NOTEBOOK 11 (6F)

Caitlyn Watts
English 2010
November 5, 2014
Same-Sex Marriage in Utah
Growing up in Utahs society I always saw my older sister struggle struggle
with fitting in, struggle with feeling accepted, and struggle actually being free. She
lived her life in fear of what other people thought of her and how people treated her,
being a lesbian female. As my sister got older, things became more apparent that she
would not have the opportunity to marry the love of her life and share the endless
amount of benefits that come from a marriage. Equality is a huge issue that the
world has yet to overcome. As humans we are all similar, but not one person is the
same. Each person is so different in the way they look, act, and live. I feel that each
individual, regardless of the situation, should not be denied the right to be treated as
an equal. Those who are in a same-sex relationship, like my sister, unfortunately our
not treated as an equal in many ones, one being they are unable to marry.
In the United States of America, we thrive on equal opportunity and not
denying individuals of their unalienable rights. As stated in the Fourteenth
Amendment of the Constitution No state shall make or enforce any law which shall
abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any
state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor
deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws (The
House of Joint Resolution, 1866). Yet many people throughout the United States

each and every day are deprived equality, and just some of those individuals are gay.
I have experienced this type of inequality with my lesbian sister in a same-sex
relationship. Until now, she was unable to marry legally in the state of Utah. Even
after being able to get married, there are still many laws and regulations that need
to be changed in order for true equality to take place.
Allowing individuals the right to engage in a same-sex marriage is an ongoing
national issue. Looking at this issue from a reduced perspective, each individual
state has their own laws and procedures that are set in place to either allow or ban
same-sex marriage. Utah being a state that was banning the right for individuals to
engage in same-sex marriage. There have been many reasons why this ban was put
forth and why some individuals continued to fight for the law not to be passed. One
belief by the state in trail was that By holding up and encouraging man-woman
unions as the preferred arrangement in which to raise a child, the state can
increase the likelihood that any given child will in fact be raised in such an
arrangement (Liptak, Adam). They believe that by encouraging marriage, many
children who are raised in a heterosexual family will have biological parents who
are married. They also believe that children thrive and our more successful when
being raised in this type of setting.
However, the arguments set forth in why Utah wants to ban same-sex
marriage may have some truth, but by forbidding gay and lesbian couples the right
to marry the state of Utah is also reinforces a norm that sexual activity may take
place outside of marriage (Liptak, Adam). Which it is my belief, regardless of being
heterosexual or homosexual this can provide an encouragement and even an

opportunity for children to be born into families who are not married. In todays
society, there are many different forms of families step parents, foster parents, or
even family members who step up and play the role of a parent. All of these
individuals are more than capable of raising a child into being a successful, well-off
adult.
For the state of Utah, religion also plays a role in many of the beliefs of the
individuals who are against same-sex marriage. As the state mentioned in trial,
those of many religions believe that children, families, society, and our nation
thrive best when husband-wife marriage is upheld and strengthened as a cherished,
primary social institution (Bowmer, Rick). This may be true, but for many years
homosexual couples was known as taboo and not something that was widely
known or recognized. This makes it difficult to truly know if children thrive best
being raised in husband-wife marriages, not making this a valid claim. Religious
beliefs aside the state cannot exclude a group of people from a fundamental right
based on religious views held by some. Our society is strengthened when the law
both supports all families and protects the freedoms of conscience and beliefs
(Bowmer, Rick).

