Why I support same-sex marriage

Much interest of late has centered on the Supreme Court's recent case involving Proposition 8 (a California constitutional amendment restricting marriage to heterosexual couples) and same-sex marriage. Some believe the court's examination of such a case--a first in its history--may lead to a decision protecting all forms of marriage

As reported in the Washington Post, those defending Proposition 8 (which interestingly does not include any officials of the state of California, who refused to defend the law) claim that government should restrict marriage to heterosexuals for the purposes of "...procreation and responsible child-rearing." Furthermore, proponents argue that the "democratic process"-- not the courts--should decide the fate of the law. If Californians are unhappy with the ban, let there be a vote for the public to decide. 

In response, it has been argued that current law does not prevent "older and sterile couples"--both of whom either cannot or are unlikely to have children--from marrying, so why should gay couples be excluded on the grounds of "procreation and responsible child-rearing?" In addition, banning gays from marrying denies them many federal benefits which heterosexual couples enjoy, among others, "...preferential tax breaks, Social Security survivor benefits, and medical leave." Banning same-sex marriage therefore discriminates against the LGBT population by denying them the same preferential services now offered to heterosexual marriages.

While I am neither lawyer nor homosexual looking to get married, my humble opinion is it's about time the state recognize marriage-equality for all its people. Some may argue that doing so cheapens their so-called "traditional marriage," but I suspect the worth of their marriage and any other is determined not by the state-sanctioned definition of the institution, but by the life and love they share. Some will say marriage is a set of vows made before God. Fair enough. But it is also a contract recognized by law, one which grants unique and special privileges. To deny anyone the opportunity to share in those federally-sanctioned benefits is discrimination, pure and simple. 

So in short, if God, the state, and one's own family can bless a heterosexual marriage, I see no reason why the same could not be true for all who find love in their lives. That is why I support same-sex marriage.