May 4, 2012

Gay marriage shouldn't be exception to equal rights

Once again Mainers find themselves presented with a referendum on marriage equality. We have voted to ensure our fellow Mainers can marry and then denied them this right.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declared that a ban on homosexual marriage is unconstitutional, though California's Proposition 8 has not yet been officially repealed.

The U.S. Constitution promises equal rights to all of its citizens. Why is homosexual marriage an exception?

This country was built on the principles of freedom of speech and religion. Banning gay marriage violates the very core of these values. Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion.

Arguments against gay marriage often are based on biblical readings. Living by the dictates of a 2000-year-old document means endorsing slavery and stoning our daughters for their transgressions. Our country must recognize the rights of all, regardless of the religious views of some.

Our country has made several mistakes regarding equal rights: denying citizenship to African Americans, allowing Jim Crow laws to exist and prohibiting the right of women to vote. When will we allow all of our citizens the right to marry?

We are juniors from Monmouth Academy. We want to raise our future children in a world where they have the same rights others enjoy, no matter their race, sexuality or gender.

"How many years can some people exist, before they're allowed to be free?" -- Bob Dylan.

Adriana Ortiz-Burnham

and Kara Rowley

Monmouth

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