Though this does not spell doom for nation-wide gay marriage. While there is a more traditionalist social backlash occurring at this time, international pressure from Europe and Latin America along with domestic gay activists and portions of the press have begun to squeeze the Supreme Court of the United States. With the pressure growing, it seems as though the Court will be forced to review the definition of marriage soon. A positive decision on the legality of gay marriage could result in the spread of equality in other nations, such as the United Kingdom.
I believe that the American government, no matter which branch or level is prompted into action first, will eventually do what is right and nationally legalize same-sex marriage. Though we remain an unequal society now, eventually there will be freedom nationwide for gays to marry and hold the same rights as heterosexual spouses.
If a state has adopted the legalization of gay marriage into its Constitution, then all of the specifications that come with the status of a heterosexual marriage should apply to same-sex couples as well. Love is love, no matter which two people are involved. Just as the color of someone's skin is no longer a major issue in relationships, gay couples should be nationally accepted as well. Since the couple from the article were legally married, it is not fair that the spouse from Venezuela may have to return back to his native country. We should not discriminate if the state has already accepted the marriage. In a way, it does not serve the full purpose of even becoming married in the first place. The issue of gay marriage is becoming more and more prominent everyday and the American government needs to take the necessary actions to address the change in modern society. We cannot ignore the fact that an increasing amount of citizens are expressing their love for others of the same sex. It is not like these thousands of people could ever disappear, so we should listen to their views and opinions and find a way to become more accepting. America should embody its beliefs of being a "nation of one" and prove its stance on equality by acknowledging the same-sex marriages within the nation and granting them more, if not the same, rights that a heterosexual couple would have.
ReplyDeleteThe discrimination that homosexuals face in an "equal" society is very disheartening, and to hear the story you described in your post is upsetting as well. Most of the legislation on gay rights is made based on prejudices instead of actual law. Some even use religion to justify the ban on same sex marriages. Although my religion has taught me that homosexuality is a sin, in a political and legal arena I can not use that to deny the rights of others. I think this is something that people should realize. Maybe the Supreme Court will consider this when reviewing gay marriage, but I seriously doubt it. It will take a lot more pressure to force them to crack. Hopefully one day, gays will be given all rights of US Citizenship and the stigma will be removed.
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