There are always two sides to hot-button issues; when U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled gay marriage legal in Utah, there was opposition.
The fight for gay rights has been in effect for years and those who oppose it keep up with the fight. Currently Utah has issued a stay, and now it is a matter of waiting and uncertainty for homosexuals.
“I’m very confident that it is only a matter of time before marriage equality is the law of the land,” says Chris Sonderegger, who married his partner of 20 years, Jim Grow on Dec. 23, 2013.
Many people are asking questions about marriage equality and what it truly means. Does it open the door for pedophiles to marry young girls or for humans to marry animals?
The whole issue of how marriage equality is defined is one big question mark. Religion has become involved and taking a stand on what defines marriage. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken its side – traditional marriage is to be kept sacred – gay marriage is not ordained of God. It has the right to keep this law and protect it.
“Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it. The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ constitutionally protected right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members,” states the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a statement issued on Jan. 10.
For some homosexuals, marriage is the next step to defining love in their relationship. Many couples have lived together for years and truly have love for each other. Their relationship is not solely based upon sex.
“When you look at the majority of couples who are getting married, the reasons for them wanting marriage are the same reasons every straight person wants,” says Sonderegger.
Currently, there have been no definite decisions made by Utah government officials concerning gay marriage.
Follow Rachael on Twitter: @TheRachEF
