Fight the H8

        What is love? Affection between two people or things. Why, then, should it

matter who loves who? We are all human, and it is only natural to experience love

in some form, whether it be from relatives, friends, animals, or a romantic partner.

If two people wish to get married, why should we stop them? It is their choice if

they want to be in a bond of love through the eyes of religion or not. Why, then, is

the government prohibiting same-sex marriage in most states? Several countries

have already made same-sex marriage legal. Not to mention, the First Amendment

in the Constitution states "a separation of church and state", meaning the

government cannot interfere with religious issues.

        Very few states, through their state governments, allow same-sex marriage,

and a few states will even recognize civil unions (a registered domestic

partnership), but the federal government does not. Due to this, the partnership will

not be able to file joint-tax returns, family discounts, or even visiting rights should

his or her spouse become hospitalized. Just the simplest things given to

heterosexual couples are being denied to homosexual couples.

        Some people are against gay marriage altogether because they believe

homosexuality is a sin and is unnatural. Years ago, interracial relationships were

also thought as a sin and were frowned upon...interracial marriages are now legal.

The definition of unnatural is "something that does not happen regularly in

nature". There are several species of animals, including monkeys and birds, that

engage in homosexual behavior and mating. Another argument is that marriage is

for reproducing and that requires a man and a woman. False. What about infertile

people? As long as they are "straight", they can still get married. Not to mention,

due to medical and technological advances, doctors are now able to impregnate a

woman with sperm donations and artificial insemination. Adoption and surrogacy

are also options. Perhaps a couple does not even want children. Are they

denied matrimony?

        The recent challenge of Prop 8 in California as a federal case gives hope to

people of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community. Prop 8

removed same-sex marriage from California, where thousands of couples got

married in a few short months and is now being challenged to overturn. Matrimony

is now first-come, first-serve? To me, that sounds a bit ridiculous. We are all

homosapiens and deserve basic human rights. They cannot be granted to one

group and denied from another or taken away at any time.

        My dear friends, readers, colleagues. Let us not discriminate like our

government officials. It is time for change. Let us protest for human rights! The

right for peace, love, and happiness! As best said by Michael Jackson in his song,

"Man In The Mirror", "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at

yourself and then make a change".