BGSU student’s opinions on same sex marriage
Amber Hage-Ali
BGSU students expressed the need for a reformation of the traditional, one man and one woman, definition of marriage, to include all people-gay and straight.
Currently, there are only six states that grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples-Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont-and just recently both Maryland and Washington passed bills to begin the process of legalizing same-sex marriages.
There is a great divide between people for and against the issue. However, the majority of BGSU students expressed pro-same sex marriage attitudes.
”I think same sex marriage should be legal. I believe each individual church can have the right not to marry anyone, but at the same time I feel like everyone should have access to equal rights and equal ceremonies,” said Patti Boring, a women studies major from Perrysburg, Ohio.
Students are not the only people expressing pro-same sex marriage attitudes. Just recently the Starbucks in Seattle released a statement advocating the company’s support for the legalization of same-sex marriage, outraging many people who are opposed to the issue. In response to the company’s statement the National Organization for Marriage launched a website to promote a boycott against Starbucks; dumpstarbucks.org.
BGSU students identified religion as one of the main concerns raised by those opposed to the legalization of same sex marriage arguing that biblical scriptures state marriage should be between one man and one woman.
Mackenzie Bryant, a graphic design student from Sylvania, Ohio said her religious beliefs do not interfere with her political decisions.
In efforts to protect the traditional definition of marriage but still offer same sex couples its legal benefits, some states grant civil unions as an alternative. However, according to the National Organization of Women, civil unions provide only a fraction of the benefits as marriage, none of which are recognized at a federal level.
“Everyone should have equal access to marriage. I don’t think the state should be offering marriage nor should it be allowed in a church if it is not going to be accessible to everyone. A civil union is not a fair replacement” said Anjelica Armendriz, a grad student majoring in literature and textual studies from Detroit, Mich.
Marriage offers more than just financial benefits and legal protections; it legitimatizes a relationship and demonstrates a higher level of commitment. The social implications marriage has on one’s mental well-being can be detrimental to one’s health said BGSU students.
Student’s said civil unions only reinforced marginality in society by treating same-sex couples as second class citizens.
“I don’t think anyone has the right to deny people. Civil Unions are the same separate but equal thing we went through with the Jim Crow laws. It’s not really equal it’s just separate,” said Patti Boring.
Kelley O’Brien, a creative writing and women studies major from Fremont, Ohio expresses a similar opinion. O’Brien doesn’t think a civil union is fair. If same-sex couples want to have a church ceremony they should be able to. Denying someone the right to marry is ridiculous.