"Equality, The Constitution, and Penguins"

Yeah, you read it right...



Lately there has been much discussion over the hot button issue of gay marriage. 6 states currently allow same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Due to a ballot referendum in Maine, the right to marry may be revoked; in New Hampshire, gay marriage will come into law on January 1st, 2010.

Progressive? Promising? Do we have a long way to go? Have we barely scratched the surface? Are those darn gays eroding the moral fiber of our nation? Is the nation going straight to hell, without passing go, or collecting our $200?

Depending on who you ask in this country, you’ll get all kinds of answers to those questions.

An April 2009 poll by ABC News found public support - 49% - for allowing same sex marriage in the United States ahead of its opposition - 46% - for the first time. Those with no opinion on the matter were at 5%. In addition, 53% believe that gay marriages performed in one state should be legally recognized in other states.

Among Democrats, 62% are in favor of gay marriage.

Among Republicans, 74% are opposed to gay marriage.

Among Independents, 52% are in favor of gay marriage.



Just for the record, I support the right of gay marriage and equality 100%. So here are my top ten reasons that gay marriage SHOULD be legalized nationally…

1. Denying homosexuals the right to marry is a violation of 1st Amendment religious freedom.(Traditional Judeo-Christian religious values of heterosexual marriage are imposed upon the gay community.)

2. Marriage benefits (such as joint ownership, medical decision-making capacity, spousal inheritance laws, etc.) should be available to all couples.

3. Homosexuality is a popularly accepted lifestyle with evidence proving biological causation. (Homosexuality is even observed in nature – I know you’ve seen those gay penguins…yeah)

4. Denying these marriages is an example of the tyranny of the political majority over the minority. Thomas Jefferson explains this essential principle of American democracy: “All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.”

5. This is the first time in the history of the United States that civil rights have EVER been legally taken away from a group of people as is the case of California and potentially Maine.

6. It has no effect on the rights of those who are against gay marriage. (The great Wanda Sykes says it best: “It’s very simple. If you don’t believe in same-sex marriage, then don’t marry somebody of the same sex”)

7. The only thing that should matter in a marriage is love and commitment.

8. Adoptions should increase since gay couples cannot procreate.

9. It reinforces family values for the homosexual community.

10. Denying people the right to live equally violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, as well as infringes upon their endowed right to pursue happiness.



Religious and conservative groups counter all of these arguments with nothing but huffing and puffing with their fire and brimstone about “family values” and Biblical rules on sexuality and marriage.

I know plenty of gay families, who have wonderful home lives and well adjusted, emotionally healthy children. Studies show that supportive, loving parents are necessary for their children’s healthy psychological development, and that gender and sexual orientation have no adverse effect.

And for the religious argument … “Freedom of Religion” does not give you the right to impose your beliefs on other people. Period. Separation of church and state is a core principle of our nation and should not be trampled upon.

In closing, I urge everyone to vote for equality if given the opportunity by referendum or initiative. Take into consideration your elected officials’ stances on gay rights. And remember that gay rights are unalienable HUMAN rights that our government cannot deny.

Homosexual people are not second class citizens.



Wanda Sykes on Gay Marriage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IHdaJOZe7E

Gay penguins!:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/06/gay-penguin-dads-in-german-zoo-hatch-chick.html



Organizations I Support

National Equality March:
http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=19

No H8 Campaign:
http://www.bouska.net/noh8/

Human Rights Campaign:
http://www.hrc.org/