Equality for all Includes the Rights of Gays (Achtung Baby!)

“...I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone!" ~ Sean Penn, Oscar acceptance speech for MILK

Last week the rights of same sex marriage in California gained worldwide attention with Proposition 8 which was challenged by a lawsuit brought by two same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco. They charged that the California state constitution was an unlawful infringement on the civil rights of gay men and lesbians. Proposition 8 includes the clause "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California" (as of November 5, 2008). The federal judge in the case overturned California's gay marriage ban last week with strong words, stating “"Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to deny rights to gay men and lesbians. The evidence shows conclusively that Proposition 8 enacts, without reason, a private moral view that same-sex couples are inferior to opposite-sex couples." This ruling holds the potential for significant repercussions, which could likely force the U.S. Supreme Court to confront the question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage.

All I can say is, “it is about time!” While I am a heterosexual, who is not effected directly by the rights of gays, I believe in equality and feel that this issue is important to us all! Fortunately, in Canada, same-sex marriage is legal. In fact Canada was the fourth country in the world and the first country in the Americas to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. And this makes me a proud Canadian.

I believe that love sees no colour, race, creed or gender. That is what makes Love truly the greatest virtue. It is without judgment. It’s honest, pure and comes from the deepest part of our soul. For many people marriage is one of the greatest expressions of Love. It is a tragedy when the government or another comes between two people’s desire to express their love, through the union of marriage.

It wasn’t so long ago when interracial marriages were frowned upon and even illegal. The many bigots that once existed seem to have vanished with time or behind closed doors. Shame now exists in those who once held those narrow and racist views. It is not socially acceptable to be a racist. Yet, having prejudice views concerning gays is tolerated. In fact, it’s there in subtle statements people will make, such as “That’s so gay.” How is this okay??? Really! Knock it off! It’s time to start celebrating individuality, diversity and people being true to who they are instead of confining people to incredulous rules.

Supporter of authenticity,
Nicole