Prop 8 Debate

So in case you have been in a hole somewhere for the last 24 hours, then let me fill you in: The Ninth Circuit upheld the lower courts ruling the Prop 8 is unconstitutional!!! This does not mean that there will be a sudden rush of same-sex marriages in California, as there is much more legal mumbo-jumbo that has to occur before its official. The ruling, however, is important nonetheless. It's a step in the right direction towards equal rights. Ironic that this ruling came down the same day that I wrote about the sanctity of marriage. Ironic that in an age of quicky marriages and divorces we deny people the same rights. I know plenty of same-sex couples who have been in committed relationships for longer than some marriages. Yet in our country we deny these people the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Sure you can argue that the Bible says marriage is a union between one man and one woman, but hello people this is the USA. Home of seperation of church and state. Marriage, although traditionally a union by the marriage, is now no more than a contract between two people and requires a license in most states. Basically, its a contract between two people and the state. This union, however, comes with certain rights, but only for heterosexual people. Same-sex couples who cannot marry are denied rights such as tax breaks, community property, visitation in hospitals, etc... In a country that claims to be the melting pot, the land of the free and home of the brave, we sure do hide behind traditional, conservative views sometimes. In a country that allows people to marry and divorce on a whim, yet denies people who love and care for each other the same union and rights. I am amazed by those who speak out against same-sex marriage, yet have been divorced several times, cheated on their wives/husbands, or even asked for open marriages (Newt Gingrich). "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." John 8:7.

Regardless of your views on same-sex couples, remember they are people too. Don't these couple deserve the same access to rights as others? It's time that our government and courts stopped hiding behind the guise of the 14th amendment and stand up for the rights of ALL people. I applaud the Ninth Circuit for having the gull to stand up and demand justice. Just my humble opinion. ~The Illegal Blonde