The legalization of gay marriage finally became more than a thought May 15 by the California Supreme Court’s ruling. While some celebrated on the streets, others shook their heads in disapproval. While some couples made immediate plans to say “I do”, others vowed to fight against the ruling.

This country has a history of discrimination against the homosexual community, and many have parallel views relating to marriage vows between those of the same sex. This discrimination is wrong.



Those close-minded individuals who cannot accept those they deem as “different” need to broaden their horizons and understand it is something that will not go away, legal or not. Legalizing gay marriage is a big step in the right direction for California because it gives gay and lesbian people the rights they deserve.

There are those who believe a marriage is only defined as a sacred union between a man and a woman: a sacred union in which both husband and wife agree to care for each other for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer. Does that mean those people also believe that a man should not be able to promise these things to another man, or a woman to another woman?

Throughout history, our nation has always had harsh reactions to situations we are not used to. Fifty years ago, inter-racial relationships were frowned upon and judged as “unnatural” and “immoral.” Things have progressed since then. What’s to say that this similar prejudice will not be eliminated in the near future due to the open-mindedness of America’s youth?

The United States has always prided itself on its democratic views, its offer of opportunity, and its claim that all men and women are equal. Yet, in turn, we also suppress those who only desire what we already offer so many.

Homosexuality has existed since the beginning of time, and it needs to be accepted in society. No law in the state, nor in the country, can suppress the immense feeling that is love; whether it be between a heterosexual or homosexual couple.

Any human being who has ever experienced love understands the entirely vital need to be with someone, regardless of who they are or what gender they were born as.

These feelings need not be filtered just because some would find another’s life preference not compatible to their own. Despite the fact that some would claim that homosexuality is strange or abnormal, love is absolutely beautiful, and thrives on this Earth in all forms.

Homosexual couples deserve the same marital rights as everyone else. They were created the same way, on the same Earth, and composed of the same vital organs. Living, breathing, feeling beings. There is no reason to alienate them.

“It’s about human dignity. It’s about human rights. It’s about time in California. As California goes, so goes the rest of the nation. It’s inevitable. This door’s wide open now. It’s going to happen, whether you like it or not.”

These are the words of San Francisco Mayer Gavin Newsom, a straight man with the belief that all people deserve the same rights.

Even if homosexual marriage is made illegal again, it doesn’t mean that it will suddenly disappear. It won’t. So why are we wasting our passion on trying to hurt others? Shouldn’t we be trying to stop people from hating each other instead of telling homosexual people they cannot express their love?

This is our world, a world in which so many have defied the limits placed on us by society, this imperfect, infinite world which we can make better if only we learn a concept so many are taught in preschool: the concept of love and acceptance.

The golden rule: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. We need to embrace each other and our differences. We’re through accepting limits because someone says they’re so.

Sincerely,

The Sunshine Society