Civil Marriage Equality – It’s Time

Have you been confronted by friends, family, colleagues or others seeking your position on the so-called marriage equality, or same-sex marriage issue? This article offers excellent talking points and responses to those queries, and gives you confidence when addressing the issue in general.

After studying this controversy for several months, researching the various ramifications of so-called ‘gay marriage’, reading countless books, and speaking with several experts on the topic, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s an idea whose time has come. I’ve learned a number of fascinating peripheral issues surrounding the main topic, such as the number of rights involved, who the opposition is (not who you might think), and why this issue seems to be taking on a life of its own in the marketplace.

I’ve also seen how civil marriage equality, or CME as I refer to it, has the potential to redefine traditional marriage in a good way, by focusing an intense light on the institution of marriage, and just why it is we humans are so cussedly attached to it.

Definition: What is CME?

You may find that when you mention civil marriage equality, CME, people won’t know what you mean. Whereas, if you say ‘gay marriage’, or ‘same-sex marriage’ they immediately grasp the issue and its meaning. Often, at least if they’re wary, or lack understanding of the issue, people will mentally shut down, or change the topic altogether. When those of us who understand and promote the issue use the term civil marriage, we’re not evading the issue out of a sense of unease, or a lack of conviction. Quite the contrary, we use the term advisedly, because it’s what we mean. It’s equality in the availability of access to civil marriage. Why the exacting description? There’s a good reason to be very specific when defining the terms of this debate. Here’s why.

Civil marriage is just that: a contract between a civil entity, in this case the state in which one resides, and two people who have met, fallen in love, and committed their lives to each other. Civil marriage equality recognizes the unique relationship we enjoy in this nation between religious congregations of all types, sizes and definitions, (there are over 200 of them in America, by the way), and the various governmental bodies that tend to the civil affairs of our society, departments such as taxation, property issues, elective office, driving privileges, schools and what have you. And, yes, civil marriage.

Indeed, marriage is the perfect venue in which to illustrate the unique separate relationship that exists between two powerful entities in American society–religion and government. Just as the state has no authority or power within the walls of a church, church groups have no authority or power in the halls of government. Unlike other countries, whose governmental entities rely on religious texts to rule their populace, we in America rely on our Constitution & civic institutions to do so, for the benefit of all.

Thus our use of the term civil marriage. Because of our insistence on that term, there is protection for both parties, should that be necessary. Religious groups refer to marriage, or matrimony, or wedded bliss, and that is their right. This article does not discuss equal access to those things; instead, it refers only to state sanctioned civil marriage.

Just so, CME is, in all but six states at this writing, currently being denied to our LGBT citizens–despite legal & constitutional protections, and the long-standing adherence to the separation principle we’ve long enjoyed in America.

Various groups insist that the word marriage is unimportant, and that partnership, civil union, or life-partner is acceptable. But the term is vitally important. Words have power; anything less than full civil marriage is a ‘separate but equal’ condition, therefore inherently different and thus unequal. Just as no one is constrained to the back of the bus, everyone must have equal treatment under the law, sitting anywhere on the bus they please.

Just as the terms are important, the issue must be discussed with full transparency. There is no ‘gay agenda’ so-called. In my extensive research, I found that the only thing LGBT people want is what heterosexual couples have taken for granted for a very long time. Free access to civil marriage is an assumption for straight people from the time of childhood. For gays & lesbians it ought to be, too.

Thus, what needs to be discussed is the similarity, not the difference, or the special. Not ‘gay marriage’, or same-sex marriage’, but civil marriage. Heterosexual couples would not use the term straight marriage. Our LGBT friends should expect nothing less than the clarity of the term civil marriage and all it means, including its myriad rights, benefits and, yes, its responsibilities.

For this reason alone society ought to grant free access to civil marriage. The divorce rate now stands at around 44% for those married over seven years. A new definition, and a renewed commitment to fidelity, stability and true family values are needed in American life. Opening the door to a segment of our society desperately seeking commitment will secure part of this need. Civil marriage equality–It’s time.

Byron H. Edgington is a writer and creator of the marriage resource website http://www.caffection.com Caffection is where marriage and its manifold benefits are spoken. Visit Caffection.com for an assets planning guide, heartwarming movies, a daily journal, quotes, an e-newsletter and more, all free to download.

Author: Byron Edgington
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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