I have often been asked my opinion on “gay marriage.” First off, I hate that phrase. How about instead we say “marriage, including gay people”? You see, when it's phrased as “gay marriage” it sounds like some special kind of marriage — and it's not. It is a commitment between two people, which gives each person in the relationship responsibilities and rights concerning property, finances, and health care.
Some people find the phrase “civil union” more acceptable, but there's a major flaw in this phrase: not every state recognizes it. And even in the states that do recognize civil unions, such as New Jersey, many couples are still being denied access to their employer's benefits for their spouse.
I accept, though I disagree with, religious beliefs against marriage of two gay persons. I do not accept that anyone's religious beliefs have any bearing on my civil rights. Some religions think women should not drive cars, and Americans have voiced outrage at such an idea. Yet how is that any different than a religious belief banning me from marrying my partner?
For an excellent description of the real flaws in the concept of civil unions, check out AlterNet.org.
3 comments:
I am for anything that equalizes the rights and privileges of marriage as long as it doesn't force churches to marry homosexuals if they don't believe in it. I don't agree with their beliefs, but I have to be just as harsh on separation of church and state on both ends. Why would they want to be married in a church that doesn't accept them anyway.
Because of the importance of separation of church and state, churches will never be forced to recognize gay marriage, and they shouldn't be.
But, the word “marriage” is also a government sanctioned institution which enables the spouses to make joint decisions affecting their lives. Of course the big topic in the news is health benefits, but it also affects all aspects of your life as a couple — imagine not being able to visit your gravely ill spouse in the hospital when they say “friends and family only” because you are not recognized as family.
Nobody wants to force churches to do anything on this. All we want is our full civil rights and responsibilities as American citizens.
The civil rights movement will not be a true success until the equal rights of all are guaranteed. Why should the gender of a spouse determine whether or not one gets tax benefits, be considered an parent of a child, visitation in the hospital, etc.?
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