We need to fight poverty and disease, not love

By: Justin Gero

Posted: 11/14/08

The people of Arizona, Florida and California voted to ban same-sex marriage in their states Nov. 4.

California's Proposition 8 received the most attention because over 11,000 gay and lesbian couples were married there in the brief time that same-sex marriage was legal in the state. The California race turned out to be very close, and left political pundits pointing at African-American and elderly voters as being the reason the bans on same-sex marriage passed.

However, these demographics alone are not responsible for the movement against same-sex marriage. The main opposition comes from, and is funded by, religious institutions that have fought against it on "moral" and biblical grounds.

The recent bans on same-sex marriage across the country are concerning not only because they are a terrible set-back for equal rights, but also because they are a frightening example of the religious values of one group being imposed on everyone else.

In California, the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints alone contributed over $15 million to an ad campaign claiming that "gay marriage will be taught in [California's] schools" if Prop. 8 failed to pass.

Simply put, the "Yes on 8" ads were false, and California State Board of Education President Ted Mitchell responded saying Prop. 8 would have no effect on California schools. He also called the ads "misleading" and said it was "political campaigning at its worst."

These ads are only the most recent in a long history of over-exaggerated claims, misleading "facts" and fabricated lies used by groups fighting same-sex marriage.

Proponents of Prop. 8 attempted to frighten parents about their children being exposed to homosexuals, even claiming that this exposure would "mess them up" and "confuse" them. One ad showed a mother horrified when her little girl came home from school saying she wanted to marry another "princess."

What I found to be most disappointing was not that "Yes on 8" completely fabricated a lie about school curriculum; most distressing was the suggestion that children will be damaged if they are exposed to the idea that two people of the same gender can love each other.

In 2002 the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that between 1 million and 9 million children are being raised by same-sex parents. Multiple long-term family and child psychology studies have all concluded that children raised by same-sex couples develop normally in every way. The same 2002 study published by the AAP concluded that, "Children who grow up with one or two gay and/or lesbian parents fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual." No legitimate research has ever concluded that exposure to homosexuality has "messed up" children.

Despite the overwhelming evidence clearly showing that same-sex relationships do not harm children, Catholic Charities in Massachusetts stopped adoption services when same-sex marriage became legal in the state. The move was praised by some Catholics as a decision made in "good conscience." How is a decision that places religious dogma over the happiness and well-being of orphaned children a decision made in good conscience? It is clearly a decision based on the irrational fear of homosexuality, with no regard for the truth, or the best interests of children.

In some cases the nature of the fight against same-sex marriage has often involved an odd combination of attempting to show friendship and tolerance towards homosexuals, and at the same time depicting homosexuality as something impure and perverse that society should fear.

Even while dehumanizing and demonizing homosexuality in their ads, the "Yes on 8" campaign also attempted to show that they weren't "anti-gay," they just wanted to "protect marriage."

If the proponents of Prop. 8 really do view gay and lesbian couples as equals, why would there be the need to "protect" marriage from them? You cannot believe someone is your equal, but also undeserving of the same rights that you have. You cannot treat someone with respect and dignity, and at the same time believe that your children will be damaged by them. The fight for same-sex marriage rights is not just about marriage, but about recognizing the humanity of homosexuality.

With so many problems in this world, it is sad and pathetic that so many of us are fighting against equal rights, and against a child's chance at a loving, supportive family.

Organizations that claim righteousness and moral superiority have chosen to dedicate millions of dollars, as well as millions of votes, to fight against the civil rights of their fellow citizens.

Why not bring us $36 million (the amount of money contributed to "Yes on 8") closer to ending poverty? If those organizations are as concerned about children as they claim to be, why aren't they dedicating all that time and money towards making sure every child in America has health care? It is inconceivable to me that preventing same-sex couples from marrying has become a greater rallying cry for religious conservatives than giving a child a fighting chance against cancer.

It is disgraceful that during a time when so many people need help, when there are so many diseases to be cured and injustices to be fought, that so much money is spent on fighting against equality and against love.

It is time for our society to accept same-sex marriage, and recognize that natural, healthy relationships can exist between people of the same gender. It is time for us to treat our fellow citizens with the dignity and respect they deserve, and ensure equal rights for everyone.

Justin Gero is a junior majoring in history & politics and science, technology & society. He is the editor in chief of The Triangle, and can be reached at justin@thetriangle.org.