Love has no gender
photo by Keagan Kantor
Pins like these are used by the LGBTQ+ community to show their pride. These types of accessories are popular among the LGBTQ+ youth.
Same-sex marriage is something the LGBTQ+ community has fought to obtain for decades. In 2015 same-sex marriage was legalized. Now with the election of Amy Coney Barrett, those five years might be cut short due to her being on the Supreme Court. Reproductive rights, workers’ rights, same-sex marriage, and women’s rights are possible for change due to her influence on the court.
To fill the vacant seat, Barrett was sworn into the Supreme Court on October 26, eight days before the presidential election.
One of the most liberal judges who served America, Ginsburg stood for her beliefs and battled for equality and the separation of church and state. Ginsburg’s impact on women and the LGBTQ+ community’s rights took a special amount of dedication and passion. On the surface, Barrett seems against progressive movements.
Although there are many groups of marginalized people Barrett threatens, many in the LGBTQ+ community are worried about her overturning Obergefell v. Hodges, while this is not confirmed, it is what many fear. Not even five years ago was same-sex marriage legalized. Five years of equality only to be stripped away. If the Supreme Court rules on what the public assumes, same-sex marriage will be illegal once again.
What’s the Difference?
The only difference between heterosexual and homosexual marriage is who you marry. Same-sex marriage does not make straight marriage any less significant, the only people affected are the people getting married. In the United States Declaration of Independence, in the 14th amendment, it says, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The phrase gives three examples of the rights given to all humans by their creator, which the government is to protect. Who is to say same-sex marriage isn’t someone’s happiness? Everyone should be allowed to find the person they love no matter who they are.
Marriage is a Right, Not A Privilege
The supreme court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violated the Fourteenth Amendment In 1967. In 2015 all state bans on same-sex marriage were lifted due to the equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. It’s odd to think that there was once a time in America where two consenting, grown, tax-paying, adults could not marry each other.
A Solution and Outcome
The LGBTQ+ community has been discriminated against for decades now; this upcoming election, depending on the result, could decide the rights of these people. Since Amy Coney Barrett is against same-sex marriage, if Joe Biden were to win, he could add two or more democratic judges to the supreme court to sway it to the left, thus increasing the chance that same-sex marriage will still be legal. If the illegalization of same-sex marriage passes, this generation of LBGTQ+ youth will have to fight for their rights again as their ancestors did.
Teagan • Apr 22, 2022 at 12:40 pm
This truly shows how close the basis of religion has gotten to law. It gives a great perspective on other laws that are religiously motivated. Truly a 10/10 informative and argumentative article. Makes me question what laws could also be guided by religion, therefore forcing religious views on this country and violating the first amendment.
Hannah Espiritu Moody • Apr 22, 2022 at 11:25 am
An astonishing article, backed up with reliable information. The topic is quite sensitive, considering the debates about it and other people’s opinions. It’s a topic that needs to be talked about more due to many individuals believing homosexual marriage is simply just wrong. I believe this article pertains to a lot of people and encourages them to not be afraid of loving whoever they want. It also educates others with no knowledge on the subject, teaching them that homosexual marriage should be treated the same as heterosexual marriage. This subject is often risky to talk about since it has been bombarded with disrespect. Overall, the article is quite empowering to the LGBTQ+ community and educating for others outside of it. It gives an idea of how foolish thinking homosexual marriage and love is wrong.
Kenna Hartry • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:29 am
LGBTQ communities shouldn’t be illegal. people who want to be that way can be that way, its their choice and not anyone else’s. being bi, gay, etc shouldn’t have been a problem to begin with in the world. this is a free country and we should be able to be with whoever we want and what makes us feel good about ourselves.
Victoria Muller • Nov 24, 2020 at 9:39 am
Bravo Emery and Robert! It’s a very sensitive subject that gives rise to a lot of debates between beliefs and freedom. But you have managed to deal with it fairly and wisely, nice article!
Haley Grimes • Nov 20, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Wonderful article Robert and Emery! I think it’s important as young student to stay involved in the growing and changing worl around us, and this speaksto many students at Meridian. The risk is scary, and it’s not just ACB who has spoken on intentions toovverturn it, but the more it’s discussed and the more educated people become on the truth of the situation, the better the chances of keeping rights intact. I know this article helped open the eyes of some close friends, keep up the phenomenal reporting!
Ellie Fitzpatrick • Nov 7, 2020 at 7:05 pm
Well done article, good job Robert and Emery, although I can’t say I agree that same-sex marriage is at risk. Amy has Christian beliefs and morals, but I do not think that she would use her position in power to attack the LGBTQ community and force her morals upon the entire country. Personally, I like Amy, she has adopted two kids from Haiti and seems like she would be someone to truly care about our great country. Like I said earlier though, it was a well done article and one of my favorite things about living in America is that friends can disagree in a respectful manner.