Marriage & the Constitution

Some politicians mouth the words, "morality" and "values". But the heart of American values is the recognition of the inherent worth of all humans. Our history is largely the struggle to expand and protect this principle: to persons of color, women, immigrants, native peoples and people of different sexual orientation. Greens say, diversity is good and required for both justice and environmental security. The common heart of our many spiritual traditions is Love. We should always celebrate love between people and their positive commitments that build stable supportive relationships. Narrow definitions like some restrictive marriage amendments are love-denying and divisive. Some of the best parents I know are gays who have chosen, rather than stumbled into, parenthood. Their commitments become positive contributions to community life. If we really mean Equal Justice Under Law then all marital commitments gay or straight should receive the same protections that 1000 US laws now give only to straight folks.