My 2 cents

It's been almost a year since I last blogged which, if you know me, isn't too much of a shocker because I'm not a huge blog person. However, in light of the recent debate of allowing gay marriage in New York and the equal rights debate across the country, I've decided to come out of blogging hibernation to give my 2 cents (hence the title) on the subject.

First I'd like to start off by saying this is not a debate on whether or not homosexuality is wrong or right. That is another topic entirely, one I feel has too much emphasis put on it. This also has nothing to do with being a Democrat or Republican, again another topic entirely. This is about basic human rights being denied to millions of Americans because of who they love. Not war, or money, or politics, but love.

It is absolutely ridiculous that a man and woman can go to a court house and a few hours later be legally married in every state. Yet two men or women who love each other dearly, more than anyone else in the world, can't get married because some people find it offensive and wrong. Every person deserves the opportunity to be able to marry the one they love, and to be able to receive all the benefits of a married couple, but for some reason some people think that right is reserved for those in a heterosexual relationship as if homosexual men and women aren't on the same same level as their straight counter parts. But being straight or gay does not change the fact that we are human and we as humans value loving relationships whether it be with a man or woman and should be able to celebrate that love to the fullest extent.

Arguments against gay marriage often cite that marriage is a sacred thing and that homosexuality goes against The Bible and would weaken the concept of marriage in the eyes of the people if gay marriage was allowed.
First: Believe it or not, not everyone reads/follows the bible. (Although for the record I am Christian) Why should we force people who may not follow the bible to follow it's supposed rules? That's like telling someone who's Jewish that they have to celebrate Christmas because "it's in The Bible". And what about the many gay people who are religious? They have found a balance between their sexual identity and their faith, why can't we?

Second: Ever heard of separation of church and state?  "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." This basically says the government can't interfere with the people's right to practice a religion and that no law can be created in favor of any particular religion. Banning gay marriage because someone's religious belief directly contradicts that last statement!

And third: While it is true that many marriages take place in the church and are considered a sacred act, not all end up that way. I can search online right now and within 15 min become able to perform legally binding marriages. Where's the sacredness in that?? And how holy is it when people run to the courthouse or Vegas to get married by an overweight and balding Elvis look-a-like?

As far as weakening the concept of marriage, please tell me how allowing two people who happen to be the same sex but love each other and would do anything for each other jeopardizes the concept of marriage? I would much rather see a strong, loving gay relationship than weak haphazard relationships between straight couples. Hell if people were allowed to love and be with who they choose then the concept of marriage might actually be stronger! Think about all the gay men and women who married into a straight relationship but ended up getting divorced because they were so unhappy. I'm not saying the divorce rate would go down, but I am saying that it couldn't hurt.

I think what gets me the most about the opposition to gay marriage is the fact that so many people are afraid of how it would impact their lives. The thing is...IT WOULDN'T. If Jim and Kate from Maryland decide to get hitched, it doesn't affect every person in the nation. So why would it be any different if Jim wanted to marry John and Kate wanted to marry Lucy?? The people that are affected when two people get married, are those two people. Sure family and friends are involved, but only if the couple wants them to be. The only difference to the public  between a couple and a married couple is a ring, but to the two individuals in the relationship that ring means everything. 

The bottom line is simple, there should be no debate. This is a simple matter of letting two people who love each other, no matter the sex, marry should they choose to do so.