Hello readers,
Something dramatic and huge has taken place in America for the first time of its kind. Equality stood strong, throughout homophobia, discrimination and countless violent crimes against the LGBT community but today, they have claimed victory by changing the law in favour of same-sex marriage!
As we know previously; states were battling through their own laws to try and make it legal state-by-state but today, the Supreme Court has ruled that marriage should be open to everyone“that is not to say the right to marry is less meaningful for those who do not or cannot have children,” writes Kennedy, after pointing out the advantages for children of same-sex couples. “An ability, desire, or promise to procreate is not and has not been a prerequisite for a valid marriage in any State.” people are now celebrating and rejoicing over the fact that such a big change has happened in America.
Whilst this is a massive moral boost for the LGBT community in their war against inequality; we must realise that this is only a small battle in the war. There are still many issues that need to be worked on; some minor, some major. I have taken the time to list one of the biggest ones below
Employment and being treated fairly
Whilst this may seem a fairy obvious one; even in England, there are some employers who do discriminate against sexual orientation. It doesn't just stop there, an old survey based on the channel 4 TV series "Dispatches", they asked employers if they would employ someone with a non-English name some of them answered that it "wouldn't bother them" but some said they wouldn't on the grounds that the name is too hard to pronounce, it doesn't fit with the company being 'English'; later in that episode it was found to be taxi drivers and employees that interact with the public that seem to be facing this discrimination.
I believe this is the next milestone to achieve. Combating this type of discrimination would be an even bigger victory than marriage equality; it would shape and change attitudes world-wide but it's going to be quite a mission.
Some facts about equality and the fight that is going on:
- Support of marriage equality is increasing globally
Fifty-seven percent favor it, while 39 percent oppose a change, according to a Pew poll earlier this month.
- Americans don't trust the Supreme Court on same-sex marriage
About half of Americans -- 49 percent -- "have a moderate amount of trust" in the court concerning the upcoming decision, according to a CNN poll.
- Many same-sex couples can now get married since the Supreme Court decision rules in their favor
Using U.S. Census data, the same Post article estimated there are about 183,252 same-sex households in states where marriage is not yet allowed.
- There are still many who strongly oppose same-sex marriage.
Recently, about 40,000 pastors and church leaders signed a petition to "resist all government efforts to require them to accept gay marriage."
Conclusion & thoughts:
I think it's absolutely amazing, it's an extremely proud victory for equality advocates everywhere. However, there has to be a reasoning thought about why this took so long to happen in the USA; the battle for equality has been no stranger to the US citizens. Let's hope that this movement continues in a peaceful manner.
Also, to everyone that is struggling with who they are and how you may or may not be feeling about what has just happened to day, I hope you find what you are seeking - there are many people who can't celebrate today because laws are easily changed, people's minds aren't. My thoughts are with EVERYONE that supported this movement!
Have a great day everyone!
Articles & sources:
Clinton: the LGBT struggle is not over!
The Guardian
Facts about equality
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