A small percentage of our society is not so fortunate. They are free to co-habitate, to form their own unions, but the State refuses to recognize it. Insurance companies recognize it. Those heartless corporate monstrosities that are the bane of our society (according to the State) grant the same privilege of shared coverage to unions regardless of whether or not the State recognizes them.
What is the problem? The problem is that a majority of people are unnerved by homosexuality. They feel it detracts from our society in some way. It is somehow immoral and permissive in a way that damages the rest of us. All of this may be true (though I doubt it), but do not forget my first lesson: Freedom is supreme.
What harm to you if a homosexual couple can file a joint tax return? What harm to you if a homosexual couple can file a joint bankruptcy, receive survivor benefits, or simply be recognized for the love and devotion they show each other?
Perhaps there is a misconception. No one, at least not that I've heard, is demanding that churches be forced to perform Christian Marriage ceremonies for homosexual couples (though if they did, I do not think God would mind). All that is asked is that the union be granted the same rights as that of any other civil union in this country.
Don't get me wrong. I support your freedom to disagree, I support your freedom to discriminate if that's what you choose to do. I just hope that our society will visit upon you the consequences such actions deserve.
This weekend, while out for a drive, I drove by a small protest of sorts. A group of people had gathered on a street corner holding signs. Gay marriage is bad. Marriage = 1 man 1 woman. Honk if you opposed Senate Bill blah blah blah. I didn't hear any honks. I considered honking, but only to draw their attention to my middle finger, but no. Let them protest, let them express their opinions. They are free to do as they will. I pray that we may all be free to live and love as we see fit.
Going into this weekend, I count myself the most fortunate of men. I am marrying my best friend. I'm a bundle of nerves and anticipation. What few doubts there have been are erased at her smile and cease to exist at her touch. I wish you all the same peace and love and joy that I feel, and of course, the same freedoms that I enjoy and more.
Congrats on your upcoming Marriage, I'm very happy for your both!
ReplyDeleteI think the argument that allowing gay marriage creates social disorder is exactly the opposite. Allowing gay Americans to marry will actually CREATE social order.
I realize not all Christians are against gay marriage. It seems to be the Christians that are most easily manipulated (and Christians don't have the monopoly on fanaticism), the poor and disenfranchised. Angry and hurt people are easy to manipulate. The best way to do this is to switch the focus away from reality (a poor economy, poor financial decisions, substance abuse) and have a scape goat. They gays, the Jewish, the "radical Muslims" - just pick one, speak/scream loudly and people with not a lot of education, money or resources will follow your message, regardless of how misguided or false it is.
I couldn't agree more, but my POV is that freedom creates order.
ReplyDeleteEverything comes with a slant these days. The news, education, the speech on the Senate floor, they're all slanted one way or another. "Just the facts" died with Dragnet.
Perhaps we should be asking, "Why do we seek government approval for marriages of any type?" The right to freely enter into private contracts is a natural right, not one conferred by government and as such should not require special approval.
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