The Texas legislature celebrated 10 years of denying same sex couples equal marriage rights at Faith and Family Day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 at the Texas Capitol Auditorium. The capitol was full of religious organizations and generally well-meaning people who believe that to protect their traditions they should deny others equal legal protections and benefits offered to married couples. Sounds like a win-win, right? (Sarcasm)
The Texas Definition of Marriage Amendment (Prop 2) was passed on November 8th, 2005, but the legislature decided to celebrate early... Nine months early. Perhaps it was in response to the recent marriage between Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant, a same sex couple who have been together for over 30 years.
Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant were a rare exception to the ban and were allowed to be married on February 19th, after petitioning a state district judge for an emergency marriage license. Their marriage has spurred a state-wide discussion on marriage laws, stoking the fast growing flames of change.
Brint Crockett writes frequently on LGBT issues, addressing his work to a more progressive audience. He writes with a clear liberal bias, which I believe encourages people who have already adopted a liberal mindset, but may not do much to persuade more conservative readers. His article includes a video taken from the event that shows the alternate point of view. In it, a man expresses his dismay at how things are "suddenly upside down" and a woman briefly describes her view of marriage and says that she believes same sex marriage is a "sin" equal to other sins, but that she will fight for what she thinks is valuable. Brint claims that these organizations are fueled by hate, but really what I see is fear of change and pressure from an established belief system. Though I agree with his stance on the issue, I don't believe he is familiar enough with his opponent's viewpoint to understand why they believe what they do and that may weaken his point for those who aren't already on board with the idea of expanding marriage to all consenting adults.
The Texas Definition of Marriage Amendment (Prop 2) was passed on November 8th, 2005, but the legislature decided to celebrate early... Nine months early. Perhaps it was in response to the recent marriage between Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant, a same sex couple who have been together for over 30 years.
Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant were a rare exception to the ban and were allowed to be married on February 19th, after petitioning a state district judge for an emergency marriage license. Their marriage has spurred a state-wide discussion on marriage laws, stoking the fast growing flames of change.
Brint Crockett writes frequently on LGBT issues, addressing his work to a more progressive audience. He writes with a clear liberal bias, which I believe encourages people who have already adopted a liberal mindset, but may not do much to persuade more conservative readers. His article includes a video taken from the event that shows the alternate point of view. In it, a man expresses his dismay at how things are "suddenly upside down" and a woman briefly describes her view of marriage and says that she believes same sex marriage is a "sin" equal to other sins, but that she will fight for what she thinks is valuable. Brint claims that these organizations are fueled by hate, but really what I see is fear of change and pressure from an established belief system. Though I agree with his stance on the issue, I don't believe he is familiar enough with his opponent's viewpoint to understand why they believe what they do and that may weaken his point for those who aren't already on board with the idea of expanding marriage to all consenting adults.
Viva la Tradición!
