The documentary Freeheld Free, portrays the life of Laurel Hester and her fight to pass her benefits on to her domestic partner. It appears the county had the right to allow this to happen, but refused. Cases of prejudice like these occur all across the country. When one case happens it is another step backwards for civil rights. We as a country need to recognize that freedom and civil rights are not based on gender, race, or religion. If courts continue to be blinded by their own biases we will not grow as a nation. Humanity is better of because of people like Laurel and her partner Stacy. The six counties in New Jersey believed in her cause and recognized that benefits should be allowed to be left to domestic partners.
In reality most of heterosexism comes from fear. The belief that gay marriage is different or threatens the sanctity of marriage is pure discrimination. When politics becomes involved in governing who we can love and what marriage is, we not only turn away from the beliefs that America is the land of free, but we step on the ground paved by Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Susan B. Anthony.
It is people like Laurel Hester who lived to see her benefits passed on to Stacy, but did not live to see the Supreme Court on New Jersey rule that all homosexual couples will have the same rights have heterosexual couples, that we need to thank. Our country needs to continue to fight against the fear of homosexuals in order for us to protect the civil rights of all minorities.
I agree with you completely that freedom and civil rights should not be based on gender, race, or religion. It was sad to see even with all the rights in their hands they took too long to decide.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point by saying that heterosexism often comes from fear. Also, many people are homophobic resulting from refusal to accept anything outside of the norm. I feel the same way, that saying that gay marriage is not okay is discrimination. However, my boyfriend is very Catholic and it's interesting to hear him talk about why he thinks gay marriage shouldn't be allowed. I guess your religion and moral values determine how you view this topic.
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