Why Gay Marriage is Essentially a Non-Issue

For a considerable amount of time, gay marriage has been a hot-button issue.  This debate mainly manifests itself between what are perceived to be liberals and conservatives.  It's not that at all.  What it is, or at least has become, is a battle between religion and equality.  The debate hinges on the perception of the morality of homosexuality.  Morality as defined by religion versus morality defined by equality.  For the most part, religion has prevailed, when it has no business in this matter.  

To combat communism in the 1950's, President Eisenhower introduced the phrase "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance.  "Under God" was added to give the perception that America was the antithesis of the so-called godless communists.  This bolstered the perception, and ultimately power of religion in America.  By allowing religion to hold sway over this argument, the various religious groups are gaining tremendous power.  Power, which can cloud an individuals ideas and thoughts.  Power, which makes it nearly impossible to think rationally.  Power to control lives.

This is a matter of a lack of separation of church and state. In fact, by not allowing homosexuals to be married, the states are performing an unconstitutional act because there is no separation of church and state in this instance. This is discrimination at its highest, but since there is no specific racial factor involved, the national government won't step in. When slavery was ended, it took a number of Amendments to the constitution and ultimately the Civil Rights act, to end discrimination.

Ultimately this is a non-issue because the religions who are opposed to homosexuality will not allow homosexuals to be married in their places of worship.  The only concern, then, is only of equal rights.   For something that seems so simple to say "OK" and move on with our lives, it continues to be a constant battle.  We, as a nation, need to get over legislating our views of morality and get down to dealing with real issues that matter.  There are some issues that America needs to be united on to protect personal freedoms.  This is one of them.



All Photos From:
"The most hilariously effective signs supporting gay marriage." Happy Place. July 26, 2011. Web. Accessed July 27, 2011.