With a winning vote of 33-29, New York joined Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia in granting the rights to same-sex marriage. 

With a population of 19,378,102 and the popularity to attract the world’s attention, New York State’s passing of this bill created a momentous day in history in what Mayor Michael Bloomberg would call, “a historic triumph for equality and freedom.”

However, a momentous day in history is not always marked by a victory or celebration. And in this case, for those with opposing viewpoints, this day will be marked as a 29-33 loss.

The subject of same-sex marriage has been tossed around and experimented with for many years. It is one of those “can we change the subject” debates because one person’s view will always be the “right” one. Liberals are considered “for it”; conservatives are considered “against it”; simple facts. 

My opinion, however, is not based on what “category” I fall under; my opinion is based on my thoughts, my beliefs and my moralistic standards. With these, I oppose the right of same-sex marriage.

Often times when I see a same-sex couple, whether it be two men or two women, one of the two seem to always carry feminine characteristics while the other has male traits. This is merely an imitation of what marriage should be in the first place, a legal commitment made between a man and a woman to live as husband and wife. 

The question that most people debate is, “Why shouldn’t a person who is gay or a lesbian be able to marry someone of the same sex? They are just as entitled to love as those that are straight.”  I agree. Everyone is entitled to love. I love my family, my girl friends, my boy friends, my friends who have made the choice to be gay, and someday I’ll be able to love a husband of my own.  The love that most people are talking about is a physical relationship, which in actuality is not love, but lust. Marriage is a sacred act and should be kept between the bonds of aman and woman.

Growing up in a Christian family, I’ve had the privilege of attending church since a young age. My stand on this issue not only is supported by my moralistic standards, but is also confirmed through biblical standards. The Bible clearly addresses marriage stating that a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife. Even if a person is not spiritually or religiously affiliated, one cannot deny that the human race evolved and man and woman were created, man and woman; not two men and not two women. Through the joining of this man and woman our world became populated.  It is human nature for a man and woman to join; it is not only natural but also necessary. 

By opposing same-sex marriage I am not condoning the rights of those who choose this lifestyle, I am simply clarifying the fact that although society encourages same sex-marriage, the truth is that man and woman were ultimately made for each other.

If not, then for centuries we have ended weddings completely wrong; I now pronounce you husband and husband? Wife and wife? I think not.



Kristen with her family at her graduation reception at church.