Articulating Equality
As Washington prepares to become the 7th state in the country to allow same-sex marriage, an emerging narrative about the evolution of society's acceptance of the issue is being articulated by recent converts. First Governor Gregoire framed the debate in personal terms, citing her own struggle to conclude that marriage equality was a moral imperative. Then a bi-partisan host of legislators introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. While initially short by 2 supporters in the upper chamber, Senators Haugen and Kastama have come out in support of the bill within the last week. Their support ensures passage of this landmark endeavor and secures their place in the halls of history.
But what is most remarkable about the events unfolding in Olympia is how supporters have collectively drafted a new approach to the issue. In confessing their own misgivings, religious biases, and long held beliefs in "traditional" marriage, the growing list of moderate and conservative supporters are demonstrating how personal beliefs can be reconciled with social change. Senator Haugen, the crucial 25th vote, addressed that very issue head on in announcing her support for marriage equality.
"I have very strong Christian beliefs...I have always believed in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That is what I believe, to this day." Haugen said on her website. But she noted "This issue isn’t about just what I believe. It’s about respecting others...It’s about whether everyone has the same opportunities for love and companionship and family and security..." Indeed the juxtaposition of her personal beliefs about marriage with her acknowledgement that gay couples deserve the same rights as straight ones highlights the increasingly nuanced and enlightened view of gay marriage.
The senator's view is sharply contrasted by opponents of same-sex marriage, such as the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). Not only has NOM committed $250,000 to support primary challenges to republicans who support the measure, their website details a remarkably less enlightened view of the issue. They claim that gay marriage hurts families by depriving citizens their right to define marriage as between one man and one woman. NOM's website even claims that by allowing gay couples to marry, straight couples would somehow be defined as racists and bigots. I agree that NOM's actions put them in jeopardy of being labeled as bigoted, but the rest of their talking points are at best morally shallow promulgations based on fear and ignorance.
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