On Tuesday, Jan. 6, gay marriage was finally legalized and recognized in Florida. Including the Sunshine State, gay marriage is legal in 36 states. Marriages began in Miami-Dade County on Monday, while nuptials were completed across the state on Tuesday. Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb and her partner of 22 years, Patti Daugherty, were the first to wed in Osceola County at the Osceola County Courthouse in Kissimmee. With the wave of excitement and joy amongst Florida’s gay community comes an expected flurry of political and public opposition. While it is a step forward in the fight for gay rights and equality, such an achievement reveals just how behind this country built on liberty still is.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, seemingly intent on upholding Florida’s former ban on gay marriage, remains to pursue state and federal appeals– although her requests were dismissed by the U.S Supreme Court. With more imperative issues to arduously pursue, such as our education system, Bondi should refrain from attempts to obstruct the happiness of this state’s gay and lesbian community.
Former Governor of Florida and potential candidate for the 2016 presidential election, Jeb Bush, also opposed its legalization. However, unlike many adamant conservatives, Bush respectfully accepted the ruling. “…Show respect for the good people on all sides of the gay and lesbian marriage issue– including couples making lifetime commitments to each other who are seeking greater legal protections and those of us who believe marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty,” said Bush, releasing a statement Monday.
Not all officials were as cordial. Duval County Court Clerk Ronnie Fussell closed off the courthouse chapel to both gay and straight marriages, with at least two counties in northeast Florida committing the same disrespectful act. Such a blatant demonstration of prejudice and lack of manners shows that we still have a long way to go in establishing equality for homosexuals.
We should be proud that America has further advanced away from the unjustifiable opposition of homosexuals living in a country which fights for equality. However, it has come to my alarm that, despite the times we live in, bans on gay marriage (socially and legislatively) remain in place. In such a diverse nation that is generally tolerant of all beliefs, why should homosexuals still be excluded (in some states) from the legal and personal rights heterosexuals get to enjoy?
As gay couples across the state join in marriage, those in other states now are left less fortunate. We have taken one step forward. However, when will America finally take the leap?