allow for other beliefs.
According to Webster there are several definitions for marriage. I was pleased to see same-sex marriage listed in the definitions list, but I will go with the more general marriage definition “an intimate or close union”. A marriage of two people is simply that, a union between two people or things belonging together regardless of their differences. In our world we have many opposites in both worlds that mesh together nicely no matter how strange the match may seem. Banning or disallowing gay marriage will not stop unions or the love between same-sex couples. It merely tells them we don’t think they are as good as the rest of heterosexual America. This is unfair. We as a country often recognize the rights of common-law marriages and yet I don’t see anyone disputing that validity despite not having a legal basis. How are gay unions any different?
It appears we have some very hypocritical views in this country. Freedom for all who fit in our little mold: but not for those who don’t. This is wrong and not what this country was founded on.
I personally believe gay marriage should be sanctioned in EVERY state and recognized everywhere. Who am I to say who another person can or can’t love? They should be afforded every opportunity straight couples are currently given. Everyone regardless of religion, orientation or race deserves to find true happiness in this world as long as it is a mutual love and understanding between adults. Everyone deserves to have the same opportunities to advance and progress in this society without being impeded by outdated social views and religious ruling as was the purest most basic founding principle of this country. Our forefathers fought to keep the religious tyranny they faced out of our country. Don’t bring it back by trying to force religious views not shared by all on the entire nation.
I am sure the argument will be made, as I have heard many times before regarding allowing gay marriage essentially forcing those views on the religious of the nation. Again this is ridiculous. You yourself do not have to participate in this, nor do you have to believe it is right just as the other side does not have to participate in your religion. You simply have to do what you must in respecting those individuals’ rights and leave it be. Your freedoms are given in expressing your own opinions and choosing not to accept what is put before you. This does not include infringing on others freedoms by putting a stop to their rights.
I applaud those individuals and companies who have already accepted and made room for unions of all types in their world. You are the ones who will help to change the face of our society for the betterment of all. I only hope the rest of our country catches up.