Earlier this week two friends of mine were married.  Two people who are very much in love, two people who have shared a home and happiness for many years. It just so happens to be two men, and you would be hard pressed to find two better people.

As of today the world has not come to an end because of this union.  In the same way it didn’t come to an end the first time a woman ran a marathon, a woman voted, blacks drank from the same fountains as whites, a black man was elected president of the United States (of course Fox News and their sheep would disagree with this one).  I could go on for days, trust me.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 38 states in the US.  That’s correct.  Only 38 states.  It is true that we are the “United States” but in states that are still trying to set laws based on the Ten Commandments instead of the Constitution same sex marriage is still left in the, let’s call it, the Biblical age.  Why isn’t same-sex marriage legal in the entire country?  Same-sex marriage is legal in 22 countries around the world.  Why is America so far behind on this?  Israel recognizes same-sex marriage.  Think about that for just a second.

According to a report given to the office of the General Counsel of the U.S. General Accounting office there are 1,049 benefits awarded to heterosexual couples when they marry that are not awarded to same-sex couples.  Below are just a few:

1. Access to Military Stores
2. Assumption of Spouse’s Pension
3. Bereavement Leave
4. Immigration
5. Insurance Breaks
6. Medical Decisions on Behalf of Partner
7. Sick Leave to Care for Partner
8. Social Security Survivor Benefits
9. Tax Breaks
10. Veteran’s Discounts
11. Visitation of Partner in Hospital or Prison

Now, I ask you, if the two friends of mine were allowed to have these benefits how would it affect the world in a negative way?

Why does marriage have to be defined as a man and a woman?  Why can’t it be defined as two people in love?  Why are we concerned about what the Bible says when it comes to laws in this country that’s first amendment to the constitution that prohibits the federal government from making a law “respecting an establishment of religion”?

We look back at American history with disbelief at how so many people could have been in favor of slavery.  How so many people thought that woman not owning property was acceptable.  How people dressing in white robes and hoods and lynching the Negros was just part of the South.  Isn’t it time that we wake up?  Actually try and learn from history.  Jump ahead of the curve.  Actually try and catch up with the rest of the world on this subject.

It’s time for a change people.  I know that “liberal” word change is hard for some people but it’s really for the better.  Change is a good thing.  Where would we be as a country if we didn’t (eventually) accept change?

You don’t have to be gay to support gay rights.  In the same way you don’t have to be a woman to support woman’s rights.  Let’s all get on board and support same-sex marriage until it is 100% legal in this country and we actually just refer to it as marriage.

Oh, and by the way, if you take the time to embrace everyone regardless of their sexual orientation you will probably find out that you have been missing out on being friends with some pretty amazing people.

Robin’s Pesky Facts