Gay Couples in Washington Have Reason to Celebrate!

I was ecstatic to see that yet another state has passed legislation to legalize gay marriage. Washington is now among the 7 states to give gay couples in the U.S. the same rights as heterosexuals.

It’s funny, (well actually it’s not) but a friend of mine on FB posted the news and was sure to express his extreme disgust. He is a very "religious" man. Surprisingly so; but it’s amazing how much a person can change in 15 years or more. Needless to say, we had quite a debate about the subject. Thankfully, I had other’s chime in to support my argument.

What surprised me even more is that these so called “men of God” are completely against gay marriage, not because they have an effective legal argument to back up their statements (which, with my background you will not win… seriously), but because “the bible says so”. For some reason they truly believe that gay couples are some abomination and have no right to enter into such a “religious” institution.

Last I checked marriage was a legal institution. Marriage, legal separation and divorce have never been nor will they ever be, run by the church. The state courts dictate all of this. Ya know, that nifty little thing called separation of church and state? (but these folks have never heard of that let alone understand it). I guess it really makes me wonder how they think this affects them at all?

What boggles my mind even more is that these “men of God” (sarcasm) act as if two people of the same sex cannot have a loving and healthy relationship. They want to blame all of the sick twisted freaks out there on, wait for it… homosexuality, the Feminist movement, Hollywood, and a score of other things.

WTF? As if gay men and women (or people who support them), hold no morals, have no respect for themselves, and have no right to hold the esteemed title of a “husband” or a “wife” and they will teach their children to hate yours. And heaven forbid when the time comes we all have to answer to “their God”!

Gay men and women, we are all going to hell so be sure to save me a seat! If, as they say, we are the one's who have to answer to "God" individually, I ask again, why the fuck do you care so much?????

So, after having this huge debate last night, as exhausting as it was, it reminded me of the United States Supreme Court landmark case, Loving v. Virginia, way back in 1967. See, it used to be illegal for whites and blacks to marry until a mixed race couple fought for their rights. The law was found unconstitutional of course. Now HBO is releasing a movie documenting this powerful story. (One I must see!)

A lot of people would say that gay rights cannot be compared to what blacks have fought so hard for. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s about civil rights, human rights, it’s about everyone’s right to love who they want to love and be able to solidify that love in a legal contract and protect their families.

Back in 1967 I am sure many people thought the same things about Mildred and Richard Loving as they do now about gay couples. It is different to an extent, but it doesn’t change the fact that we are witnessing the next great civil rights movement. 

I just wish more people didn’t spew such hatred. I wish people weren’t so ignorant. And damn it, I really wish people would keep “God” out of it! Trust me when I say, if you feel you are any better than anyone, teach your children intolerance and hate, or think someone is going to hell for simply loving another person of the same sex (or support those who do), you are most certainly NOT a “man of God”.

One day, this issue may reach the highest court in our land. If it does, I am sure the court will determine that marriage is defined as simply “two people” who love each other.