The Slippery Slope

When it comes to the legalization of same-sex marriage, I'm convinced that this issue wouldn't stand a chance if the majority of voters were fully educated as to the implications of legalizing gay marriage for the average person. A week or so ago I brought up the issue with a friend of mine as we were out for our early morning walk. She said that she had very mixed feelings on the issue and couldn't feel certain that gay marriage was really that terrible. As she said it, "What's the problem, if two people love each other, with letting them make their relationship official?" I think my friend's question is representative of the majority of voters. Most people aren't bigots. Most people aren't homophobes. Most people, even those who are straight and don't approve of homosexuality, truly wish to be tolerant, to "live and let live". And honestly, if it was as simple as letting two people who love each other make their relationship official, I wouldn't be sure it was such a bad thing either.

The problem is, it's not that simple. The decision to legalize same-sex marriage is like a stone dropped in a pond...the effects ripple out and cannot be stopped. Those who oppose Proposition 8 would have us believe that it's an isolated issue, but it goes so far beyond that. I've seen a few websites recently where some of the implications are laid out very clearly, using examples of what's going on in Massachusetts and elsewhere since same-sex marriage was legalized there 4 years ago. I thought I'd post the links to those for your consideration:

http://www.massresistance.org/docs/marriage/effects_of_ssm.html

http://travelingsarac.blogspot.com/2008/10/freedom-of-religion-and-speech.html

Also, I loved this article by an openly gay talk show host who actually opposes same-sex marriage himself. He can say things, as a homosexual, that heterosexuals cannot say without being labeled as homophobic or bigoted.

With only one week until the polls open and this issue is decided, I find myself overwhelmed with the enormity of this decision. I hope and pray that Californians become educated with the real issues at stake and vote accordingly.