On August 4, 2010, Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8, a California measure that states "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California". As I have stated my views before, I am wholly against discrimination and fully support equality for all individuals. I am a heterosexual male that supports same-sex marriage. All in all, I believe most opponents are simply uncomfortable with the lifestyle choices of homosexual and bisexual individuals; therefore, I cannot fathom why most opponents care as much as they do.
One major aspect of this debate is the role of religion; in this case, it is the Bible. Without a doubt, religion has played a huge role for American history. Many early Americans first migrated across the Atlantic Ocean, because of religious persecution; they desired religious freedom. To this day, most Americans would consider themselves to be religious, and in fact, most politicians would say they follow a particular faith. Much of the debate comes from certain text in the Bible that denounces homosexuality. Opponents believe homosexuality, in its essence, is a sin. From their perspective, "it's not what God wanted". I have controversial views on religion and I am quite aware of it. Most people would find my views foolish and would quickly proclaim that I'm going to Hell. In my opinion, I think certain parts of the Bible are clearly outdated and I believe you cannot take the Bible too literally. Society and culture has changed so much, that you cannot possibly apply the Bible to every situation. In some ways to me, I think of it like our Constitution. The founding fathers set down some basic rules and over time, our government has had to adapt to societal changes. I'm aware that many people believe it's "the word of God", but I think there comes a point where I believe people should just look at the Bible at face value, and look at its teachings in a more general sense. As you are reading this, (assuming you are religious), I'm assuming your head is filled with anger because of my beliefs. Essentially, that's also one of my gripes with religion. There are too many people that like to force their beliefs unto others and quickly denounce those that do not share their beliefs. Personally, I don't have a problem with anyone's beliefs, so long as you respect mine. I only say that, because I know there are individuals that have very strong beliefs in religion. I respect that.
Back on the topic of same-sex marriage, I don't believe it should be a religious issue. Inherently, it SHOULD be a human rights issue. However, like I've stated, this country is still very much religious, as a whole. Because of that, I believe that will be the downfall of same-sex legislation for the future. I don't understand why opponents believe it is moral and ethical to dictate how someone else lives their life, in regards to marriage. I understand that they think it's a sin, but it shouldn't be like that. People should be allowed to live their life as they please. Also, let's face it, homosexuality won't go away. It's not a disease that you can cure. Why don't we start respecting the human rights of homosexuals and let them live how they want to? Without the role of religion. Hopefully, states will follow California's lead and allow same-sex marriage.
(My opinion. Don't attack me with your religious beliefs, please?)
Ok- I won't attack you! I am a Christian, I read the Bible (not as much as I should), and I must admit, I am a little"uncomfortable with the lifestyle choices of homosexual and bisexual individuals." Now, with that said...I am also a very sympathetic individual and believe that love really is the answer to any question we could have...and it breaks my heart to think that for some, they could never get to experience real, romantic, lover & best friend all in one, LOVE. And I realize that looks completely different to everyone. We all have our own definitions of what love is, and I don't believe it's any of our business to judge another's opinion...
ReplyDeleteI had a good friend in high school, and one day we got on the topic of same sex marriage. She said that the Bible says homosexuality is wrong, therefore it should be illegal. I thought this was extremely closed-minded, especially with the "let he who is without sin throw the first stone," statement running through my head. She was having sex with her boyfriend at the time, which is adultery, premarital sex, ALSO A SIN! When it comes down to God's commandments, and His grace, the most important value of Christianity is forgiveness; that Jesus died because He knew we were going to continue to sin. But we should still TRY not to, even though it's hard, and for some this may mean ignoring their attractions to the same sex. When you said it's not a curable disease...you are right, but I kinda sorta do think it is a choice, and societal changes have led it to be a more widely accepted choice. In a way I think the government's argument of respecting or maintaining the sanctity of the institution of marriage is, unfortunately, kinda sorta a joke. Hello, heterosexual divorce rates?
I definitely agree with you about not being able to "fathom why most opponents care as much as they do." Personally, I believe that marriage is one of God's greatest gifts to us, and that man and woman were made for eachother. But I am not the one to say that has to be true for everyone.
Commentary about Prop 8
ReplyDeleteI could not have agreed more with my peer Edgar Jann Palomo's editorial "The Law and Its Friends" about Proposition 8 and the outrage over homosexual marriages. I will try not to focus on my religious views as much. As we know this topic is among popularity with Arizona's immigration law. Just last week Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8, in which 52% of voters were against allowing same-sex marriages in California. I am a heterosexual female, but I do support homosexual marriage. I believe everyone has the right to love and to be happy in what ever way they may choose. Homosexuals are a minority along with hispanics and african americans, so why follow in the footsteps of our past, and oppress someone because they are not like the majority?
