Should gay marriage be legal in the great state of Texas? The Majority of the voting block in Texas would probably agree that marriage is designated between a man and a woman, and would vehemently oppose the legislation which attempts to make this legal. However, there are mounting sums of people, both gay and straight, jumping on the band wagon to legalize it. Regardless of the opinion, the country is changing and most believe same sex marriage in the state of Texas is inevitable.
Since gay marriage was officially banned in Texas in 1997, many have wondered when their day at equal rights would come. Things continued to get worse as in 2003, even civil unions were banned. One could argue that its par for the course in Texas for old white republicans to be against anything that challenges the status quo. Unfortunately for those old white men, the year is 2014, and the tides are turning. Since May 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to allow gay marriage, slowly the other states have been following suit.
Lawsuit after appealed lawsuit, state after state, it has become clear that having any form of ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional. All these states that have become the stronghold for those that hope to retain a way of life more indicative of the old times, only now serve as a model to future generations of the hardheaded ignorant people, with beliefs that belong in the past. Most would agree that its only a matter of time until same sex marriage becomes the status quo, and that form of archaic discrimination is a thing of the past.
In the long run, those individuals in the Texas political chain that are the ones holding onto the ban of gay marriage, would be better off realizing that that belief system is futile. They may feel that doing so appeases their constituents, when what they are really doing is alienating an entire, typically affluent, voting block. When considering gay marriage, not taking into account politics, one could argue, “If you have such a problem with gay marriage, then don’t marry someone of the same sex!” In other words, being that gay marriage is a gay issue, and doesn't directly affect straight people, why should it matter to them that two people in love want the same right to enter holy matrimony just as Britney Spears had the right to her 55 hour marriage?
A same sex couple that is expecting a child by the end of March, now wishes for Texas to expedite the legal process so that they, by the birth of their child, will have the same legal ties to their child as any other expecting couple. Who in their right mind could object to something so plain and simple as basic human rights? Simply put; Those that have something to gain by opposing.
The plight of the gay community may not have been as extreme as that of the African Americans of the 1960’s, but they do share their similarities. They are both fighting for what they believe is right. Similarly, different parts of the country have come around to the idea of equal rights at different times as well. Texas will soon be forced to follow suit as the last 20 states make the switch to acknowledge gay marriage and gay rights. Hopefully for the residents of Texas, especially those that look back at this moment in Texas history, we aren't the last state to give equal rights to all its residents.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy colleague Mr. John Young presents a very compelling side to the ongoing issue as to whether or not the great state of Texas should make the switch and abolish the ban on same sex marriages its been so proudly rooted in for almost a decade now. It’s an issue that has been beaten to death, resurrected, and torn back down again by many.
ReplyDeleteAs for many Americans, the issue seems to be one that is surrounded by controversy at every turn. Should holy matrimony be shared among a man a woman solely? Is banning a civil union between two individuals who are in love against a person’s unconstitutional rights? No matter what the answers truly are, it’s always going to be up for debate. While others can care less whether or not two men or two women be bound together like any other heterosexual couple just as long as it doesn’t impede on their lifestyle. We could probably go as far as to say that maybe certain people look at the issue based on how they were brought up.
I agree with Mr. Young based on his point of view towards equality for same sex couples and their choice to get married. I believe that if ANY two-bodied souls love one another and is willing to be bonded together for eternity, then why not let them proceed in the right to be married. But that judgment isn’t up for me to decide, unfortunately its up to many court rooms that lag and drag their feet on the issue, all the while same sex couples in Texas live their lives with no real title to share a bond identified by the state. I too, hope that Texas isn’t one of the last states to “give equal rights to all its residents.”
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMr. Young provides, in my opinion, a valid and strong argument regarding the ban of same sex marriages in Texas. I enjoyed reading his blog largely in part to his detail and knowledge on this issue. It is clear from beginning to end that he believes everyone should have the same marriage rights, as do I.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, as Mr. Young points out, things are changing. We, as human beings, cannot expect to hold on to outdated and immoral beliefs that marriage is only to be aloud between man and woman. There are many religious folk that are against same sex marriage due to them tainting the sanction of a union under god. Excuse me for being blunt but I think the idiots that marry trees and buildings are who you should be worried about!
Marriage itself should be aloud to whomever feels they deserve it. Despite my earlier comment, if you want to marry a damn tree go for it! Same sex couples should have that same right, it is not for us to say they are worthy or not. I don't think it is possible for same sex couples to screw up the sanction of marriage any more than the straight couples already have, so have at it!