Last night, I heard Number One pounding through the house. "She has news," I said, and paused the TV. She flew down the stairs, and a prepared myself for a funny celebrity tidbit. But no, her excitement far outstripped normal.
"New York just legalized gay marriage!" she cried.
This morning, I spent some time reading articles, checking out the rainbow-lit Empire State Building, and crying a little. I have few friends or acquaintances who are gay, but this is a cause that I feel fiercely about—so fiercely, it's the only controversial topic I ever blog about.
This feels big. So much bigger than just adding a sixth state with legal gay marriage. I really believe this is going to start a cascade of legality. I think we've turned a corner, one we could only turn by time and pressure. Because honestly, the longer the argument goes on, the more ridiculous it sounds.
Number One said a lot of the talk among her peers was about Tiger Woods and Charlie Sheen, those paragons of traditional marriage. Seriously, when proponents of "family values" are getting flicked off their political pedestals because of infidelity, how on earth can they claim gay marriage threatens the institution? If having sex with prostitutes and posting your junk on Twitter doesn't do it, how will two men or two women getting married do it?
My neighbor's divorce did not undermine my partnership with my husband. Heck my parents' divorce didn't damage my marriage! So how would two guys getting married be any kind of a threat? If two people live together for 15 years, support each other through their careers, and even raise kids together, why would legalizing all of that so they can actually benefit from it instead of getting penalized do any harm to the rest of us?
I have still never heard a satisfactory explanation. Because there isn't one. And the longer the argument goes on, the more apparent that will come, and the more states will realize it doesn't help anyone to keep fighting.
So congratulations, New York and New Yorkers. May your marriages be long and loving.
6 comments:
I cried, too. My brother posted on Facebook last night, "Anyone up for a trip to New York?" I'm so happy and hope other states follow.
That said, I couldn't share my excitement here with my very conservative dad and stepmom!
I have goosebumps. It's sad that you can't share it with people you love. But that's okay. One step at a time, right?
I'm supportive of gay marriage but can't share that sentiment with most people I know, now that I'm living in the bible belt!! From my experience, tolerance is not part of the language of the south.
Thanks for letting me share it here :)
That's my understanding, Karen. I'm sorry you have to cheer quietly!
Agree 100%!!
Way to go, New York!!
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