It Is Time

On the issue of same sex marriage in Rhode Island, both Bishop Tobin and Senator Raptakis have suggested that perhaps the state Senate should wait until June when we will know how the Supreme Court decides the cases on California's Proposition 8 and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. But we in this contentious little state are not about waiting for a higher authority, be it a church hierarchy or a high court, to decide our most personal issues for us. 

Why do persons in committed same sex relationships need to justify getting married? They already have the responsibilities - what they need now is the sanction and the recognition that are freely granted to heterosexual couples with barely a thought to justification.  The central issue seems to be in what we call it.  As long as we don't say "marriage", as long as we don't call it what it is, the bond of love and commitment by two persons in a lifelong relationship that is sanctioned by the state, celebrated by the community and blessed by God, most of us never have to step outside of our comfort zone. What will it really cost us to name it and encode that name into law?

Every spring - and every legislative session - is an opportunity to renew and become more of who we really are: a state where citizens can live free in alignment with their own consciences and values, allowing others to do the same.  The Senator has it within his power to make this a reality by supporting the marriage equality bill S38 and moving it out of committee and onto the Senate floor for a full vote.

As I write this, it is a sunny Easter morning, and our little acre in Coventry is awash in new life - plush green pushes up through the decay of winter, the first daffodil is just beginning to open and the Lenten Rose is in full bloom.  Nature is in full resurrection, and She waits for no one. 

It is time.