“The way things are” is wrong

I am usually pretty laid back and easy to get along with, but I have been described by my friends as “militant” when it comes to being single.  It’s not a constant chip on my shoulder, but if there is one thing that is sure to get me fired up, it’s the constant pressure that society puts on single people to couple up and marry off.  I love being single and I think if it wasn’t for the social stigma, more people would feel comfortable living the single life.

Lately, it hasn’t been my defense of the single lifestyle that has inspired me to take a stand.  My inner-activist has been clamoring to get out in support of another issue altogether.  It may seem contradictory to my general leanings, but my militant support has come out full force recently.  This time, in support of gay marriage.

It may seem counterintuitive, or even hypocritical, but I am 100% in support of legalizing gay marriage.  Don’t get me wrong, I still think that the single life is the best and I may even be described as bit “anti-marriage”, but I am still pro gay marriage.  Or the legalization of it at any rate.  A same-sex couple should have just as much right to a miserable, unhappy, fulfilling marriage as a straight couple. 

I have a close friend who was devastated by the recent repeal of the gay marriage law in Maine.  He does not live in Maine, but was so hopeful for the tide to begin to change in this country.  With a result of 52 to 47 supporting the repeal, he seemed to lose so much hope.  Why should he have to fight so hard? 

What it seems to come down to with gay marriage referendums is the churches and religious groups against the active supporters of gay rights.  The average straight person (like me) may support the rights of homosexuals, but is probably not inclined to actively show support or mobilize to get out the vote unless they are personally touched by this issue through someone close to them (like me.)  It is this lack of involvement that is keeping gay Americans from a basic civil right in this country.  To disallow someone to marry the person they love is no better than an arranged marriage; forcing someone to marry someone they don’t love.  Either restriction seems equally un-American to me, yet one is a matter of law in this country and generally accepted. 

47 to 52 is an impressive turnout for the Maine referendum considering the opposition’s ability to mobilize and get out the vote.  The anti-gay marriage lobby has far more resources than gay rights groups.  The fact that the support for gay  marriage only fell 5% short is hopeful, but without that 5%, there is no change. 

It’s time for more straight people to take a good look at the way peoples’ rights are being trampled and take a good look at their conscience and get involved.  The rights of our friends, families, brothers and sisters are being trivialized and disregarded.  I have no intention of ever getting married, but I would not stand for allowing the government to take away my right to do so. 

People may be conflicted about gay marriage, but in the end everyone must follow their hearts.  From this point forth, I will follow mine and do everything I can to support the equal rights for everyone to marry.  Just as I hope everyone will support my rights in choosing not to.