Gay marriage - why not?
A commission of fairly distinguished Vermonters been organized and held its first meeting on Aug. 23 to study the touchy and sensitive subject of what it is, exactly, the state's residents think about allowing same-sex marriage, the next step beyond the state's groundbreaking Civil Unions Act passed in 2000.
It is — like abortion — a subject over which well meaning and clear thiinking people can disagree. It's also one that — like abortion — lends itself readily to overwrought, emotional outbursts of hysteria from all sides that enlighten no one and get us nowhere.
The commission members went to great lengths at their organizational meeting to state they want to hear from all sides on this tricky issue.They will probably produce a report by the end of their meetings that will prove thoughtful regardless of where they fall on the spectrum of whether or not to nudge the Legislature in one direction or another.
We've all come a long way since 2000, when the historic Civil Unions legislation was passed.
Despite the rantings of the far-right religious fundamentalist crowd, as a whole, the nation has been edging closer to a more common sense and tolerant view on this entire subject. And it's about time. Really — who cares if someone wants to formalize a relationship with a same sex partner, other than the people involved and perhaps their immediate families? It's really nobody else's business. Even the entire question of death and insurance benefits is really beside the point. Benefits would be paid to someone, so it's not like it's some big economic calamity to the nation as a whole or — God forbid — the insurance industry.
For the overwhelming number of people, a marriage will be of the traditional variety, beween a man and a woman. That institution is hardly going to be threatened by the relative handful of people who opt for something else. That's an intensely personal and private decision.
Here's the deal in a nutshell — it's a short life. Why not enjoy it the best you can? The caveat, of course, is that you can't enjoy it so much that you hurt other people. But it's hard to see where the harm comes in to society as a whole with gay marraige. It may be a startling sight, but ultimately — where's the harm? No one is talking about forcing unwilling partners to get hitched up. For heaven's sake, let's move on.
Comments
What a thoughtfully written blog Andrew. "For goodness sakes" let us all stop putting scripture and judgement ahead of good, solid reason and fairness to all. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Respectfully,
Jennie
Posted by: Jennie | January 28, 2008 04:49 PM