The legalization of gay marriage has long been a hot topic nationally and internationally.
For the most part, we felt separate. We were a state many thought would be the last to legalize gay marriage, so for many there wasn’t any need to think about it. But it has finally become a point of major debate in Indiana, as well.
Gay marriage is often an issue addressed and dismissed by Indiana legislature, but finally it surfaced and stayed put, and change was enacted. But now, Indiana legislature has opened itself up to serious scrutiny.
For a brief stint of time in June, gay marriage was legalized in Indiana.
Many were married during that time. Since then, the ruling has been repealed, leaving another questionable topic its place. Does the state still recognize the same-sex marriages or are they now null and void?
In a perfect society, extreme viewpoints on same-sex marriage in this situation would not come into play. It is not the issue that must be addressed.
The question now is not whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal, but rather should marriages that took place legally be upheld?
Unfortunately, this is not a perfect society. Prior beliefs and convictions will cloud judgment and reasonable debate when the answer is clear-cut. The marriages should still be recognized.
Say I walk into Target and see a television marked down by 25 percent.
Being the savvy shopper that I am, I purchase the television on the spot. I return home and after several weeks of enjoying my bargain-buy I see the television has gone back up to its original price.
A few days later I receive a letter in the mail from Target demanding that I pay full price for the television since it has returned to the full price.
Why should I be required to pay Target full price when I bought the TV during a sale?
Obviously, same-sex marriage and buying discount electronics are two vastly different topics.
The overarching concept remains the same, however. At the time these couples were married, it was completely legal. The couples did not bend any rules or try to game a loophole in the system.
They simply took advantage of the opportunity that was presented to them. Making these marriages null and void is a slap in the face for all those who waited patiently for this moment.
When it boils down to it, this isn’t an argument for or against same-sex marriage.
It’s a call for the state to honor a commitment it made when legalizing gay marriage. The fact remains these marriages were completed and approved legally.
What has happened since then has no bearing on the sanctity of the prior marriages. Now excuse me while I go make a phone call to Target.
luburch@indiana.edu
