By Steven Barker

Opinions Editor

Despite serving as soldiers, teachers, and role models in our communities, the gay community still faces legislation that ostracizes individuals for their sexual orientation, a fact that should inspire in all Americans shame.

Originally stemming from the Bible, opposition to gay marriage was essentially legalized with the promulgation of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Enacted on Sept. 22, 1996, DOMA was wildly popular with both houses of Congress. Section 3 of the bill, which defined marriage as only a “legal union between a man and a woman,” codified non-recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal purposes.

Former Pres. Bill Clinton said in an interview with the gay and lesbian magazine, The Advocate, shortly after the law passed: “I remain opposed to same-sex marriage. I believe marriage is an institution for the union of a man and a woman.”

America’s attitude toward homosexuality has since slackened. Clinton, speaking to Jim Galloway of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in 2009, dropped his opposition to gay marriage. “I personally support people doing what they want to do. I think it’s wrong for someone to stop someone else from doing that [gay marriage],” said Clinton.

Section 3 has since been found unconstitutional eight times in federal court. Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement on Feb. 23, 2011 that the Department of Justice would no longer defend Section 3 in federal court.
However, despite the repudiation of anti-gay sentiments, political and religious conservatives still hold marital equality hostage.

The irony of anti-gay sentiments is that these beliefs tarnish the American vision of freedom – that all citizens may lives their life unimpeded by others. However, by restricting marriage, conservatives repress the rights of others; they restrict the forms in which gay people may live their lives.

Same-sex marriage is not, in fact, an abomination, nor does it tarnish the sanctity of marriage. Marriage as a societal symbol is prominent for the unification of love between two people. Irrespective of race, gender and ethnicity, all human beings are capable of love. By expanding marriage to recognize love irrespective of gender, marriage is enriched – it now encompasses more manifestations of love beyond that between a man and a woman.

Social and religious conservatives must understand that their personal interests can impede other people’s lives. When former Pres. John F. Kennedy told the nation to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” he asked us to relinquish personal desires for the sake of America’s collective health. We as a country have failed to fulfill this obligation. In the place of tolerance, we have allowed an uncompromising ideology to hold captive the rights of the gay community. I understand the sentiment that religious beliefs should not be amended for the sake of gay rights. Religious institutions should in fact be free to decide whether same-sex marriage can take place within their churches.

However, we cannot extend that same rationale to the legality of gay marriage. The First Amendment prevents the United States from adopting a religion; we therefore cannot use religious standards when determining the legality of legislation.

American cannot call itself a pioneer of individual liberty when a component of American culture lives in the shadow of sexual bigotry and, reaching the same achievements of straight men and women, are denied the same rights.

We as Americans must accept the simple fact that differing lifestyles exist in our country. We must forsake our individual preferences for the health and happiness of others. The gay community serves as valiant soldiers and works as thinkers, innovators and teachers to strengthen our future generations.

Under the Constitution that protects equal rights for all Americans, the gay community should now receive the equal marriage rights that they are owed.