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The Observer Online
Equal rights should
be afforded all
By David Gasser,
Columnist observer.case.edu March 21, 2008
Same-sex marriage isn't something
most politicians want to talk about. Too often, Republicans use gay
marriage as a tool to divide people and promote intolerance, simply to win
elections. Not only is that disgraceful politics, it also represents an
injustice to millions of Americans. Denying so many citizens the basic
legal rights that come with marriage because of sexual orientation is wrong.
As Americans, we should be embracing equality, compassion, and family values –-
no matter what that family looks like.
Equal protection of the laws is afforded to every citizen by our constitution.
As a society based upon the equal treatment under the laws, no citizen should be
relegated to second-class status. This broad concept may be difficult to
apply in many circumstances, but the implication for marriage laws should be
obvious. Our federal and state governments should recognize legal marriage
rights for every person, regardless of sexual orientation. This isn't
about preferences; we don't choose who we love. It's about being able to
fulfill one of life's greatest gifts and basic human rights -– sharing your life
with another person.
Same-sex marriage is a difficult issue because it exists at the intersection of
religion and government. We should try to disentangle religion from the
legal rights ascribed to marriage. We all worship in our own way, but all
must live under the same laws. The legal benefits of marriage should be
granted to all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, through the same
civil union arrangements. Everyone, gay or straight, has the same legal
rights. Churches and religious leaders are then free to recognize or
ignore same-sex relationships and marriages without interference from the
government. They are free to preserve the sacred institution of marriage
as they see fit, without government interference. Not only does it satisfy
equal protection, it restores a degree of religious freedom.
Some may want to compromise and create civil unions for same-sex couples, but
also preserve the term and institution of marriage for straight couples.
Even though this battle over terminology seems a little superficial, words
matter. Separate is never equal. Obviously, the first priority is to
get the same legal rights and recognition for committed same-sex couples as
married couples. If that has to come in the form of dual institutions,
then I'm OK with that. It's a step in the right direction.
In a country where half the marriages end in divorce and too many children are
growing up with only one parent, we should be looking to expand and strengthen
this important institution. Committed same-sex couples would make up more
of the loving and dedicated families our country needs.
Even though gay rights remains one of the most contentious political topics of
our day, I am sure that affirming them in our government can be done
respectfully. I hope that as American culture becomes more tolerant, there
will be more opportunities for progress and less open hostility. Poll
after poll has confirmed that with each passing generation the stigmas and
stereotypes associated with being gay lessen and support for equal rights
increases. It is up to our generation to take advantage of this slow shift
and push for equality. I'm convinced that it will be one of our
generation's greatest struggles and one of its greatest accomplishments.
Vol XL, Issue 21
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