Once again, California shows itself to be among the progressive states as the Supreme Court takes a stand for social change.
Apparently, the forces for progressive change in California are strong. Bear in mind that there is a Republican majority in the California Supreme Court. I watched some of the arguments put forth before the court and was suprised at how – for the most part – open-minded and objective the judges were as they probed both sides of the issue.
Many fear that allowing gay marriage will result in a breakdown of tried-and-true family values. This fear is unfounded. Has Canada, where homosexuals are allowed to marry, suffered such a breakdown? Yes, change is frightening, and I’m sure the concepts of interracial marriage, civil rights for African-Americans, and women’s rights were also frightening during their times of transition. And yet our society has been the better for it.
If the idea that marriage is an institution that involves two people, no matter what their gender, becomes accepted across the US – what are the consequences? Heterosexuals will still marry, will still have children. Society will continue on. But the notions promoted by organized religions will be challenged, which in turn challenges the religions themselves.
Perhaps this is the basis for the fear?