Edgar states how although homosexuality is a sin in the Bible, he believes the Bible is similar to our Constitution, in which it was written "...to adapt to societal changes." Well Edgar, I am religious, however I am not angered by anything that you have stated, shocking right? Well I actually have the same thoughts as you. Yes, I do follow rules according to the Bible, as much as I can, but you cannot expect everyone to do the same, which goes along with the diversity of our country. Yes the Bible states that homosexuality is a sin, but believe me everyone sins on a daily basis and Jesus did die for our sins. But the way that I have come to think of it is that not only do people have different religions and beliefs, but regardless they are going to do what they want to, and who are we to get in the way of that? If they are stopped then they will find some way to get around that barrier, as we have seen they are more than determined to fight for their rights. I suppose that our country as a whole may be opposed to homosexuality because they may think that if their children are exposed to it then 'it will have an affect on them' too. If this is a thought, then obviously the same can and should be said for today's secular and sexual music, which kids pick up on faster than they do school assignments.
Back to the subject at hand, what I agree with most is that individuals should not look down on or try to force their views or opinions on others to make them conform to their ways. As I have previously stated I am religious, but personally I could care less what someone else does, as long as I know what I am. People should live life how they choose, and deal with what ever consequences there may be. "People should be allowed to live their life as they please."
Great editorial Edgar!
I really enjoyed this post Edgar!
ReplyDeleteYou really hit it on the nail with how I feel about same sex marrige and religion. Its funny, recently I have found myself having this same discussion with many people. I think what Judge Vaughn Walker decided holds truth. You cannot make same sex marriage unlawful because it has nothing to do with the law, that is all based on morality and religious views. I do believe one day we will be able to put all bias aside and treat everyone with the right humanity respect we all deserve.
Everything you mentioned on religion I find similar. One of my biggest issues with religion is the hypocrisy and judgement.
I found your blog post very interesting and I enjoyed reading it.
Brianna
Edgar Palomo recently wrote about the events in California concerning Proposition 8 in his blog The Law and Its Friends. He explains how the legality of same-sex marriage should not involve personal ethics, morals and religion, which I agree with, and that Proposition 8 is discrimination. Judge Walker’s recent decision was a just ruling that upholds the citizens’ constitutional rights. Many opponents to this, as Palomo explains, utilize claims that stem from religious texts and aims towards not only marriage but the actual existence of homosexuals.
ReplyDeleteA separation between church and state is currently, and has been debated for a long time, however, our views on current statutes concerning same-sex marriage still requires this separation. Palomo puts it in better terms saying same-sex marriage should not be “a religious issue … it should be a human rights issue.” California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional in that rights that should encompass all citizens are withheld from certain individuals, preventing the establishment of equal human rights.
Some believe homosexuality is a “choice” or a “disease that needs curing”; however, recent studies show that it actually stems from both biological and environmental sources. If it were a choice, why would someone choose to be a social “outcast” whom many people are “uncomfortable with the lifestyle choices?” It’s like asking a heterosexual if they could simply just “choose” to become attracted to the same sex. Straight people are wired, just as gay people are, to be attracted to a specific sex. Homosexuality is not and should not be called “disease” or a “choice”, it is a person’s emotional and sexual attraction to the same sex.
In edgar's post about Prop 8, he talks about a "California measure" to only allow marriage between a man and a woman. I agree with edgar on the topic of homosexual and bisexual marriages. People should be allowed to follow what their heart wants. The founders escaped and started a new colony because they want religious freedom, and the right that we all should be allowed to have. On that bias, I believe that it is not in the government's right to determine if a man or a woman can or cannot be married. Many opponents of homosexual marriage argue that it is a "sin" or against the bible and God. I do not know much about the bible or about Christian belief but one thing I know is in America we have the right to believe what we want. People are making laws that are based on religion is the one thing the original founders would not want. I also agree that this is a personal right that should be allowed. They are no different than what we are. Before when slavery was first abolished, people believed that colored-skin people were inferior but there were many that proved otherwise. Now America has allowed white,colored,male, or female the rights we all deserve. Now it is time for people who were born attracted to the same-sex. They do not choose who they are attracted to, just as how we do not choose what color we are, or what ethnicity we are. Here is an extended list of the pros and cons of homosexual marriage.
ReplyDelete