June 17 , 2008

Gay marriages began yesterday in California, and it was long overdue.

In May the California Supreme Court struck down a ban (4-3) opening the door for gay marriages to resume. Couples flocked to city halls statewide to take advantage of finally being allowed to legally recognize their committed relationships.

At the risk of pissing off any of my friends who are opposed to such things, it's ridiculous that this is even an issue.

"But Rob, gay people want special rights."

For years heterosexuals have been allowed to select and legally commit to their partners, while homosexuals were not given the same rights. Heterosexuals are the ones who have been enjoying "special rights."

"But Rob, gay marriages threaten the sanctity of the institution of marriage."

Last time I looked the divorce rate was at about 50%. So much for the sacred institution.

"But Rob, the bible says homosexuality is wrong."

Perhaps, but it also says that you should stone disobedient children, that men are worth more than women, and that slavery is OK. So, if merely being written in the bible makes something unquestionable, how come people aren't advocating that these things be absolute?

It continues to astonish me that people actually oppose gay marriage. Many people who oppose gay marriage support domestic partnerships that confer the same rights. It's the exact same thing, but with a different name. If you're OK with the concept, why do you care what it's called?

Unfortunately, it looks like there will be a ballot measure in November attempting to amend the State Constitution. It worries me that there are enough people who wish to impose their morals and beliefs on everyone that this will pass. I hope that common sense will win out, but I'm not optimistic.

If two people, regardless of sex, wish to legally make a committment to each other, what in the world does that have to do with anybody else? Absolutely nothing, that's what. My wife and I worry about our own marriage, the marriages of anybody else, gay or straight, have nothing to do with us.