On June 26, 1971, my parents marriage was recognized by the federal Government. It was his wedding day and they are a heterosexual couple, so there was no doubt. Exactly 42 years later, 26 June 2013, my marriage now is recognized by the federal Government. I live in Washington State, which allows the State of marriage equality, and today the Supreme Court overturned a key part of the defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Today is a day of celebration. However, already not I'm fooling myself.
When we look back in history we see that changing a law not immediately changed attitudes. After President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, there is a false belief that all slaves were freed. Legally, that was true, however, it was not until June 19, 1865 when the slaves living in Texas even heard the news that the war had ended. I'm pretty sure there were people in power who knew that you ensure free of workers who work for them. On the other hand, followed with life as usual, for they knew that he could get away with.
It wasn't 1863 or 1865 when Americans suddenly were treated with equality across the United States thanks to the end of slavery. It took one hundred years of inequality only until 1964, when the Civil Rights Act finally went through. Even today, fifty years beyond the Civil Rights Act, there are some who do not hire another individual based on race, religion or speak it. They can not be as vocal, because we have laws against it, but that watching what is happening is pretty clear. The majority of the world, it is unimaginable that in America, there is still a group of people who continue to question the validity of the certificate of birth of the President. I can't imagine if John McCain had gotten into the Office that someone follow questioning his birth in the Republic of Panama. These people know is wrong, but they continue with life as usual, because they know that they can get away with.
If we are learning history is what we have to wait much longer until we, as marriages, will be treated with the same respect as our heterosexual counterparts had married. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted that today is going to help so many people who have been fighting for a long time. The gentlemen I mean that my grandparents gays married in New Mexico during the brief time in which it was legal. In the 1980s and have been fighting for these steps forward, since they were in their twenties. Both are veteran and due to be beaten for DRESSAGE, its military to help care for the other benefits are a little safer today.
Absolutely we should celebrate this momentous step forward, but we ourselves can't blind continuous steps we must take. I am curious to see how each State handles the impending questions will face its courts. I wonder how possibly could deny security at some of its citizens when the federal Government now recognizes citizens as equals, but the laws do not change hearts. DOMA is an easy tool to use in order to perpetuate intolerance, but with him gone there are other tools you will find some to use. They know is wrong, but they will try to escape with him. We have to make sure that I don't let them.
Celebrate, Yes, especially in this month of pride, but also to remain vigilant. There is more work to be done.
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