The day of the same-sex marriage is still on its way [View All]

[FreeState]

Excellent editorial out of New Hampshire

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091108/OPINION/911080316/-1/NEWSMAP

The day of the same-sex marriage is still on its way
Opinion
November 08, 2009 2:00 AM

Those who voted down the Maine law permitting same-sex marriage on Tuesday say they did so to preserve the institution of marriage. The sad reality is that they have actually made their sacred institution weaker, not stronger.

My dream marriage to my fantasy girl wouldn't have suffered a millisecond of damage if Question 1 had been rejected. But today it feels tainted because we know what we have — and what we too often take for granted — is being denied to people every bit as valued and worthy as we would like to think we are.

Frankly, I'm kind of disgusted that other people have the legal authority — if not the moral superiority — to dictate who may marry whom. I don't need the approval of a busybody neighbor to marry the cute chick across the street. No one else should either.

There were many thousands who voted to repeal the gay marriage law because of deeply held beliefs. You have to respect that. And there are a few people who simply voted out of hate. There's not much you can do about that.

...snip... (go read this part -its worth it!)

The total wasn't enough this time around, but it's safe to say support for gay couples is evolving. We cast our ballots Tuesday because at this late date in history it's ridiculous to stand by in the midst of such blatant discrimination. This is an issue of equality, pure and simple.

I might get in trouble for saying this, but I can't quell this feeling there may be some who don't perceive homosexuals as their equals. Maybe it stems from this notion that certain people feel they have a right to decide whether fellow citizens are worthy of marriage. Well, if there's any confusion, I'd like to take this moment to clarify:

Being straight does not make you superior. Being self-righteous does not make you right. And the citizens you are trying to nudge into a darkened corner will not be silenced tonight or any other night.