Love & Marriage = Marriage Equality
Today Washington became the 7th state (Don’t forget DC) in the US to legalize Gay Marriage. This amazing fortune became a reality based on the decision of one state senator – Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. With her landmark decision to support Gay Marriage in Washington State, the law now goes out for the signature of Governor of Washington to finally legalize same-sex nuptials.
Washington State to Legalize Gay Marriage –
When Governor Chris Gregiore of Washington State announced her support of Same-Sex Unions three weeks ago, the bill gained enough votes in the House to pass and make its way to the State Senate where Senator Haugen‘s vote allowed it become enshrined in the State’s law.
Senator Mary Margaret Haugen wrote a letter detailed her views and why she personally supports the struggle of Same-Sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples. In simple terms, it takes the whole debate of Same-Sex Marriage down from the lofty realms of political rhetoric into the space of everyday life.
“To some degree, this is generational. Years ago I took exception to my parents’ beliefs on certain social issues, and today my children take exception to some of mine. Times change, even if it makes us uncomfortable. I think we should all be uncomfortable sometime. None of us knows everything, and it’s important to have our beliefs questioned. Only one being in this world is omniscient, and it’s not me.
I have very strong Christian beliefs, and personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs. It’s not always easy to do that. For me personally, I have always believed in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That is what I believe, to this day.
But this issue isn’t about just what I believe. It’s about respecting others, including people who may believe differently than I. It’s about whether everyone has the same opportunities for love and companionship and family and security that I have enjoyed.
For as long as I have been alive, living in my country has been about having the freedom to live according to our own personal and religious beliefs, and having people respect that freedom.
Not everyone will agree with my position. I understand and respect that. I also trust that people will remember that we need to respect each others beliefs. All of us enjoy the benefits of being Americans, but none of us holds a monopoly on what it means to be an American. Ours is truly a big tent, and while the tent may grow and shrink according to the political winds of the day, it should never shrink when it comes to our rights as individuals.”
Honestly I can’t wait to write “The 10 Top Places in Washington for Gay Marriage,” so stay tuned for more on the struggle of Gays & Lesbians to achieve marriage equality.
To support the nationwide ‘NOH8‘ campaign – check out www.noh8campaign.com for local photo shoots opportunities, where you can take those fun duck tapes pictures and post them to your Facebook and Twitter accounts displaying your visible support for the cause.
Follow NOH8 on twitter @NOH8Campaign and post under #NOH8.
Follow Justin Howard @jthnomad
