So excited for New York!

This is going to be one of my few political-leaning or religious-ish posts, as in, pretty much the only one ever on this blog that I plan on making, unless SC or VA joins the fight for marriage equality.

Avenue Q + Marriage Equality = Love and Happiness

I am 100% in favor of same-sex marriage under the law, and I am so excited that so many couples were able to marry yesterday in New York. The religious studies part of me understands why the churches may be against same-sex marriage, but I get absolutely incensed when I hear people on the radio trying to explain using Judeo-Christain-Islamic theology to state why the government, which is supposed to be separate from the church, should oppose marriage equality. I don't believe that the churches should be required to officiate a wedding that goes against their teachings, but that to me includes marrying people of a different faith than theirs (like trying to have a rabbi marry a Catholic couple.. I feel like that would be awkward). I think some things, though, are basic human rights under the government, and I truly believe that marriage in the secular sense, as a legally binding contract that affords protection and benefits under the law, should be one of them.

Family can take many forms. <3 it.

I think of friends I have known over the years, homosexuals and bisexuals alike, who have been together for longer than some of my other friend's marriages have lasted. I don't believe that God hates homosexuals, in any incarnation one believes in God (except for maybe the Westboro Baptist Church's God, who I'm pretty sure should be better referred to as anti-God most of the time). I know there's theology for and against same-sex relationships, and that you can find liberation theology for almost any oppressed group in the world. I feel, though, that the most important laws God provided, the 10 Commandments, are in no way violated by legal protection for another incarnation of His love, and that to me is the most important set of rules to keep in mind. Jesus spread a message of hope and love above all else; it seems the height of hypocrisy to spread a message of hatred and intolerance in His name.

The look of love and happiness on his face is priceless.

I believe in working for a bright faith, that looks in the world, sees it as it is, and can still find hope and grace and acceptance in God's love. I think same-sex love and marriage is just another step towards finding bright faith in all corners of the world. I am just so excited that there is now another state allowing same-sex marriage, and hope that those states that currently only allow civil unions take the plunge to make it marriage friendly. I know my stance goes against that of some of my friends and family, but it is fully what I believe in and support, and I pray that I see same-sex marriage accepted throughout the nation within the next decade.

The happiness you can see on their faces makes me want to cry. In a good way.

~Cassi