Perry v. Schwarzenegger: The Closing Arguments
21 June, 2010
http://www.equalrightsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Perry-Vol-13-6-16-10.pdf
Olson’s closing will go down in history as a brilliant defence of same-sex marriage. I would post quotes, but I’m still reading through it myself and don’t want to lose my spot. This is a must-read for all who care about human rights and marriage equality.
On another note, there is a debate among some GLBT activists about the merits of fighting for marriage equality. Many criticize marriage-rights activists as fighting for the wrong cause, as fighting for entrance into an essentially corrupt and sexist institution. I understand where they are coming from. For most of human history, marriage was a sexist institution: daughters were sold into marriage, women were seen as property, and there was a duty to child-bearing and family. It was a business contract. In the past couple centuries, however, there have been radical changes (I need to read some history here for official changes and such). From the establishment of women’s rights in marriage, to breaking down race barriers in marriage. Marriage has evolved into an entirely different institution, involving the cultural values we share in this society (love, sharing, kindness, intimacy, honor, among others). I would add that by allowing gays and lesbians to marry, the last vestiges of sexism in marriage are in fact torn asunder. By saying that gender has nothing to do with marriage, by saying it’s about equality and love (and to a large degree finances), you are affirming the dignity and equality of the sexes. I would say, gay marriage might be the best thing that happened to marriage in a long time. We’ll see what the Court thinks.
The case is in the court of appeals right now, but will go to the Supreme Court of the United States regardless of this outcome. Will keep this updated.
