This is a monumental and long-overdue decision on the part of the courts. Finally, the principle that all people are created equal is being acknowledged and enforced. Finally, truly, we will have liberty and justice for all.
But certain special interest groups are already trying to get an initiative on November’s ballot that would put an anti-same-sex-marriage clause in the state’s constitution.
According to the New York Times, they have already submitted petitions with over a million signatures to the state government. It is mind-boggling that people are still trying to prevent gay couples from getting married; arguments against same-sex marriage are flimsy at best.
Some evangelicals have proclaimed same-sex marriage a sign of the impending end of the world. But the Netherlands, Spain, Canada and Belgium have allowed same-sex marriage for a few years now. And as long ago as 1989, Denmark recognized same-sex unions. So far, the four horsemen of the apocalypse have not come stampeding down on any of them.
Matt Barber, the policy director for cultural issues for “Concerned Women for America,” described same-sex marriage as “counterfeit.”
“We know it’s in the best interest of children to be raised with a mother and a father. To use children as guinea pigs in radical San Francisco-style social experimentation is deplorable,” Barber told CNN in a written statement.
Yes, some studies have shown that children who come from a home with a mother and a father end up better-off. But in a country where one-third of all children in the U.S. are born to single mothers, we can hardly legally condemn same-sex marriage on the grounds that it will deprive children of having a mother and a father when there are so many children already growing up that way ““ and still turning out fine.
Also, legalizing same-sex marriage is not directly about children. It is about two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives married to one another.
In response to outraged religious groups, there is no denying anyone has the right to disagree with a law that goes against his or her beliefs. But this country was founded on the division of church and state, and people must remember that.
The ban will be officially removed 30 days after the ruling passed. Naturally, if this leads to more wedding ceremonies ““ which cost $28,732 on average ““ all of this merriment may help boost the economy.
No one is forcing anyone to have a same-sex marriage, attend a same-sex marriage or even RSVP “Thank you, but no” to a same-sex wedding invitation. They are just putting it out there as an option, and anyone who wants one can now have one.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement saying he would uphold the court’s ruling and would not support an amendment to the state constitution that would overturn the decision.
If special interest groups do manage to get their marriage-ban initiative onto the ballot this fall, Californians who support equality must make sure to uphold the state’s ruling by going out and voting.
In the meantime, we should be proud of our state for taking this progressive measure and applaud the state Supreme Court for tackling this thorny issue.