This past week, every news outlet has been buzzing with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent hearings on the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8. This could be a defining moment for the current court, but more importantly it could finally bring equality of marriage to all. There are three main points to be made in favor of upholding the Defense of Marriage Act: states’ rights, the moral fiber of the country and the consequences of same-sex marriage.
The states’ rights argument is probably the most valid point those against same-sex marriage can make. This simply means every state has a right to vote on whether or not they will legalize same-sex marriage. Many do not want a blanket regulation from the federal government. This problem is similar to a problem the Roe v. Wade case faced. But without a uniform regulation of marriage, a great shift will be seen in population dynamics, depending on a state’s policy on marriage.
The most ridiculous argument in this whole fiasco is that the “moral fiber” of the country would be harmed if same-sex marriage were generally accepted. A very simple solution to this so-called problem is this: It does not matter what it says in the Bible if it does not say it in the Constitution. Protesters love to have signs with Bible verses stating the evils of homosexuality all over them . However, the Bible also states you should not wear blended fabrics or get tattoos. If the United States wants to ban same-sex marriage on these religious principles, it better be prepared to ban anything contrary to the literal translation of the Bible. This, obviously, is implausible.
A second point of this “moral fiber” debate which is, so strangely, still brought up is what happens to children raised in same-sex homes. I can see this being a question in the minds of the court forty years ago. This does not mean I believe homosexuality is this new thing, but instead that it became a more open lifestyle in the past few decades. There have been hundreds of social studies over these decades observing the effects of same-sex couples raising children. Here’s the kicker: There aren’t any different effects. Children raised in same-sex homes are indistinguishable developmentally than those raised in heterosexual homes.
Many talking heads have voiced concerns of “an increase in homosexual families” because it would become more mainstream. Here is exactly what is going to happen if same-sex marriage becomes legal, and listen closely — those wanting to marry someone of the same sex will get married. That is it. The sky is not going to turn purple, your wife will not want to marry the family pet and children will not grow up any more confused than the rest of us.
Regardless of one’s feelings on homosexuality, it should be acknowledged to some extent that personal feelings should not interfere with an entire group’s civil liberties due to sexual orientation. If you do not think marrying someone of the same sex is morally right, do not marry someone of your own sex. This outdated concept of imposing beliefs upon an entire population is no longer acceptable.
The approval rating of same-sex marriage is at an all-time high at about 53 percent. This is the time to set precedent and make history that all United States citizens should be able to marry whomever they want. Your sexual orientation should not determine whether or not you are entitled to the same benefits as anyone else. This is a concept the Supreme Court must embrace.
