What a week! News media was abuzz with the Supreme Court cases concerning the California Prop 8 case and the Defense of Marriage Act. Pro-gay marriage friends and family changed their profile pic to the equality symbol; anti-gay marriage friends and family changed their profile pic to something, well, less equal.
Both sides of this issue have been alternating between shouts of praise and groans of disappointment as the justices heard opening arguments. My gay friends have largely been in knots asking questions. Will they strike down Prop 8? Will D.O.M.A. be found unconstitutional? Will gays be allowed to marry?
In all of the hoopla, I have tried to emphasize that regardless of what the Supreme Court decides now, gay marriage in the U.S. will be a reality. It is no longer a matter of "if," but a matter of "when."
Public opinion on the issue continues growing, increasingly supportive of gay marriage. Straight men and women from all walks of life and backgrounds have realized family, friends, neighbors and co-workers are gay. Contrary to the misapplied lesson of Sodom from Scripture, our society has not imploded or crumbled as a result of gay men and women coming out of the shadows and into the light of our culture.
As with so many other major social shifts in our country (women's right to vote and be educated, desegregation and interracial relationships, etc.) the issue of gay marriage has now reached a "critical mass" of approval from the majority of the American public. Whether it is in the next year or the next several, gay marriage will be allowed and many will be left scratching their heads in the future, wondering, "What was the big deal?"
For those opposing same-sex marriage from a faith based perspective, this must be a scary time. They are now in the minority. As a result, some who still oppose are now asking tough questions of their leaders, their holy documents and faith in general.
While I can't speak to all religions, I can comfortably speak from an evangelical Christian perspective. Regardless of your scriptural viewpoint of homosexuality, look to Christ's example. He didn't bludgeon the people into some sort of value-based submission. He didn't rant and rave because people were not living the way he wanted. Christ's example was not one of trying to manipulate culture and make everyone fall in line with "Christian" standards. His way was to model a life of love, living a life differently, and INVITING others to follow him; not forcing.
Perhaps what I am most excited about is that this issue, so long held captive by evangelical leaders in this country as a tool of fear and propaganda, is slowly losing its sway on the people of this country. Watching the cases play out in the Supreme Court makes for high drama, but I realize the bigger story has already taken place in this country.
Gay rights are no longer an academic pursuit. Gay rights are now being woven into the fabric of populist American society. Regardless of all the hype this week, the battle has already been won.
