Danger: somewhat of a rant

Ok…so I’m relatively new to this whole blogging world, but one thing that I’ve noticed is that politics seems to be all or none, i.e., either your blog covers political issues nearly all the time, or you never do. Well, today I’m going to, just because.

Most everyone has heard by this point about the California Supreme Court ruling yesterday regarding Gay Marriage, I’m sure. If not, please go to CNN to check it out.

So here’s “all” I’m going to say about it. How sad that we have to celebrate isolated incidents in which a high court in the nation recognizes all people are equal. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an important decision and hopefully the first of more….eventually. But still sad to me. In a nation founded upon the principles of equality, one conceived to fly in the face of opression (um, why did “we” leave England?), it’s sad we’ve forgotten–or choose not to apply that rule to ALL.

Now I’m not naiive enough to believe this is the only form oppression or discrimination. I will assert that it is about the last remaining bigotry viewed to be somewhat socially acceptable–well that and obese people. God forbid you’re a fat gay person. We, as a country, have seen an evolution which included first using the constitution (or an interpretation thereof) to discriminate against women, racial minorities, and to even outlaw interracial marriages. The California Supreme Court even likened their ruling and this situation to the latter. I agree. And I am happy for not just the recognition, but admission of this fact. And that this descended from a court in which 6 of 7 justices were appointed by Republicans is both surprising and refreshing.

So while I’m happy with the progress, I’m so incredibly pissed and disheartened by the unavoidable similarities and rationales given for the discrimination in the first place. We’ve already heard the “religious right” is mounting their counter attack. There will be a 10 million dollar campaign immediately to get this issue placed on a November ballot so that the people of California can vote on it–and what “they” are seeking is a constitutional amendment. Since when is the constitution (either State or Federal) supposed to write separation and discrimination INTO law?

The so-called religious right or fundamentalists believe my right to marry my long-term partner will somehow adversely effect the “sanctity” of marriage and erode the family. Really? Because the heteros have so mastered this marriage thing? If we gays can’t marry, then who is getting all the divorces? And if we can’t be parents, just who is it that’s raising kids who turn out to be gay? If you’re really worried about protecting the institute of marriage then you should make DIVORCE illegal.

My point is this…all those Biblical literalists seek to justify their own hatred and fear by hiding behind God. Well peeps, here’s the deal. God makes no mistakes, and he and his son love EVERYONE. Furthermore, you can’t pick and choose the parts of the Bible you use or prescribe to. So if you hate gays, or are codemning them to Hell because of the way they were born and refer to it as an abomination worthy of death, then I sure hope you don’t eat shell fish, plant different seeds in the same field, or wear clothing of different fabrics together–and if you do, I guess I’ll see you there because those actions are equivalent in the literalists translation of the Bible. At least my “sin” will be borne of love. Can you say the same?