jmc

The gay rights movement continue to be a hot-button topic as we push our way into 2013. I find it difficult to believe that the United States is lagging behind in its equality laws. Slowly but surely, acceptance for people of all sexual orientations is becoming a reality across our country; unfortunately however, there is still strong opposition to the inevitable force of equal rights. I believe that gay equality, especially in our nation, should be not a question. The founding principles of American life and the pursuit of the American dream should not be contained to those who choose a certain lifestyle over the other.
From gay marriage to refusal of service in businesses across 32 states (North Carolina being one of them), people of the LGBT community are being opposed in nearly every frontier of their everyday commute. Last year, Amendment One passed with a 61% vote for the amendment, putting the nail in the coffin for gay marriage hopefuls in NC. But for what reason was such legislation backed by the majority of NC's voting community? The two opposing sides resemble similar disputes as the ones seen during the passing of interracial couples.
Those who oppose gay equality typically root their reasons in religion; however, their arguments can not be considered valid on legislative grounds in the United States because our nation does not identify with a specific religion.
For example, if a group of Christians calls one person's marriage invalid because it does not follow their faith's guidelines—does that mean that heterosexual marriages who identify with Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish traditions becomes just as invalid? It seems that those who argue with their religion straw-pick who deserve marriage. Furthermore, in the wake of scandal in the Catholic church one may begin to wonder if the morality of anti-gay groups can hold a candle to themselves.
Some may argue that same-sex couples cannot raise a child on the same standards as a traditional family could. Research has shown that same-sex couples who raise children are typically healthy, normal kids even with the societal pressures these family face. What is the “traditional marriage” anyways? Marriage rituals has predated history and I find it ironic to segregate the title of marriage in a country developed on the idea of freedom of expression.
Humorously, same-sex relationships are often ridiculed for going against the essence of life and nature. I would offer any supporters of this ideology to take grandpa off his medication, throw away the car, and ditch the air conditioning because, as we all know, us humans are concerned with our relationship with natural law and order. To further the irony, the majority of African-American voters vote in favor of legislation like amendment when their parents and grandparents fought their own civil rights war against similar arguments from white supremacists.
With court cases working their way down the pipeline to be seen by the supreme court this year, 2013 may be marked down in history as a year of progression and tolerance. I urge those who are on the fence about gay rights to look at the issue from all perspectives. Do you believe it's right to limit the rights of others based on personal beliefs and religious affiliation? Can the pursuit of happiness be limited to those who align themselves with one specific religion? These questions and more must be considered before heading to the polls the next time civil rights are brought to light.

-mention a quote
-ways Americans sin everyday