People cheer and hold signs during a same sex marriage celebration at Library Square in Salt Lake City,
Monday, Oct. 6, 3014. Credit: Michelle/Tessier/Deseret News

Same-sex marriage is an issue that I had believed for many years would be
resolved, particularly in Utah, and these individuals would have the right to marry
by law. But on October 6, 2014 the Supreme Court made a decision to declines the
states appeals, ruling same-sex marriage as a right by the law. Its about time samesex marriage became legal in Utah. As stated by the Salt Lake City Mayor, Ralph
Becker, in a story posted from the local news, Today is a historic day for equal
rights in Utah. I wish to congratulate all of the married couples in Salt Lake City who
will now have their relationships legally recognized. This is a momentous occasion
for civil rights in our state and nation. After years of people fighting to allow gay
marriage, the Supreme Court decided to decline the appeals from the state. Shortly
after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay on gay marriage in Utah. This
same action also caused the a ripple effect allowing same-sex marriage in 5 other
states, and its still continuing to lift bans allowing same-sex marriage to be
recognized. Slowly but surely, those who are pro same-sex marriage will win the
race.
However, many people to this day do still believe that individual states
should create their own laws for those citizens to live by. Yet this would not make
the United States a whole and would definitely not make the citizens equal. In this
particular article, the governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, stated While I continue to
believe that the states do have the right to define marriage and create laws
regarding marriage, ultimately we are a nation of laws and we here in Utah will

uphold the law. I dont think allowing or denying someone of their individual rights
is a state issue, this a Nation-wide issue.
With the new law set in place, more questions are being asked. Is this right
for the children who will now have the opportunity to be raised by two married
parents who are of the same-sex? Bill Duncan, Sutherland Institute director of the
Center for Family and Society states that he was deeply disappointed that the high
court failed to correct the lawlessness of the lower courts that have deprived people
in Utah and other states of their ability to protect their that children are entitled to
be raised by a married mother and father. The definition of belief is a firmly held
opinion. Each person is entitled to their opinion, but when it effects another
individuals rights and equableness with another individual than it should be
banned. Regardless of if youre in a heterosexual marriage or gay marriage not one
person is more capable of raising a child. I think what makes a person more capable
is their mental stability and their ability to give that child nurture/love, and the
basic necessities of life. After seeing my sister with many of our nieces and nephews
I know she is more than capable of raising a child of her own, as she carries many of
the nurturing aspects that mothers do.
As the Utah Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon states Todays
decision acknowledges what Utahans have always known families come in all
shapes and sizes. All families are unique, have dignity and deserve equal protection
under the law. As my sister is in a same-sex marriage and struggling to have kids of
her own, it is good to see that having this norm of children only having a mom
and dad be washed away. It is a thing of the past, as there are step parents, foster

parents, adopted parents, and now same sex parents. All of which are fully capable
of raising a child to become a successful adult who will contribute to the community.
Differences aside, we are all human. As stated by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
learn to live peacefully with others who do not share their values or accept the
teachings upon which they are based. We should love all people, be good listeners,
and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not
be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not
be contentious. These are some powerful words from a leader form a religion that
has many followers in Utah. We all owe each other the respect to allow others to live
their lives as chosen and not be discriminative or argumentative because you may
not agree. However, now that same-sex marriage is legal it does not change peoples
attitudes or beliefs. It will take many years and many new laws to be set in place in
order to decrease discrimination that happens every day with these particular
individuals. Only half of the battle has been won. Slowly but surely we will all be
equal and we will all be truly free.

Works Cited
Bowmer, Rick. Diverse religious groups join forces against gay marriage in Utah
and Oklahoma. New York Daily News. Web. The Associated Press, 11 February
2014.
< http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/religious-groups-joinforces-gay-marriage-okla-utah-article-1.1609630>
Liptak, Adam. Utah, in Opposing Gay Marriage, Finds Three Arguments Are Better
Than One. New York Times. New York times 14 January 2014. Web. 13 January
2014.
< http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/us/utahs-arguments-against-gaymarriage.html>
Roche, Lisa. Plaintiffs, government, Utahns react to legalization of same-sex
marriage. KSL Utah Local News. Web. 6 October 2014.
<http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=31848459&nid=148>
Romboy, Dennis. Same-sex marriage legal in Utah after Supreme Court rejects
case. KSL Utah Local News. Web. 6 October 2014.
<http://www.ksl.com/?sid=31845612>
The House of Joint Resolution. 14th Amendment of to the United States Constitution.
13 June 1866.
< http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=43>