Friday, October 24, 2008

Marriage Matters -- For Same Sex Couples and the Rest of Us

A friend and colleague of mine is getting married today in California.

For the third time.

To the same man.

Their son will be their best man. Again.

And on November 4th, the voters in California could decide that none of those ceremonies make them legally wed.

And the federal government recognizes none of them.

I wonder how many of us who are in heterosexual marriages would go to the trouble -- or would choose to publicly recommit themselves to each other, again and again, knowing that it might not really count.

The difference is we don't have to. I was married 26 years ago. No one has ever questioned our right to be married, get benefits, be recognized -- and I've never had to do it again or explain to our children why some people don't want us to be a family.

It's pretty clear what's wrong with this picture. The injustice is staggering.

But, it's going to change. And voters in California, Arizona, and Florida can make a difference. So can the rest of us by standing up for marriage for same sex couples. Like 2200 clergy did earlier this week.

For now, mazal tov Joel. I hope it's a glorious celebration.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said, Debra. My friend, Danny and his partner Tim were married for the second time this month in San Francisco. Like so many same sex couples, they REALLY want to be married, and take it very seriously. I just don't understand how people who oppose same-sex marriage can make the claim that this kind of commitment diminishes the institution.

Hey Jud said...

I LOVE your first paragraphs!
Wonderful writing.
And of course the issue is so important.
Thank you , Deb.

Judith

Anonymous said...

hey,
I don't get why people should even care, if they want to marry their same gender then let 'em. If they don't like it they don't have to do it. America's crazy. They need to keep trying and they will eventually get there. adios!