Again Gay Rights have proved to be” the abused step-child” of the American legal system, lacking the privileges offered to other law abiding citizens, “Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness.” These three things are so boastfully shouted to the world, yet denied a certain group for their choice of lifestyle. By not allowing a minority of consenting individuals the right to practice a civil right, “We the people” have become a totalitarian state that is a democracy in name only.

   Conservative groups and religious extremists justify their crusade by claiming their actions are to preserve the definition of marriage to a man with a woman. In this “Holy war” against sexual deviancy and immorality, it is preached that homosexuality is being taught to children,  warping their minds and hindering procreation. As if after marriage every same sex couple is wondering streets and playgrounds with the aid of  bullhorns screaming, “I am Harvey Milk, and I am here to recruit you!”

   These activist have spent countless hours and millions of dollars fighting a war fuel by their fear and ignorance of social diversity. Similar battles with the same justifications, were waged against all races, cultures and women, also using God as the weapon of choice. Supplied with a stockpile of sculpted verses from The Bible, these proselytizing fanatics always seem to forget certain scripture, especially the one stating,” judge not, lest ye be judged”, for some reason this one always seems to escape mention.

   With the economy being in its currant state, the amounts of money spent to repeal these laws are ridiculous! In the recent reversal in Maine the side opposing same sex unions raised nearly 2 million dollars for this victory. The California prop. 8 campaign, both sides combined, raised $75 million. Making it the most expensive campaign in California history.The Mormon Church of Later day Saints donated $10 million for prop. 8. The irony of this is, same sex unions have proved to be a money making machine! These marriages would be a significant boost to this nation’s economy. If allowed:

• Maine estimates-$60 million in net spending over 3 years, creating over 1000 jobs, $3.1 million in sales tax revenues and $500,000 in marriage licence fees.
• Vermont estimates-$31 million in net spending over 3 years, creating 700 jobs, $3.3 million in sales tax revenues.

• District of Columbia-$52 million in net spending over 3 years,creating 700 jobs, $5.4 million in sales tax revenues.

• Massachusetts is celebrating their 5 year anniversary with a $111 million boost to their economy!

   Financial studies provide records of an unjustly elevated level of income tax collected from same-sex couples. Their inability to marry exclude certain exemptions pertaining to areas including:health, property, social security benefits,spousal benefits and filing options. This attack upon the income of millions has been knowingly perpetrated by the federal government. Protests have been launched, exposing this injustice, only to fall upon deaf ears.

   The Civil Rights Movement was fought for reasons the LGBT community are vastly being denied, the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful life as equals, allowing the right to live with and love whomever they please. “These are the truths that should be self-evident!”

Sources:The Williams Institute,Civil Right Movement,The Harvey Milk story, Prop. 8, The Detroit news,The same-sex marriage reversal of Maine,Queercents