Doctor's In: Gay Marriages Spotlighted by the Supreme Court

A polarized US continues a long history of advocacy for or against a myriad of issues.  There are hardened positions on “Right to Life” or “Right of Choice”, “Gun Rights or Gun Regulation”,“Taxes”, or “No New Taxes”, “Obamacare” or “No Obamacare”, the list is long. 

Capturing the spotlight currently is the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defining marriage as between a man and a woman - seems reasonable. California’s Proposition 8 overturned a recent ruling legalizing gay marriage due to DOMA. The result was outrage from gay marriage advocates and the pushing of the issue to the Supreme Court. 

The ruling will impact the legality of an individual’s free right to chose a life's partner.   As with most hotly contested US issues, follow the dollar, and enjoy mob antics on both sides of the equation. 

Aside from the emotional satisfaction of being able to legally declare your significant other as a spouse there are a myriad of legal issues involving transfer of estates after death, federal benefits, and the sharing of job related health benefits as an example as what is at stake for same-sex couples.

The history of discrimination against such marriage both by state and federal authorities is well documented. Fortunately, public opinion has shifted to understanding the old adage, “different strokes for different folks.”  Gay relationships, as have interracial marriages, have moved into the mainstream and have demanded and gotten acceptance.  That is a good thing. 

Now an uncomfortable Supreme Court has the responsibility to do what is right to protect the human rights of all citizens. Gay couples are a fact. They should have all the rights and privileges of the heterosexual community.

The largest cry against the recognition of gay relationships comes from religious groups, many who through the ages have decided that they speak for God.  Whether they are or are not messengers from the Lord remains to be seen and are issues for another article. 

Other subtle opponents are looking at their bottom line to understand the financial impact of the legalization of such marriages. However one views it, involved are personal freedoms and the right to choose a lifestyle that is limited to the people who make such a choice.  It is nobody else’s business. 

This  remains a difficult issue for the Supreme Court but there is no doubt they will do what is right, DOMA has to be struck down.  And now for the 2^nd Amendment!  Oops, we have run out of time.