Same-Sex Marriage: A Change is Gonna Come
Ironically, when I heard the news last Thursday about the House of Delegates passing marriage equality, I was listening to Sam Cooke sing “A Change is Gonna Come.” Although written 49 years ago, this song still is the soundtrack, or more specifically, became my soundtrack to social justice. When those 72 delegates cast their votes for equality, love won justice won, fairness won, and mostly, families won. Equality came to Maryland.
Like all fights for civil rights, this is the result of years of dedicated activists and believers, educating and slowly chipping away at the hard rocks of discrimination and misunderstanding. With the largest of misunderstanding being in just some of the faith communities. The reality is that under the First Amendment, clergy are free to refuse to marry any couple they wish for any reason. Nothing changes under the Governor’s proposed legislation. Churches, as always, can continue to have the freedom to choose who they marry and who they don’t. In fact, the Governor has beefed up the religious protections since the last time this bill was debated. As a person of faith, The Governor believes –as do I – that protecting religious freedom is critically important. Such freedom is the bedrock of this country’s tradition and is a longstanding American value
What made this year different?
An unprecedented coalition of organizations was formed, and the same-sex marriage bill became the Governor's bill. He bravely lobbied and believed. The Speaker of the House ended his long journey of non-support into becoming an advocate for fairness.
It was truly a joyous day. A day when I knew that my friends and family members were one step closer to to enjoying all the rights that all Maryland citizens enjoy. Because the bottom line is, people from all walks of life, including gay and lesbian couples, want their children to live in a loving, stable, committed home and be protected under the law. Only marriage ensures all Maryland kids have the same legal protections.
It isn't over yet.
We can celebrate now, but we know that we still have work to do. This week, the Maryland Senate will vote on same-sex marriage, where it is expected to pass. Then, without a doubt, this vote will be taken to the people by referendum. Like we sing in the Baptist church, “we shall not be moved, like a tree planted by the water....” We will continue to educate across the state until full equality comes to Maryland, and stays.
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