Separate, But Equal

A quick rant on gay marriage....

The New Jersey Supreme Court Decision, which declared that equal rights must be granted to homosexual civil unions, but that their unions don't have to be called "marriages" disturbs me. The fact is most Americans feel uncomfortable with the idea of gay marriage. I inherently feel somewhat uncomfortable with it. But I know that feeling is wrong and distorted.

It wasn't that long ago that Caucasian-Americans were disturbed by the idea of an integrated society with African-Americans. Interracial marriage was a felony in many states. African-Americans weren't allowed in the military because it would disrupt the unit, or in the same schools, or the same bathrooms. We lived in a separate, but equal society. We look back at those days with horror and confusion. Twenty or thirty years from now, we're going to look back at these days with the same disbelief.

Why does our society prefer that children be orphans than be raised by two loving, homosexual parents? It's time to give homosexuals the same rights. It will be an adjustment to think of marriage as a union of two persons, not just a man and woman. But, just as the military changed to adopt African-Americans into their community, so too will the rest of us with homosexuals.

At Deer Park Monastery, at a "couples retreat", a homosexual couple thanked the Sangha for being so welcoming. The lesbian couple was able to practice with everyone, as equals. They were so touched by everyone's acceptance. I began to realize the effect that discrimination has on this group of people. Many homosexuals suffer due to our lack of acceptance. Let's alleviate their suffering.