Balancing the Scales of Equality

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