That's how it feels to me. After the last few years of constant stress over the issue of marriage equality, it's as if I'm in some movie where the smoke clears, the sun comes out and the air is once again breathable. And that's just the last few years of battling actively, not to mention all the years of my life spent living as a second class citizen for no reason other than prejudice.
On Wednesday, August 4th, we got the news that Judge Vaughn Walker ruled to overturn California Proposition 8. That same evening we held a Decision Day Rally in front of Fresno's City Hall, as so many other cities across the nation did. It was glorious to have such a celebratory gathering after so many defeats brought us together only to share grief and to discuss moving forward. The same day Walker issued his clear, considered and powerful ruling, he also issued a stay for same sex marriage until the opposing side could present their case for appeal.
**To see complete video of the Decision Day Rally in Fresno, click on YouTube link in the menu on the main page of GayFresno.com
On August 12th, Walker issued his next ruling, ending the stay and allowing legal same sex marriages to begin in California, even though he added a short waiting period, until August 18th, so the opposition could make their case for a stay to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Several times over the course of the last year, I've heard the opposition (and by opposition, I mean those that oppose marriage equality) say that we are trying to "redefine" family and marriage. So, I thought I'd take the time to do a little research into the matter, to see if that's what we are really trying to do.
First of all, let's look at who "defines" words. Are they defined by experience? By a life of study and experimentation? Are they defined by society and its standards? By culture? By religious belief? The fact is, all of these things come into play when defining a word. Since most of our opposition lay claim to a religious affiliation, then in fairness, we shall use the dictionary most commonly associated with the American language. Noah Webster is credited with the creation of the Dictionary of the English Language in 1806. This dictionary was not officially completed until 1952. Mr. Webster was a deacon of the Congregational church, and in 1833, translated a copy of the bible which was readable in the English common to his day. Webster's Bible was not very popular, since many prefer the older King James version, and never reached its claim to fame, though it is available under public domain today. Why is this information important? Well, Mr. Webster was obviously Christian and divinely inspired, and I will be using his definition of family and marriage, to prevent our opponents from saying that I took my definitions from a non-Christian source.
gay fresno, gayfresno, gay, fresno pride, parade, queer, fresno, lesbian, california, tower district, tower, Fresno, reel pride, central california alliance, CCA, Dove Court, Knights of Malta, North Tower Circle, Red Lantern, The Cave, queer fresno, DejaVu
- Opinion 
