The announcement that was made a week ago by President Obama was a milestone. It showed a progression that this country, and the world as a whole, had made. The president of the United States taking a stand and saying what he truly believes: Same-sex couples should have the right to marry. Over the last week I have analyzed the amount of support and love he received, but I also witnessed and had discussions with people on how it was tearing away the fabric of our country. Support from people was overwhelming, but stories about Bristol Palin (single, teenaged mother) saying that Pres. Obama should teach his daughters instead of them teaching him, and that children should be raised by a man and a woman was disturbing. Hearing people claim that traditional marriage should not be tainted and destroyed by “the gays” was the most common answer on the negative-side of things. Yet my stance remains true: Human rights are not just for certain humans, they are for all. At some point in history, and even currently, one of the many minorities has been persecuted, and the claim is that they deserve less because anything more would destroy America’s values. Why is it that the majority loves to brag about freedom and rights, when it has to do with a war or an outside force, but it is not true when dealing with our own citizens? Religion and spirituality is something that I hold dear to my heart. I grew up with God being important, talked about, worshipped yet I believe that my relationship is personal. In fact, through my study of life I have meshed many religions to find my way. Christianity is primary, but many other religions and spiritual paths complete me. I do understand that not everyone is like me. Not everyone has friends that are different from themselves, or walked in a Pride Parade for a friend, or love people regardless of differing values. Your religion and faith is sacred…but I do not believe that God wants you to oppress, judge, or ridicule people. We should all live under the law of love, compassion, and understanding. Love is love. God sees us all and knows our pain. He made us, and knows what he made. He loves everyone, and no one on this earth has the ability to say otherwise.

The bible should not be used as a rock to throw at people. Furthermore, marriage is not a Christian-only practice. You cannot deny people governmental rights based on religion because we do not live in a theocracy. Someone else’s marriage should not affect yours. If you are happy, content, working at it, and focusing on your fulfillment-then your marriage and values are not tied up in what someone else is doing. Things that are tearing down families are unfaithfulness, lies, deceit, disrespect, and laziness; not gay marriage. These arguments are just another excuse people use to get distracted from their own issues.

Finally, being African American and a woman makes it hard for me to be in the side of people who want to deny rights and benefits. It was only a century ago that marriages were legal for African Americans and less than that before women could vote. Blacks only received full rights less than 50 years ago. To say, “they should not be allowed to do this because THEY are that” should taste funny in all minorities mouths. Shameful that we are ok denying rights to people when we are still fighting to get all of our benefits and recognition. All in all, we should all take a step back. Stop the hate. And remember that human rights are for everyone, and when they are denied to one group it will only be a matter of time before they come for you…