GayYUP Fighting for Marriage

I am outraged that in these times the President of the United States would make a Constitutional battle against same-sex marriage one of the priorities of his Administration. Our nation is at war in two countries. Weve lost more than a million jobs. HIV rates are on the rise. Healthcare is unavailable to millions of children. I know that Im just an average citizen, but this seems crazy!

There are so many more issues that deserve attention. This is a really important issue, but come on. As the President, he doesnt even get a vote. He has absolutely no role in the process of amending the Constitution. When you think about it, he can say whatever he wants with no real consequences. Except, of course, that he appeals to his base of right-wing extremists who are more likely to fund his campaign. It wont be lost on most Americans that this is just an election year ploy. I hope you wont become complicit in this deception.

Amending the Constitution is the most difficult thing you can do under our system. The amendment must first pass both halves of the legislature by a two-thirds majority in each house (or two-thirds of the states may call for a Constitutional Convention). From there, it must then be approved by three-fourths of the states. This process could literally take up to seven years! I dont want Congress tied-up for that long.

Personally, Im in favor of same-sex marriage. I think whenever two people fall in love and want to share their lives with each other, the world (at least the U.S. legal system) should support them. Marriage is a big decision for any couple, and if two people are in love and ready to work at staying in love, then marriage should be an option.

Personally, Im not a big fan of the whole gay thing, but if they want to get married, who am I to say they shouldnt?

Recent national surveys show the majority of young people ages 15-29 support the rights of same-sex couple to marry, according to polls by the New York Times/CBS News and CIRCLE. Even more youth support civil unions, protection of hate crimes, and equal protection in both employment and housing. I feel the same way!

In opposing this amendment, you send a powerful message to LGBTQ young people that they are equal under the law and deserve the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities as their friends who are straight. Not only will this have a tremendous positive impact on their sense of self-esteem, but it is also likely to have a positive impact on their risk behavior and sense of self-efficacy.

For LGBTQ young people who are struggling to survive in a hostile, homophobic world, the public discourse around civil marriage for same-sex couples has very real implications. When faced with the hatred and ignorance which has characterized much of this public debate, the isolation LGBTQ young people already face can quickly turn to desperation, hopelessness, and unhealthy decision-making. Dont support a law which hurts kids. Every young person struggles to find a place for themselves in the world that is consistent with their values, passions, talents, and dreams. In imagining a positive future filled with success, happiness, love and marriage, young people begin to connect their decision-making today with their goals for tomorrow.

In recognizing the importance of civil marriage as a vital social institution, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall of the Massachusetts Supreme Court said The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support. It brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial, and social benefits. In return it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations. I agree with the Judge!

In not allowing same-sex couples the basic right to codify their union through civil marriage, states (and the federal government) deny LGBT individuals more than 1,000 federal protections and responsibilities and countless more at the state levelprotections which make it possible for married people to visit one another in the hospital; make important healthcare and financial decisions for one another in times of crisis; or share custody and responsibility for their children.