Roman philosopher Boethius once said "Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law."
New York state is one vote shy of passing a law making it legal for same sex marriage. For the life of me I cannot fathom why this issue is being put to the whim of the states when so called "traditional" marriage is Federally recognized.
Why does it matter, it's just a piece of paper right? Wrong. It's a glaring symbol of inequality. Marriage is recognized and afforded rights with regards to taxes, property, benefits, loans and legal standing. This dear reader, is exactly taxation without representation or benefit. This is legislated discrimination. You cannot bestow rights of some; they must be for all to all.
Hospitals for instance can still prevent a loved one from gaining information or to be allowed at the bedside of a patient if not legally recognized. No one should spend their final hours alone and afraid, facing their own mortality and being judged a pariah by society. I can think of no greater tragedy than being separated from a loved one when my presence was needed most. Could you?
Life can be cold, brutal and often cruel. If you for even a moment have someone to spend your time with; someone who makes you happy then you should feel blessed. You should revel in the fact that in a world of billions, you've been chosen by fate and found someone special and in turn who wants you. Love is an incredibly rare and precious thing; something the government should have no involvement whatsoever. You should not be made to feel ashamed of your relationship and certainly not fearful for your safety.
I fail to understand how someone can have the unmitigated gall to presume the existence of their own relationship can be endangered by accepting the rights of others. If you truly believe that traditional marriage is somehow lessened by legalizing gay marriage, then your faith in that union must not be very strong. Marriages fail and relationships falter. Gay marriage will prove no different. Some will divorce, others will share a lifelong commitment growing old together. Homosexuals are people, after all.
We are all human beings with an incredible potential for compassion yet we sometimes take for granted what makes us human beings to begin with. Love. Love is living being, too. It breathes, it can starve, it can wither and it can soar. It can inspire to overcome almost any obstacle with the mere hope of its existence and yet be as fragile as glass. It's priceless and should be treat as such.
Even if the law is not passed either at the state or federal level, don't let a piece of paper define you or your relationship.
You have value. You have worth. Never forget that.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
