By Dana Molk, Blue Team
In efforts to legalize love, regardless of sexual orientation, the Supreme Court has made a major decision allowing gay couples around the nation the rights they deserve.
After much debate and scrutiny over laws regarding gay marriage, the Supreme Court, with a vote of 5-4, shot down the Defense of Marriage Act therefore granting more privileges to gay couples. DOMA, as it is commonly referred to, restricted gay couples from veteran partner benefits, joint income tax filing, as well as many other rights all straight couples are entitled to.
Following DOMA’s downfall, both gay and straight people across the nation rejoiced over the Supreme Court’s ruling. Little did they know only more good news was headed their way.
Proposition 8, an amendment banning gay couples to wed in the state of California, was ruled as unconstitutional the same day.
Although the demise of DOMA and Prop 8 is monumental, there is still much more work to be done concerning equality in our country. As of now, gay marriage is only recognized in 13 states. Those in opposition to same-sex marriages argue that it violates their religion and that it affects children who are raised by gay parents.
The former is perhaps a whole other issue within itself. Despite being a country that ensures freedom of religion and prides itself as being the land of the free, the United States is indeed a secular country. The government does not endorse any particular religion.
With that in mind, it is not appropriate to mix the rights of citizens with one’s religious views. They are two different issues and religion should not justify the rights couples receive.
The creation and nurturing of children also concerns those against marriage equality. If the purpose of marriage is to bare children, than theoretically people over the age of 65 should not be married. Statistically and physically it is near impossible for a woman of that age to get pregnant. Yet society celebrates their union.
Others believe the purpose of marriage is to raise a child in a home where they are exposed to both a male and female guardian. However there are many single parents who raise successful children. Gay marriage does not harm any citizen in the United States.
A few months ago, the state of Colorado deemed the use of marijuana legal. Marijuana produces a euphoria that may entail anxiety, fear, distrust or panic and can become dangerous. Yet gay marriage, an issue that is anything but dangerous, is still illegal there.
Love is love whether you are gay or straight. Times are changing and the definition of marriage is too. No longer should states strictly limit a marriage between a man and a woman.
Shooting down DOMA and Prop 8’s unjust demands is a step in the right direction. The journey to legalize love is looking bright for the United States.
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