On the issue of gay marriage

Melissa Rangel’s article, “Is Gay Marriage Constitutional? Or Not?” is less about the question stated in her title and more about a critique on our nation’s refusal to evolve.  Her opinion that gay marriage should be constitutional is one that I couldn’t agree with more.  

At first glance, the issue appears to be the simple locking of horns based on discriminatory attitudes and narrow-mindedness, but the arguments for and against gay marriage extend further than that.  Those who oppose gay marriage cite religious reasons and argue against the effects it has on raising children.  On the other hand, those who are for it believe that regardless of sex or gender, marriage is a right that we should all have.  All valid viewpoints, of course, and thus it’s no surprise that this complicated issue remains contentious.  

Image Source: startribune.com

In response to those who oppose gay marriage for religious reasons - the condemnation of homosexuals have the right to exist within the realms of religious practice, but those beliefs and judgments belong strictly to those religions and should not interfere with the governing of a country and restrict the rights of other people.  

Also, our children are growing up in a modern world that’s ever-evolving and the effects of gay marriage on child rearing would eventually cease to exist when we respect human rights.  The sooner we teach them about different lifestyles and demonstrate acceptance - the better.  

Furthermore, the demographics of this country are vastly different from when the Founding Fathers signed the Constitution.  Rangel states, "As Professor Seago once said during class, our founding fathers built this system, but even they were unsure [of] how it was going to work."  That's absolutely right.  

Same-sex marriage continues to be a source of debate and controversy in America despite our country’s social and political evolution over the past several decades.  It really is amazing that more than half of the States declare gay marriage unconstitutional.  Seriously, it's just absurd.  What about the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, which states that no person should be denied the "equal protection of the laws"?   

I share Rangel’s sentiment that changes are in order; it’s time to resolve this issue and make gay marriage constitutional and focus on other problems.