Since the legalization of gay marriage in Massachusetts in early 2004, discussions of marriage equality on both a state and national scale have remained mired in controversy. Many individuals argue that marriage deserves to be merited as a universal civil right. Organizations including The Human Rights Organization assert that gay marriage is a crucial step to establishing “fundamental fairness and equality for all.” Although these views have become increasingly popular, especially amongst America’s younger generation, many conservatives continue to plead that marriage is a union which does not include same sex couples. As described by The Family Research Council, a Christian conservative organization, “Properly understood, ‘families’ are formed only by ties of blood, marriage or adoption, and ‘marriage’ is a union of one man and one woman.” In a nation where 36 states and The District of Columbia have already legalized gay marriage, the fight for marriage equality in the remaining 14 states has never been more heated.
After months of anticipation, The Supreme Court has decided that it will review four same-sex marriage cases from Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. The four cases will be heard in April and a decision is expected to be ruled by early June. This incident is not the first time The Supreme Court has intervened on the topic of gay marriage. The Supreme Court successfully overturned California’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law which blocked federal recognition of gay marriage throughout the state. As explained by Professor and LGBTQ Center Director Jen Manion, “Gay marriage became a civil rights decision when The Supreme Court overturned DOMA. It has already been made clear (through this overturn) that it has become an issue of national consequence at the federal level.” The ruling, which landed in a five-four final vote, indicates the Court’s striking division on the subject of national marriage equality.
The fight for gay marriage, however, clearly extends beyond these four states. The debate for marriage equality remained especially prevalent in Alabama this week when United States District Court Judge Callie Granade struck down Alabama’s gay marriage ban as “unconstitutional.” Referred to by AL.com, one of Alabama’s central news sites, as “Granade’s grenade,” the news of the overturn gained almost immediate viral attention. Although some citizens of Alabama were elated by the decision, several Republican politicians were far from impressed. Perhaps the most negative reaction came directly from controversial Supreme Court Chief Justice, Roy Moore. Following the rulings, he pled that Alabama’s state governor, Robert J. Bentley overturn the decision. Moore asked Bentley to “continue to uphold and support the Alabama constitution with respect to marriage, both for the welfare of this state and for our posterity…Be advised that I stand with you to stop judicial tyranny and any unlawful opinions issued without constitutional authority.” Bentley has not yet released a statement in response to the ruling.
While the topic of gay marriage is certainly a critical concern, especially in the states described above, many argue that the LGBTQ community face other more pressing challenges. Professor Ariella Rotramel of the Gender and Women’s Studies Department said, “I appreciate that lots of people care deeply about this issue and it means a lot to them in terms of recognition, but I just think there are a lot of other issues we’re dealing with that are more dire.” Her statement rings true. Although 36 states have legalized gay marriage with many many more on the way, 29 states do not have anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ workers. As documented by the Human Rights Campaign, in all of these states it is legally allowable for an individual to be fired solely on account of their sexuality. However, this inequality certainly extends beyond the confines of the workplace. Every day, individuals within the LGBTQ community are victims of extreme violence. According to the FBI, over 22,000 hate crimes were reported against the LGBTQ community between 1995 and 2013. Although gay marriage is highly regarded as an issue to tackle, many feel these inequalities and acts of discrimination merit an equally strong focus. •
