california’s big gay wedding reception
by Cameron Contois
Published: May 19, 2008
In 2004, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized his county clerk to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, in opposition to a state ban on gay marriage. Newsom stated “I do not believe it’s appropriate for me, as mayor of San Francisco, to discriminate against people… And if that means my political career ends, so be it.”
Four years later, on Thursday, May 15th 2008, the California Supreme Court struck down the state ban on same-sex marriage. In the 120 page ruling, Chief Justice Ronald George wrote “we therefore conclude that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.”
And every homophobe in the country armed themselves for battle. The New York Times reports that George Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, flew to Dallas for a fund-raiser just hours after the ruling. See, Liberty Counsel is a Florida-based group ready to fight to the death to defend “traditional” marriage. Their agenda, along with many other gay-hating groups, is to amend the California Constitution: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California.” Apparently, this phrase tested well in focus groups.
Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, states that both sides will probably spend $10 to $20 million on this campaign. $10 to $20 million dollars will be spent trying to stop loving couples from getting married!
Some use the Bible to legitimize their opposition to same-sex marriage. Others, like the president of the United States, believe gay marriage will threaten the “most fundamental institution in our civilization.” Furthermore, many believe it will lead to polygamy and even bestiality. It will tear apart the very fabric of our society and plunge are great nation into ruin. The truth is, these arguments are based on nothing but fear, hate and prejudice.
Arguments using religion to justify the oppression of homosexuals are reminiscent of those who used the Bible to justify slavery. The bible says slavery is OK, so it must be. The bible says homosexuality is bad, so it must be illegal. Unfortunately for these people, the Constitution separates church and state.
I’ve never heard of any examples, let alone scientific evidence, that, in the history of the world, gay marriage has ever brought a society to ruin. I can’t cite even one example where a gay couple has caused an outbreak of polygamy or bestiality. That makes as much sense as arguing that straight marriage leads to people marrying llamas. The homophobes who try to draw these parallels simply use fear rhetoric to argue the absurd.
Some people want homosexual couples to accept civil unions, which would provide the same legal rights as marriage without using the word “marriage.” Although this seems like the most realistic way for homosexual couples to gain the equal marriage rights, there is still an inherent flaw. It is a separate but equal solution. Being separate doesn’t make one equal. By saying homosexuals are different perpetuates the homophobia already so ingrained in American society. It casts gays as the “other,” which leads to more prejudice and hate.
Why do I care so much about gay marriage? My best friend is a smart, amazing girl who makes me laugh whenever I’m down. She’s hard working and contributes to society. She also happens to be gay. Sometimes during friendly discussions, I’ll start talking about my dreams of marriage and children. I often catch myself and I end up glancing at her awkwardly. Deep down, we both know that under hateful laws, she cannot pursue those same dreams; these laws assert she is a second class citizen.
If this is a wedge issue, so be it. Mayor Newsom stood up and called the discrimination intolerable. Four years later, the California Supreme Court followed suit. Once everyone who is gay, who has a gay relative or friend, or who is simply sick of homophobia starts speaking out for equality, more people will follow. Oppressive and discriminatory laws are in opposition to everything the United States of America stands for, and must never be accepted.
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