Yeah, it's Canadian, but it can be applicable to you all in the States
There have been numerous blogs concerning same-sex marriage both for and against it. I have read these articles with great interest and sorrow. It is saddening to see the stances that some people have against it, and for the reasons that they provide to defend their position.
Now, I am addressing this issue from a Canadian perspective. It is Canadian law that affects me, and I feel that I cannot wholly assert my opinion of what happens in the United States because it is not my officially recognized country. (Although, as an Aboriginal, our people do not have the same dividing lines, and so view the whole of North America as being part of our territory. But we won’t get into all of that…)
In Ontario, my province has allowed same-sex marriages to occur. Not civil unions, but marriages. It is one of the first countries to allow this to happen, for a myriad of reasons. You can read why at : http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2003/june/halpernC39172.htm
This decision addresses such concerns regarding human dignity:
this case is ultimately about the recognition and protection of human dignity and equality in the context of the social structures available to conjugal couples in Canada.
And why it pertains to this issue:
[4] The Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, also recognizes the importance of protecting the dignity of all persons. The preamble affirms that “the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. It states:
t is public policy in Ontario to recognize the dignity and worth of every person and to provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination that is contrary to law, and having as its aim the creation of a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person so that each person feels a part of the community and able to contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community and the Province;
[5] Marriage is, without dispute, one of the most significant forms of personal relationships. For centuries, marriage has been a basic element of social organization in societies around the world. Through the institution of marriage, individuals can publicly express their love and commitment to each other. Through this institution, society publicly recognizes expressions of love and commitment between individuals, granting them respect and legitimacy as a couple. This public recognition and sanction of marital relationships reflect society’s approbation of the personal hopes, desires and aspirations that underlie loving, committed conjugal relationships. This can only enhance an individual’s sense of self-worth and dignity.
[6] The ability to marry, and to thereby participate in this fundamental societal institution, is something that most Canadians take for granted. Same-sex couples do not; they are denied access to this institution simply on the basis of their sexual orientation.
But why marriage and not civil unions, as Brad Wardell suggested in his article here?
In the same decision, the following reasons were asserted:
Julie Erbland
I understand marriage as a defining moment for people choosing to make a life commitment to each other. I want the family that Dawn and I have created to be understood by all of the people in our lives and by society. If we had the freedom to marry, society would grow to understand our commitment and love for each other. We are interested in raising children. We want community recognition and support. I doubt that society will support us and our children, if our own government does not afford us the right to marry.
Carolyn Rowe
We would like the public recognition of our union as a “valid” relationship and would like to be known officially as more than just roommates. Married spouse is a title that one chooses to enter into while common-law spouse is something that a couple happens into if they live together long enough. We want our families, relatives, friends, and larger society to know and understand our relationship for what it is, a loving committed relationship between two people. A traditional marriage would allow us the opportunity to enter into such a commitment. The marriage ceremony itself provides a time for family and friends to gather around a couple in order to recognize the love and commitment they have for each other.
I could continue to quote this decision in response to many other arguments posted. However, the link is provided above; take the time to read it for yourselves and see if any of it is applicable from the position of the United States citizen and governing body.
My issue with those who oppose gay marriage is this: For those of you who continue to state that you are accepting of homosexuality but against the idea of marriage because the traditions of a super majority should be respected and protected, and that the majority should decide in this case, why be so apathetic? This is discrimination, regardless of the current state of Governmental law. Yes, the numbers are in favor, in the Unites States, of disallowing same-sex marriage. Currently.
However, if that is your only argument against it, why not do something about it? Why not show your support and help change people’s minds in favor for it? The reasons why traditions and norms of society exist today, is because a collective of people who defined North America had their own belief system already in process.
We know differently now. We know that not all religions are the same, and that one shouldn’t have total dominance over a society that includes many other cultures and belief systems. We know that by placing prejudice on a minority group and maintaining it, we are limiting their growth in society. By not taking a stand, even if it doesn’t affect you, you are perpetrating the same crimes of discrimination, maybe not in as hostile a way as some others do, but allowing it to continue could be considered to be just as bad.
Yes, I am in favor for it. I support those who have dreamed and wished to be seen as equal as any other couple in view of the law, and in view of society.