By now, everyone has heard about the upcoming Supreme Court
hearings regarding marriage equality. Tomorrow California’s Proposition 8 will
be contested, and on Wednesday the Defensive of Marriage Act, or DOMA, which
defines marriage as being solely between a man and a woman, will be challenged
on the basis of federal benefits given to married couples. Naturally everyone
has a passionate opinion on this issue, and Washington has been buzzing about
the impending hearings for weeks. Protestors from both sides have been camping
outside the capital, ready to make their voices heard.
As
a recent NPR article points out, many influential politicians who voted for DOMA
now want the law overturned. Even former President Clinton, who originally
signed DOMA wants to see it reversed. All 15 sitting Democratic senators who
originally voted for DOMA in 1996 now oppose it. It is certainly amazing how
quickly the American people (and the world) have come to accept marriage
equality, or at the least, civil unions, within the past 17 years. One could
argue that this has become a party issue—with Democrats overwhelmingly in
support of gay marriage, while Republicans remain in favor of DOMA. However, it
seems to be more likely for a Republican to be in favor of gay marriage versus
a Democrat against the idea, further proof of changing American attitudes
towards this sensitive issue. Even Fox News recently reported that the gay
marriage issue is diving the Republican Party—and it certainly is.
As Reuters reported, Republican Senator
Rob Portman of Ohio recently made headlines for changing his position on gay
marriage after learning his son was gay. His declaration that he wants each of
his children, including his gay son, to enjoy the love and commitment of
marriage is certainly heartwarming to supporters. However, Senator John McCain
remains staunchly in favor of DOMA despite having a gay daughter.
I
believe the need for equality will override politics, and it is my hope that
the Supreme Court will agree tomorrow and Wednesday. Considering that
inter-racial marriage only became fully legal in 1967 (due to a Supreme Court
ruling, no less) marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples only seems
imminent. If not this week, another time in the near future will provide
marriage equality for all citizens, regardless of sexual identity.
References:
Lynch, Sarah N., and Kim Palmer. "Republican Senator with Gay Son Now Backs Gay Marriage." Reuters. N.p., 15 Mar. 2013. Web.
Roth, Zachary. "Gay Marriage Showdown at Supreme Court." MSNBC. N.p., 25 Mar. 2013. Web.
Welna, David. "They All Voted for DOMA, But Now These Senators Are Split."NPR. N.p., 23 Mar. 2013. Web.
"Supreme Court Tackles Gay Marriage, as Advocates Line Up for Historic Argument." Fox News. N.p., 24 Mar. 2013. Web.
6 comments:
I hope that the Supreme Court would give the right for gay and lesbian couple to get married. I think that the majority of the American population wants to see this happening. As noted in the Post it very interesting to see how the society had change their mind for a short time. however, even politician changed. I was surprised to see that some of the Democrat Senators who voted for DOMA they want to change it including the former President. While the majority of republicans still oppose same sex marriage, I think that for the best of their interest they should accept same sex marriage for many reasons. First, republican would have more supporters and most importantly, the republican need to support the constitute which I think gives the right for people to marry whoever they want.
I enjoyed reading you post, I also touched upon the issue of gay marriage this week. It really is fascinating to see how something that once defined a party is now dividing it. Things really have happened so quickly and I commend Americans for that. Either way, it is going to be interesting to see what approach the Republicans will take in the years to come.
Thanks to NH passing a law on that allows same sex marriage one of my cousins is happily married. This coming summer I get to see my older sister get married. To me marriage is about honor and commitment to someone you love. By allowing same sex marriage across the country may decrease the divorce rate that is at 50%. As things stand many people feel forced to marry someone from the opposite sex. One reason is to fit into society which creates a marriage domed to fail.
I agree Ashley, I think that it is only a matter of time before gay marriage is legal for all. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
I have to agree with the other comments, in my opinion as far as marriage should be equal with out that people are lost with important benefits, some as important as seeing a love one in the hospital. That is ridiculous.
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