The following article posted on NPR's web site August 17, 2010 brings to light a very important case/ law that is denying basic human rights to citizens http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129259161&ft=1&f=1001 . This legal battle may soon be brought to the Supreme Court (in 2012) and we can only hope that the highest of courts in this country will recognize the prejudice and religious persecution of individuals effected by the proposed law.
On the road to “Life and the pursuit of happiness,” basic human rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence, lies marriage. Marriage is an expression of Love, a uniting of lives in a spiritual (for some) and legal bond, which we sometimes choose to do in this life. Marriage can also become a large part of our happiness. A couple things our country was founded on are:
On the road to “Life and the pursuit of happiness,” basic human rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence, lies marriage. Marriage is an expression of Love, a uniting of lives in a spiritual (for some) and legal bond, which we sometimes choose to do in this life. Marriage can also become a large part of our happiness. A couple things our country was founded on are:
#1 freedom of religion (including Separation of Church and State)
#2 basic human rights.
Prohibiting consenting adults from the right to marry based off of race, religion, sex, or sexual preference is unconstitutional. The people of this country must put aside their religious or prejudice views to embrace this equality for ALL consensual adults! Because in this country there is a separation of church and state; because in America there is freedom of religion; because in the United States of America we respect and honor basic human rights and strive for “all (people) are created equal” is why same-sex marriage should be allowed in this country.
States that deny same-sex couples from expressing their love and happiness in a legal union is the same as denying couples this right because they have brown hair or green eyes; because they are black or a Jew; or because they make less than $30K a year. Prejudice is prejudice no matter what flavor, print, or color you choose to paint it.
Some Americans like to spout about “family values” in this argument but that is all a matter of opinion again painted in prejudice. I can just as well say that blacks should not be allowed to marry because they listen to rap music and that has a negative effect on children. How about, Christians cannot marry because of their belief in Hell and that sets a scary family environment full of tyranny that is not conducive to a positive childhood? These are examples of opinions based on personal and/or religious views. In other words – Prejudice.
Prejudice – Pre-judgment – a pre-conceived opinion.
I ask you now… how can anyone in American base a law, concerning the basic human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, off of an opinion?
Banning same-sex marriage because the majority population is afraid of difference or has a difference in opinion is the same as:
- denying a person the right to vote based off their race or sex
- throwing a person into the shackles of slavery because of the color of their skin
- murdering millions of humans because of their religious affiliations (i.e. holocaust/ witch trials)
Same sex-couples are being robbed of their “pursuit of happiness,” their "(liberty) of religion," and the “life” they want to live. It is time for this country to do away with religious persecution and prejudice and look to the ideals of America – we are ALL created equal and deserve equal rights no matter the color of your skin, your religious beliefs, your sex, or your sexual preferences! Lord and Lady, Bless America!
See article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129259161&ft=1&f=1001 for reference.
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