Week 3-Marriage Equality

My son was cuddling with me on my lap about a year ago.  He was 5 years old and had just gotten home from preschool.  We were talking and he told me he wanted to marry me someday.  My heart melted.  I told him "Awe, honey, you can't marry me, I'm already married to daddy!"  While he didn't like that answer, he told me a minute later, "I'm gonna marry a boy, mommy!"  When I asked him why he said that, he told me "Cause my heart told me so."  I brushed it off as "Well, daddy married a girl, and then we had YOU!" and changed the topic as I feel its not an appropriate age to discuss anything for or against the topic.

Now in all probability, he probably just wants to have fun with his friends all day, every day, for the rest of his life, and he thinks, I know, I'll marry my friends (who are boys) and we can have fun all day long, forever!  But what would happen if he brought that statement to his teacher at school?  He might be told that some boys love and marry boys, and if he wants to do that, its ok.  He might be given a lesson on sexuality and all that a relationship means....for an offhand comment that a 5 year old didn't even understand, and without me even knowing.

Because of the redefining of marriage several things are now likely or possible;

1. Education of sexuality and marriage will be taught in school, regardless of when the parent feels is appropriate, and regardless of the family religious beliefs.
2. Churches could be subject to restrictions and loss of privileges if they do not conform or agree to marry same-sex couples due to belief.
3. Anyone who exercises their right to believe differently could face fines, harassment, and other legal penalties. (I.E. not baking a cake, or accepting other jobs related to a same-sex marriage)

So heres the skinny, the Supreme Court Justices ruled for the same-sex marriage ruling because;

• According to the Due Process clause of the 14th amendment, marriage is an inherent right and liberty guaranteed to all.
• Historically, marriage is the base of social order.
• According to the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment, all are guaranteed equal protection under law 
• Marriage's purpose and characteristics have changed with time, and therefore must be updated to reflect those changes.
• Marriage provides the opportunity for families and children of gay and lesbian families to feel complete and legitimate. 

The Supreme Court Justices who ruled against, listed these as the reasons;

• Same-sex marriage is not addressed by the Constitution.  Any changes should be made by will of the people.
• Political changes made through un-elected judges strays from the democratic process.
• Changes should be made on a state level, by popular vote.
• Changes could harm the institution of marriage.

Now, being from California, near Los Angeles, I have many friends who are in same-sex relationships, so this has always been a difficult topic for me.  I really enjoyed watching this video by Alexander Dushku's (click link to view) though, especially when he said that opposite views can still be respected, and that allows EVERYONE more freedom.  I don't have to agree with my friends lifestyle to love them.  When each side of the coin can tolerated each others differing opinions without restricting rights, when "religious voices do not remain silent," as Dushku stresses, and when our cases are made with love, that is when we can progress through the constitutional change successfully.