Balancing the Scales of Equality
While developing the Constitution of the United States, the
document that is the cornerstone of American life, the Founding Fathers proved
themselves to be true visionaries. This document, through the hundreds of
years since its origination, has been used to develop, or re-define, the laws
that govern this great land. There have also been instances where this
document has been used to force change, and these changes have made limitless
impacts upon the landscape of modern America. This change has not been
accomplished, however, without struggle, and it is within these struggles
that the formation of policies to ensure equal rights for all Americans has
occurred. With each battle for equal rights there is another looming on
the horizon, and the most recent campaign is the fight for marriage
equality. Some are calling this the “new civil rights movement.” The
right to marry the person that one loves is the right of every citizen.
Most dissenters disagree based on religious views, for others it is about
tradition, but marriage to the person of one’s choice is protected by this
time-honored document that has the temerity to propose that all Americans are
ensured the right of the "pursuit of happiness."
Religion
dates back to the beginning of time, as does marriage. Many people argue that
gay marriage goes against the “biblical definition” of marriage, but this
argument defeats itself because most marriages in biblical times consisted of
numerous wives and concubines. Concubines were basically sex slaves. This
behavior, in present times, is illegal and grounds for divorce. Other religious
zealots declare that homosexuality is an abomination. Upon deeper study of the
scriptures, it is quickly found that if one eats pork, shellfish, or wears
cotton blend clothes then they too are an abomination. These biblical facts are
easily overlooked due to the fact that most Americans have consumed shrimp or
bacon while wearing an abominable t-shirt.
Traditionally, marriage has been between
a man and a woman, but marriage is about love, not gender. It is this love that
is the foundation of marriage. Two
people who genuinely love one another should have the opportunity to solidify
that love with a legal commitment. Anyone who has ever truly loved someone
knows that love is blind. Love sees no flaw, hears no wrong, and knows no
gender. Love has the ability to not only cross the lines of tradition, but to
create new traditions as well. Love is the greatest tradition of all.
Marriage
is not a privilege; it is a legal right. According to the Constitution, “all
men are created equal, and they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.” The argument of marriage equality should end right there, but it
does not. Somehow people think that if a person is gay then they no longer fall
into the “all men are created equal” category, and they no longer have the
right to the “pursuit of happiness.” These unalienable rights, which literally
means not separated or taken away, are not applicable to gay couples. This is
an oxymoron. It is unconstitutional to deny anyone, gay or straight, the right
to marry the person whom they choose.
Marriage
is a beautiful thing regardless of the genders represented. It showcases two
people who are in love joining their lives together. Not only is marriage
beautifully symbolic, but it also binds two people together legally. It is the
legal contract, not the religious ritual that makes it possible for someone to be
entitled to his or her spouse’s Social Security benefits along with other legal
rights. It is not about gay marriage or straight. It is simply about equality.
Although some States have legalized gay marriage, it is still not recognized
federally. This tips the scales of equality, and leaves gay couples “equal but
separate.” It is time for a change. It is time to balance the scales of
equality, and go back to the traditions of this Country’s foundation, and live
according to the Constitution.
Just Bb
