Spring Break
Editorial: Battle for love
Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
02/13/09 - Valentine's Day is filled with commercialized depictions of hearts, flowers and Cupid's bow and arrows. But, underneath the commonly characterized "Hallmark holiday," the main focus of Feb. 14 is supposed to be about love.
But, also in the name of love, this is a different week altogether. According to the Associated Press, this week - Feb. 8 to 14 - marks the 12th annual Freedom to Marry week.
While a man and a woman are free to marry in front of large crowds, or quietly elope by themselves, two people of the same sex do not have this right nationally.
A crucial battle many homosexuals face is the ability to marry the one they love.
The November passage of Proposition 8 in California banning gay marriage brought national attention to the social injustice, but the struggle began long before just a few short months ago.
The gay population is largely ignored by the icons of Valentine's Day. Strolling into stores, there aren't too many same-sex couples cuddling on the fronts of cards or saying "I Love You" to a life-partner, because it is still not legal in 48 states to be wed.
According to Freedom to Marry's official Web site, "Having conversations is the single most important action you can take towards achieving marriage equality nationwide."
Though Rhode Island has officially pledged non-discrimination against marriages between same-sex couples, the state has yet to legalize same-sex marriage. The same holds true in many other states. Civil unions, which are offered in Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire, still do not offer the title, or the benefits, of a marriage between a man and a woman.
Some of these differences include health care coverage and social security in case a loved one dies. Federal law prohibits same-sex couples from accepting these benefits, though they differ from state to state.
But there are groups in the Ocean State that are working toward the goal of legalized same-sex marriage.
The Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) is a grassroots organization that holds rallies and hosts benefits toward legalizing gay marriage, while Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) dedicates itself to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV and gender identity and expression, according to each group's Web site.
Valentine's Day may be a day supposedly devoted to love, whether that means love for your significant other, family or friend. However, it is essential to see things from another's point of view.
Reading up on the differences between civil unions and gay marriage might change one's opinion to try to fight for the right for everyone to love, not just the straight couple holding hands on your coveted chocolate box.
But, also in the name of love, this is a different week altogether. According to the Associated Press, this week - Feb. 8 to 14 - marks the 12th annual Freedom to Marry week.
While a man and a woman are free to marry in front of large crowds, or quietly elope by themselves, two people of the same sex do not have this right nationally.
A crucial battle many homosexuals face is the ability to marry the one they love.
The November passage of Proposition 8 in California banning gay marriage brought national attention to the social injustice, but the struggle began long before just a few short months ago.
The gay population is largely ignored by the icons of Valentine's Day. Strolling into stores, there aren't too many same-sex couples cuddling on the fronts of cards or saying "I Love You" to a life-partner, because it is still not legal in 48 states to be wed.
According to Freedom to Marry's official Web site, "Having conversations is the single most important action you can take towards achieving marriage equality nationwide."
Though Rhode Island has officially pledged non-discrimination against marriages between same-sex couples, the state has yet to legalize same-sex marriage. The same holds true in many other states. Civil unions, which are offered in Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire, still do not offer the title, or the benefits, of a marriage between a man and a woman.
Some of these differences include health care coverage and social security in case a loved one dies. Federal law prohibits same-sex couples from accepting these benefits, though they differ from state to state.
But there are groups in the Ocean State that are working toward the goal of legalized same-sex marriage.
The Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) is a grassroots organization that holds rallies and hosts benefits toward legalizing gay marriage, while Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) dedicates itself to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV and gender identity and expression, according to each group's Web site.
Valentine's Day may be a day supposedly devoted to love, whether that means love for your significant other, family or friend. However, it is essential to see things from another's point of view.
Reading up on the differences between civil unions and gay marriage might change one's opinion to try to fight for the right for everyone to love, not just the straight couple holding hands on your coveted chocolate box.
