When you learn about Harvey Milk and his accomplishments in protecting Gay Rights it makes you wonder, similar to the fight for Women's equal rights I always wondered why a person's sexual orientation, race, or gender limited the rights when the constitution plainly expresses in the 14th amendment:
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
So, why does Congress make exceptions? Take for instance Same Sex Marriage. Recently, Connecticut joined California and Massachusetts in granting gay couples the right to get married. And now there is the issue that some states argue that they will not recognize a same sex marriage, that a same sex marriage will only be recognized in the state where the couple obtains the marriage license. Well, if that's the case then shouldn't it be the same for all marriages?
In Article IV, sec 1 Each State Honors all others "Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof."
And yet again why is it that same sex couples are "different"? And just because same sex marriage violates PEOPLE's personal morals or religious beliefs. That makes it an exception?
Personally, I am not gay and yes I am a Christian. I believe, that if you love someone, what does it matter what race or gender they are? And where a lot of Christian's contradrict themselves is that God gave us free will, just like the founding fathers gave us the 14th amendment.
And even if I didn't agree with same sex marriage who gives me, or anyone for that matter the right to say same sex couples cannot marry? It does not concern any part of my life what so ever.
Congress and other states are in violation of the Constitution, point blank. whether people like it or not the government is suppose to abide by what the Constitution says, it's the law.
It's sad and ridiculous how our government still continues to make "exceptions" and mistakes, even after so many years of people like Harvey Milk dedicated their lives to preserving citizen's rights. And when I say citizens I'm including all race, gender, sexual orientation who legally reside in the United States.
Why are citizens still fighting til this day for their rights and equality just because of the choice on which they choose to live.
2 comments:
Recently, there has been a lot of hype regarding homosexuality, especially since California citizens voted not to recognize same-sex marriage. There is also a new film coming out this month titled “MILK” which is about the life of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist. When my colleague wrote her last blog about this topic I was very interested. As I read her post I found myself nodding my head in agreement.
Just the other day I was talking to my dad, who is one of the most politically savvy people I know about same-sex marriage. His idea is genius in my opinion! The government should allow for same-sex couples to have a ceremony, wear a ring, and have a certificate legalizing their vows. BUT, it should not be under that name of “marriage.” The word marriage should be kept sacred and refer to one man and one woman. We do not need another perfectly normal word like “marriage” to be screwed with and made into something different like the word “gay” has become. Instead create a new word specifically for same-sex couples wanting to commit to each other for life. This way provides a happy medium for both heterosexuals and homosexuals, and I presume the government as well.
In my fellow classmate's blog: the things they carried, there was a post about a movie that chronicled Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk was a gay rights activist who fought for and was murdered because of his beliefs. The author began to wonder why a persons' gender, race, age, and even sexual orientation had such an effect on how people and the world views them. The author wonders why Congress makes exceptions when the U.S. Constitution is worded to let people have the rights of a free citizen. Personally, I believe that Congress makes these exceptions because Congress needs to be able to turn a blind eye when the situation (and the big money) demands it. I agree that sexual orientation should have no impact on how a person is perceived in this world. Organized religion does believe that gay marriage is sinful, and they control a lot of the money that has supported many a Congress person's campaign. The members of Congress also have been raised in community churches that are conservative in nature. Congress makes exceptions because these exceptions pay the bills. Remember, money is the law
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