June 26, 2015

This date will go down in history, and many of us do not realize that we have become a part of a very large success for another minority. Once again, the passion and dedication of a group who was once ridiculed wins.

On that Friday morning, the U.S Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states. Making the United States one of the 21 countries to legalize gay marriage. This moment in history has been a long awaited win for many. It allows individuals to marry the people they love no matter their gender or sexual orientation.

Before the ruling, 37 states and British Colombia recognized gay marriage. The opposing 13 states made their ban on gay marriage very public. But the U.S Supreme Court justices stated that, under the 14th Amendment, gay marriage should be recognized in all states.

This is an incredible win for the gay rights movement and many individuals who have been prohibited from taking that intimate next step with their mates.

On Friday evening, while the rainbow colors adopted by the gay activists projected on the north facing side of the White House, Obama stated,“today we can say in no uncertain terms that we have made our union a little more perfect."

Although this fight started a very long time ago, the case of Jim Obergefell finally made it happen. Jim started this fight when he wanted to be recognized as the living spouse of his husband who had passed away.

“Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court affirms what millions across the country already know to be true in our hearts: that our love is equal," said Obergefell.

Be prepared a lot of opinion and less facts coming up.

Love is not set by rules and guidelines. The amount of disrespect towards the gay rights movement is beyond me. The things I hear people say offend me, and I am heterosexual. Why is it so opposed? Is it because of religion?

The Bible has only seven passages that directly talk about homosexuality. But it has more than 250 verses on the proper use of wealth, and more than 300 on our responsibility to care for the poor and work for justice. But people don't focus on those. These seven passages have stirred up a lot of debate, and they are probably the most used arguments against homosexuality.

My issue with this is not whether it goes against what you believe or not. No, my issue with the argument is the hypocrisy that comes with those individuals. Many religious individuals have gone against their religious practices or only truly portray the ideals that are most convenient in their daily lives.

This is solely my opinion; if you disagree then GOOD! You have the ability to think for yourself.

The world is full of options and different ideas. Mine do not have to be the same as yours or even the people I love. I have had religious debates, and although religion has been a very large part of my family, in my heart I do not believe God wants us to be cruel, violent and heartless to those who may seem different.

My family is made of mostly Christians. Most commonly known as crazy, religious vigilantes to some. They may not be as intense as some, but they do have very strong opinions about what is right according to The Bible. Do not get me wrong, I love my family, and they do not treat me like I am any less for having my own thoughts.

I have the grandma that would rub off the fakes tattoos with vaseline, because they represented the devil, and I was vandalizing the body God gave me. I also have the mom who wants to take me to church every time I go visit her.

I have almost one family member for each typical (not to insane) stereotype, but I don't love them any less for it. They believe in something, and it gives them hope, so who am I to belittle their beliefs? They raised me to think for myself and not follow the crowd, because to them if religion is my path, then it will find me.

Which is why I do not understand why people choose to criticize and devalue the love that is present in gay Americans' relationships. It is what gives them hope and makes them truly happy.

In the end, this is my opinion, and anyone can disagree. A lot of people will. Which is okay. I am not going to ridicule the religious for having their beliefs or anyone who opposes them. This issue will be debated for many years to come, like slavery and women's rights. The battle is not over yet.

But I am truly excited to be a part of this moment in history.

When all this fog of hate clears...love wins.