One bride and one groom or two brides or two grooms — it’s all the same to me, since all should be treated equally

by Todd Carlson

Throughout history there have always been some members of society which have been excluded, discriminated or looked down upon. At one time women and minorities were not considered equal. Times changed and so did those thoughts. The later part of the 20th Century and the early portion of the 21st have seen the gay community striving for acceptance and the right to marry. Times are changing, but the thoughts are moving slowly.

For many, this has become a contentious issue with strongly divided camps of those for and against gay marriage.

I for one say if two people wish to be married, let them do it. Same sex or opposite sex be damned. If two people love each other and wish to spend their lives together, who am I to say that they cannot be married? What right do I have to do that? If a gay couple chooses to express their love for each other via marriage, it has absolutely no effect upon you or I — the only people involved are them.

An argument can be put forth by religious groups that allowing two people of the same sex to marry will destroy the sanctity of marriage. If a church believes that same-sex marriage is not acceptable, then it should not be forced upon them to hold gay ceremonies and there is no reason why that should have to change. That is their right.

However, no religious group has the right to dictate what those outside of their denomination can and cannot do.

Marriage has the long-standing tradition of being between a man and a woman. Opponents of same-sex marriage will tell you that allowing two people of the same sex to marry will destroy all that is dear to those who believe in heritage and values.

To that I ask who has been, or knows someone who has been, divorced? If marriage is so sacred, those who choose to desecrate its institution by nullifying it should be feeling the wrath and scorn of all who espouse tradition.

Historically, marriage has been the gateway for procreation. Once married, couples traditionally have begun families and marriage was the first step before becoming a parent. As society evolved, so too has this premise. Though my wife and I do not have children, should we not have been married since we knew from the beginning that we did not wish to have offspring? Are we insulting the premise of marriage?

The most laughable argument put forth by those who dislike the idea of same-sex marriage is the notion of “It’s a slippery slope …. who knows where this will lead?” What is to stop a man from marrying a child? What is to stop a man from marrying more than one woman? What is to stop a man who loves his dog from marrying it? (Try saying that one out loud with an accent from Alabama — you’ll make yourself laugh.)

Neither a child nor an animal have the ability to consent, ergo those slippery slope ideas are simply ridiculous and come from those with small minds who cannot create logical thoughts.

Polygamy actually does exist and has for many years within some religious sects. Governments have chosen to all but ignore it under the grounds of religious freedom.

Some may worry that the financial implications, via spousal benefits, will harm the economy. Not being an economist or someone with knowledge of high finance, I can’t really put forth a counter argument to that point.

I can, however, offer the notion that all people should be treated equally and afforded the same rights. One of these, I believe, is the right to enter marriage. In my mind, that trumps any possible extra financial burdens put upon society, which I have a gut feeling will be minimal anyway. I would also suspect that there could be economic spin-offs for a number of businesses which would have a positive effect upon segments of the economy.

As a Canadian citizen I am proud that our country allows gay marriage. Seventy-five years ago the notion of a person marrying someone of another race was unthinkable. But then it began to occur and in the latter part of the 20th Century gained acceptance by many. I think the notion of same-sex marriage will follow this trend, though it will take many more years.

Hopefully more members of society change and come to the realization that everyone, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation, should be afforded the same rights and privileges. Marriage is one of those privileges — regardless of whomever one sleeps with.