On Oct. 6, the Supreme Court refused to make an official ruling on five state’s appeals to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marriage.
This means that, technically, because it was not ruled one way or the other, the states denying this right are losing their legal grounds. Due to the fact that no official ruling was made on the subject, it cannot be ruled unconstitutional.
This shows great promise for total marriage equality in the United States. This is an absolutely fantastic happening, that can potentially alter the nation.
As a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, I couldn’t be more excited.
Finally, progress is being made to allow gay couples the right to an actual marriage, rather than a civil union–which does not have the same benefits as a marriage, nor does it carry the same weight in legal proceedings, though they are joined by law.
Illinois is one among 32 states that have legalized gay marriage. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, and by 2008 had the nation’s lowest divorce rate.
Allowing gay couples to be joined in marriage, with the same benefits as straight couples, would provide more adoption opportunities for children in need of a loving home.
Sarah Hodge showing off her engagement ring with her new fiance, Jennifer Hand.
“They [the Supreme Court] have never given the subject the correct attention that it deserves. One day, sooner rather than later, it will be legal–federally or state-by-state. I’m just happy Illinois has decided to allow same sex-marriage,”Jennifer Hand, a Culinary Art major, said.
Hand recently became engaged to her same-sex partner, Sarah Hodge.
Because of the progress the U.S. is making, this lovely couple can now be legally joined together as a married couple.
While prejudice towards the LGBT community and homophobia still exists, gay marriage is becoming more widely accepted. I can say with confidence that, we, as a nation, are on the right track.
Reach Morgan at mocates@lc.edu
