BY KATIE GAISER
Lions’ Pride Layout Editor

Photograph by Brandy Scaglione

Josh answers the question “Does anyone object to this union?”

Many people say that marriage is a privilege, not a right. As Americans, we are all entitled to this privilege. But, some would say because of who I would choose to marry that I am somehow excluded from this privilege. They’re slapping us with their signs, beating us with their fists, and tearing us down with their words all for one important message: marriage is for straight people only.

This election day, Florida is taking this idea a step further. That’s right, folks. On November 4, 2008, Florida voters will be faced with a personal decision, one much more controversial than whom to vote into the Oval Office.

Florida is purposing the implementation of what is known as Amendment 2. Basically, this Amendment is purposing that a marriage license shall only be granted to heterosexual couples in the state of Florida. Further more, it imposes that no other legal union that is treated like a marriage will be valid or recognized.

When I first heard about Amendment 2, I was appalled. I had no idea that Florida was taking this debate so seriously. After all, statistics show that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. You’d think a country with divorce rates this high would encourage a little prosperous matrimony to whoever’s willing to give it a shot.

So who does Amendment 2 really affect? For starters, this ban threatens domestic partnership benefits and other rights of unmarried couples, both straight and gay. Now, marriage will be mandatory if a couple wants to receive any kind benefits at all. It also directly affects gay and lesbian couples, who will not be allowed to marry, or even have a valid domestic partnership.

Furthermore, this Amendment is a massive intrusion on the government’s part. By allowing this Amendment to pass, the government is where it doesn’t belong, regulating the personal relationships of Floridians. The government is apathetically denying happiness to thousands of people across the state.

So the question is, why do such a thing? Why is it so important that Florida keeps marriage and benefits strictly to those heterosexual couples who may not even want to be married? Why does the state believe that homosexual couples shouldn’t even be considered for the right to wed? Who gives the government the right to deny their people a chance at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Sure beats me.

This Amendment is simply ridiculous. What if one day Florida decides only those with brown hair will be able to get married? How will people feel then? Imagine finding the love of your life and wanting to get married. You’re both contributing members to society, you both pay taxes, and you both have clean records. However, you have blonde hair and your partner has red. Sorry Charlie, only those with brown hair can marry today.

Hair color is just like homosexuality; you’re born with it. Sure, you can try to cover either one up, but the true roots always come back. Imagine being denied marriage because of something that is truly out of your control.

Giving gays and lesbians the right to marry is not about forcing anyone to accept anything. This battle is strictly for equality and the chance at real happiness. People always argue that gays are trying to make themselves different, and this makes them angry. If that was the case, wouldn’t marriage be a step in the wrong direction? News flash: gays actually want to be equal. And now, even those attempts to conform are pissing people off. Perfect.

I want to live in a world where people stop trying to limit others. It seems like every law imposed against acts of happiness is the direct, personal intention of limiting another human being. Why does society care so much to hold people back? There are countries with lesser rights all across the world that don’t even care this much about who someone marries. It’s a sad thing when the most liberal country in the world could deny its citizens happiness. All I can hope for is that the good people of this state vote against the idea of tearing their own people down. Come November 4, for my sake and thousands of others, make the right decision my friends. Until then, keep fighting the good fight.