So This Is My Response to this article that I read on http://www.sethandray.com/page/2/ entitled "Do Gay People Understand Us? and in general to the passage of Proposition 8 in California, (the state I currently reside in), and the discriminatory constitutional marriage amendments in Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida.
Let me first say that in a time when I should be celebrating the great victory of President-elect Obama, I am not because I am deeply saddened by the passage of these three constitutional amendments that I believe to be deeply rooted in homophobia, bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance. Moreover I am confidently under the belief, although I do not profess to be a Constitutional law scholar, that Proposition 8 specifically, will once again be overturned by the State Supreme Court or the U.S. Supreme Court due to its unconstitutional nature. Additionally, I am furthermore confident in this because the President-elect, who is a Constitutional law scholar, publicly said that this law was discriminatory and divisive himself and was not in support of it due these reasons among others.
So with that said let me begin my commentary. For much of my life I was raised in a traditional Southern Christian family with core middle-class values that many Americans will probably relate to. We went to church every Sunday and Bible Study on Wednesdays. With regard to this issue, I was always taught in church and in my family that homosexuality was immoral. The children in my neighborhood and at school, the hip-hop music that we listened to, the media in general, and just about everyone else also reaffirmed this. I say all of this to preface my personal beliefs and to let it be known that I do understand where those beliefs are rooted and derived. However, through my personal experiences, as a student of History and through my studies I have come to understand that the issue of same-sex marriage is larger than religious beliefs, personal values, or moral teachings. It's quite simply an issue of equality.
Although as an African American I strongly respect what my elders did during the Civil Rights Movement as well as what my ancestors did throughout the history of this nation, and as such must acknowledge the distinct differences between that and the Gay Rights Movement, I must draw comparisons between them because the causes of each movement are rooted in the same spirit of hate. For much of the history of this country, gays and lesbians have been violently persecuted for simply being different and whether you believe this was a choice or not, violent persecution is wrong. Gay bashing, hate crimes, derogatory slurs, family nonacceptance, religious excommunication, denial of basic rights, and the list goes on and on are un-American. They are the true threats to this democracy and threats to our values. This to me spells out terrorism, discrimination, injustice, and inequality, all day and all night and if you do not see it then you need to put on some glasses or something!
Before we are gay or straight, whether you believe you chose to be either or not, we are human, we are Americans, and in the United States of America, the law of the land, which as I understand it to be, is our United States Constitution, interpreted by the Supreme Court. It is explicitly spelled out in clear English that we are all created equal with unalienable rights, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those who advocate same-sex marriage are not advocating that their actions be tolerated by the majority. Quite frankly if you do not agree with same-sex marriages then it would be in your best interest not to get one. This issue has nothing to do with whether or not folks approve of the "actions, lifestyles, etc." of the LGBT community. That is of the least of concern. This issue is about liberty and justice for all.
The laws of this country must apply to everyone equally, not just gays, lesbians, and trans-gendered people, but women, those with special needs, and other minorities and the same thing applies to the issue of marriage. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he said that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." People have to understand this if nothing else. Bottom line this issue is about fear and division. Many Americans are fearful of these times and they have every right to be. Our country is headed in the wrong direction in just about ever conceivable way possible.
Nevertheless, the answer is NOT to become further divided over issues of relatively little or no importance. Same-sex marriage is not the same as polygamy, or underage marriage, or any other ADULT relationship and does not seek to replace "traditional marriage." It is not about the best interests of children either! Many children are raised by single parents, AND GET THIS...gay parents too, and even no parents at all and turn out fine. Same-sex parents that can provide a loving, stable home for children should not and cannot be denied this BASIC RIGHT. This would do more harm to children than anything.
Lastly, same-sex marriage will not and cannot undermine anyone's values. Everyone can and will still have their beliefs, and regardless of what those are, it is not the place of the government or the law to take sides. The law must protect and recognize everyone in the same way. We have to come together and treat each other with compassion and respect regardless of our values. We cannot continue to demonize each other and expect that we can solve bigger issues like global poverty, world hunger, and social injustice.
Our society is changing and evolving and becoming more diverse like societies tend to do. We are a nation of many people and we are nation of ideals and values that cannot be sacrificed regardless of our religious foundation. It is time to progress and the Obama Administration will signal in a new era of tolerance and hope. It is imperative that we all get on board.
Please people educate yourselves on the issues. Research a variety of viewpoints and perspectives and try to learn the facts about this issue. It is so sad that this measure passed barely due to deception and shady marketing techniques. I truly hope that Californians and Americans in general wake up and truly began to arm themselves with knowledge and leverage their power. God bless America.
RKNJ
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