Greetings friends. I hope this new blog post from my life finds you doing well. It amazes me how busy life gets and how little time we take sometimes to stop and breathe. To stop and smell the flowers and think about the little things.
Anyway, the point of this blog to get some things off my chest that I think need to be said and probably heard. I have had this on my mind for a while and have struggled with this issue but it's about to get good so grab some popcorn and get ready for an adventure.. ;)
America, the land of opportunity, is known to be the freest country on Earth today. However, I believe there is some debris causing for all of us to truly be free.
Over the past few weeks, The United States Supreme Court is hearing a case about marriage equality. The outcomes of this case could really affect social and judicial acceptances in our country. Many people have changed their profile pictures on Facebook to red equal signs to show support for this movement (I being one of them) and I'd like to tell you what I think about the subject.
One of the greatest parts of our country is the ability to think and have opinions and beliefs that are different from others. That's was makes us such a beautiful country: difference. In this difference, people really need to learn acceptance. As a young Christian, I was always raised that marriage is sacred bond between a man and woman. But now as an adult in college, I have come to realize that the bible does not talk about gay marriage at all. I know I know. The goto verse in Levitcus does say "A man should not lie with another man like he does with a woman" BUT, I say to you. Is God not about Love?
From a more secular perspective, I believe the country was founded on the ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by Godly men. But the whole notion of separation of church and state seems to be an underlying issue in today's argument about this very subject. Beliefs and legislation should not be together, they should not be intertwined, and they should definitely not be one in the same. The freedom of speech and religion are 2 completely separate entities. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. But I draw the line at making laws that basically say "My opinion is right" because even if you are not meaning to say it, that is what is happening. People should have the right to choose who they want to marry and love, no matter what anyone believes. I strongly support the right of choice in our free country, even if I don't agree with the outcome. Because that's what makes our country great and ultimately, allows for the individual to be happy. Basically, I support marriage equality because love is blind by color and gender and just because I believe something does not mean someone else should not be able to pursue a legal sanction that would make them right.
Speaking of legal sanctions, People argue that gay men and women have other statuses other than marriages they can enter in to (civil unions for example) But this is not a valid solution because it is not equal. Marriages provide a level of tax breaks, insurance help, and so many more benefits that unions do not provide. There are numerous cases found where because a gay couple was not married, the health insurance would not cover the partner. That's absurd in my mind. Love and relationships should be celebrated and given every opportunity possible, no matter the sex of the couple.
I'm the farthest from an English major or "flowy" writer you may find but I hope this blog has made you think. Why should your believes affect the actions, opportunities of others? Allowing them to get married as 2 men or women deeply in love is going to affect you how? Just because you are offended, does not mean you are in the right. They deserve to be happy or unhappy in marriage just like any heterosexual couple does. I hope our leaders of our country can see that in the times today, with what I would call a strong backing by the constitution, that gays have right.
NOH8 is an organization dedicated to equality and rights to all and that's what we need as not only Americans but as Humans.
I also believe that education and not being ignorant are important in any battle so here are some sources you may find useful. I'd be happy to talk to anyone about this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOH8_Campaign
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prop_8
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-jefferson/bible-gay-marriage_b_886102.html
God Bless and reflect on what you believe. I support your right to believe what you want but I do not support taking or preventing others from believing what they want and being happy.
