Why Gay Marriage remains the Key Political Debate in the U.S.
Lets’ face facts; we all love a good wedding.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this tradition is that varies depending on individual cultures. While Asian weddings are extended spiritual affairs that last for hours, for example, those in the UK have a unique custom for the development of so-called ‘wedding’ lists and the exchanging of gifts.
Despite this, gay and lesbian couples have fought a long and arduous battle to have their relationships recognised in the same way, even in developed countries such as the UK and the U.S. While gay and lesbian couples are now afforded the same rights as heterosexual partners in the UK, however, those in the U.S. are still being forced to fight individual state legislation and appeals.
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The Dominant Social Issue for the Upcoming U.S. Election
With the Presidential preliminaries set to commence in the U.S. next February, the American election is close to being fully underway. Despite all the posturing and controversy surrounding Republican candidate Donald Trump and immigration, however, gay marriage and equal rights for these couples remains the seminal social issue that must be resolved beyond any doubt for the future. This is for the good of the next generation, and while the U.S. may be inching closer to a resolution it still needs to address and change attitudes.
Last June, the Supreme Court achieved a breakthrough for humanity when it issued an opinion clearing the way for same-sex couples to marry nationwide. Citing modern discrimination laws, the justices decided to supersede local state authorities in the south and pushed forward their vision of equal rights regardless of gender or sexuality. Despite this, the issue has not completely gone away, with the justices having just denied and emergency application from a Kentucky clerk who was refusing to issue same-sex marriage license.
The Difference between Law and Values
While the Supreme Court is at least sticking to its previous commitment, there is a clear difference between changing laws and influencing attitudes for the good of long-term change. In this instance, Kentucky clerk Kim Davis has raised ‘conscientious objections’ to same-sex marriage, claiming that issuing a license would amount to a ‘searing act of validation’ that would ‘forever echo in her conscience’.
Challenging this type of belief should be the long-term goal of any future political party in the U.S., as it looks to educate citizens and equip them with the intellectual tools to develop a more open mind. So long as authorities manage this while maintaining consistent legislation that drives equality and maintains the rights of individuals regardless of their sexuality, the U.S. will eventually reach a point where it achieves a more open culture.
