UPDATED: IT’S OFFICIAL, Marriage Equality in US “Today is a big step in our march toward equality,” Obama.
June 26th, not only a historic day in the United States of America, but a historic day in the World.
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Previous story: June 25th
Decision could come June 26 or Monday June 29th
America and the whole world awaits a decision from the United States Supreme Court on the matter of Obergefell v. Hodges, or as we all know it, the marriage equality ruling. It’s been delay after delay as citizens await this crucial ruling. If passed in full, marriage between same sex couples will be allowed right across the United States.
Obergefell v Hodges goes back to 2013 when Obergefell sued his home state of Ohio for discrimination against same sex couples who were legally married in other states. Sadly his partner Arthur died from ALS while they tried to get recognition in Ohio. They were legally married in Maryland. There was a split decision in Ohio and that is why this case is before the United States Supreme Court.
A decision is expected any day, perhaps tomorrow as indicated in countless news reports and blogs. If recognized this will be a landmark decision that will forever change the way LGBTQ+ people can live their lives. But there is a dark side to this whole issue. That is the fundamentalist christian right and other homophobic groups that promise to take action, even if it’s against the law.
There are claims some preachers may get divorced, one preacher said he would set himself on fire if same sex marriage is recognized. These are radical statements but not far from what is planned if same sex ruling is in favor of Obergefell.
The Harm Doers
There are elements in society that would see harm done to LGBTQ+ people and some of these groups are big. Take the Liberty Institute for example. They have already prepared a 5 point strategy to deal with a post Obergefell America. Here are the five points they have laid out on their website.
1 “Focus on the Courts. Elections are important. But right now, the attacks on religious liberty are moving too fast for an election to fix—and this will get worse if the Supreme Court imposes a national redefinition of marriage. We have won these key battles before and we must continue to win for religious freedom in court. And it must happen immediately”.
2“Use Existing Laws to Keep Winning. Liberty Institute litigators have a 90%-plus win rate, even in tough cases. We know how to use existing laws and court precedents to win legal cases. No matter what the Supreme Court rules in the marriage case, laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and numerous court precedents are on our side. The Court’s ruling will not change the truth that Americans have a constitutional right to speak and to act according to our beliefs”.
3“Use New Laws to Win. Our attorneys are advising several state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to make sure a plethora of new religious freedom laws are written in language that will withstand legal challenges. These laws will make it easier to win in court”.
4“Use Religious Liberty Audits to Protect Churches, Ministries, and Businesses. Liberty Institute attorneys are employing Religious Liberty Audits to enhance legal protection for organizations. These audits analyze an organization’s documents and practices, and then offer revisions to protect the organization from the new brand of “sexual liberty” attacks that can cripple the ability to minister”.
5“Expand Our Winning Formula. Liberty Institute wins. But now we must expand to meet the multiplied challenges of new hostility to religious freedom. One Liberty Institute staff lawyer can coordinate up to 20 volunteer litigators across the nation. We select strategic cases to create a ripple effect of freedom. We plan to add staff lawyers to expand the victims of unlawful religious discrimination we can help”.
“The battle for religious freedom is escalating,” said Shackelford, “And it is a battle we are ready for and can win with expert legal strategy.”
Where do you sit?
Equality in politics is also an issue that needs to be addressed once this marriage ruling passes. Political parties will have to change the language they use if they haven’t already as this will be a polarizing announcement. Those sitting on the fence will have to decide which side of the fence they will go.
LGBTQ+ rights have now been entrenched in big government. Just this past week I watched videos on YouTube where pride month was celebrated in the Pentagon and the Secretary of Defence introduced the husband of General Taylor. At the FBI, pride month was also celebrated. These celebrations would have been unimaginable a few years ago.
President Obama held a special reception in the White House the other day for Pride Month. How about Canada?
