In around 2 hours from now, the US Supreme Court will be deciding on two key cases (United States vs. Windsor (aka “DOMA”)  and Hollingsworth vs. Perry (aka Prop. 8)) that will have a serious impact on gay rights in the United States.  Although it doesn’t directly affect me (as a heterosexual woman who is already married, and who is currently residing in a country that has legalized gay marriage), I am still on pins and needles as I await the decision.

Almost two years ago, I married my life partner, the love of my life, and my best friend. I can’t imagine being without him.  I am also acquainted with several gay people who are equally committed to their own life partner, who are equally in love, and are equally worthy of what I strongly believe should be their legal right not only to marry, but to be protected by the same health, immigration, pension, and tax benefits (among others) that come with it.  I don’t see what makes my own relationship superior or more valid than theirs.

Many years from now, when my son is ready to get married, I also want him to be able to have a legally and spiritually recognizable marriage with the person who he loves as much as I love my husband, no matter who or what that person is, just like any loving parent should hope for their child. I sincerely hope that this will be the case in the future for everyone, and that people will realize that love is love. 

Now more than ever, we should be encouraging and celebrating love, not criminalizing it or imposing restrictions or conditions on it.

As much as I am rooting for the right decision to be made, I really have no way to predict how the nine judges will rule on this issue.  For so many reasons, it is very much up in the air until the votes are finally cast.  Regardless of what the Supreme Court decides today, I still have faith in love overcoming obstacles and adversities, no matter what form they take.  Love will win. Love always wins.

 

UPDATE:   Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss!