Tuesday, February 12, 2013

National Freedom to Marry Day


Happy National Freedom to Marry Day! Okay, so while I don’t necessarily think marriage is relevant or something I want for myself, I think everyone should have the right to decide for themselves. …I feel a rant coming on…

It’s 2013. Amazing, eh? Think of all the things humans have created, heard, seen, etc. We’ve come a long way from our origins, and yet, in some ways, we haven’t changed at all. It disappoints me that the freedom to marry is not applicable to everyone. Doesn’t that seem silly? Why are arbitrary attributes of a person, or group of persons, such as sexual orientation, class, race, etc. even part of the “criteria” of who is “eligible” to spend extravagant amounts of money to prove to the government, society and whoever else that two people love each other, and want to spend the rest of their lives together? I mean when we really think of it, it shouldn’t shock us too much! We still have racism, sexism, slavery, and other such lovely human creations in existence today. …TODAY! …in 2013!

I am proud to be a Canadian most days. Even with some of the silly decisions all levels of our government are making. But, one of the best decisions made by the Federal Government of Canada took place on July 20, 2005, thanks to former Prime Minister Paul Martin! For it was his government that made same-sex marriage legal in Canada, at a time when only THREE other countries were willing to grant these equally worthy couples the opportunity to marry!

The United States have displayed some fantastic moments of progression; we’ve seen plenty of evidence throughout history. However, the fact that this country – the most powerful and one of the richest in the world – has yet to follow suit is unbelievable! I can’t understand what the hold up is! How about instead of worrying about two life long companions, who also happen to be gay, “make it official,” we worry about REAL issues, like education and healthcare!

So for those of us who have been “given permission” to marry, take a minute to think about what that means. Consider how you might feel if this were no longer an option for you. Ask yourself what really is the difference between you and the many others who are not granted this same right.

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