New Jersey joins the 21st Century

On Oct. 21, New Jersey became the 14th state to allow same-sex marriage, another huge step forward in the journey toward marriage equality. I am happily surprised the Garden State stepped forward in this way.

Now, there was some opposition to that state’s Supreme Court decision. That came from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who tried to appeal it. But seeing the writing on the wall, he dropped the appeal. Before people jump all over me, let me say I admire this man a great deal and respect his views, even the ones I disagree with. What I really admire is his no-nonsense, very New Jersey way of saying exactly what is wrong or what was done right in blunt terms. He is his own man with a no-bones-about-it attitude. I like that. I like that a lot.

Have we reached the tipping point in favor of same-sex marriage? Not yet, but I feel we are close to that goal. A few more states must follow suit to make it a nationwide domino effect. I would like to see Alaska be one those leading the way. That might be difficult. Alaska’s marriage laws are hardwired into the state Constitution. It does bring up a question, one that has been running around my head for sometime now: Can it be challenged in the state Supreme Court? The question in the challenge is this: Is the law that is written into the state’s constitution on the subject of marriage being only legal for one man to one woman of consenting age constitutional? Can it be overturned in favor of two adults no matter the gender of consenting age? Will such a challenge succeed? I’m not a lawyer. I honestly don’t know if such a thing is possible, but I would love to see an attempt made.

Some might call these questions stupid. I’m of the school of thought that the only truly stupid question is the one never asked. Blame it on the Army for drilling that into me.

Here is what I would like to see happen. Alaska overturns that amendment in favor of same-sex marriage before the federal government forces us to. That day is coming soon. Since the feds are not popular up here by any stretch of the imagination, I believe this would go over much better if we did it ourselves. Prove to the rest of the nation that Alaska is not only very independent, but progressive on the issue of equality. In this case, marriage equality.

I know that some feel very threatened by the thought of gay rights, even more so on the fact they are getting married legally now in 14 states. Mostly, those feelings stem from deeply held religious beliefs. With respect, I must disagree with them. This is a nation of law. I believe the term is secular law. If it was what some claim it should be, a one-faith nation, then this country would be something far different: a theocracy. Those are historically nightmares, and something our founding fathers were very aware of. They made darn sure America wouldn’t be one of those. Hence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that set the precedent for a country not based on a religion, but rather on the principles of democracy and equality. It has been a struggle at times, especially on the issue of equality.

That is what I am talking about here — human equality, treating all people as true equals no matter what the color of their skin, their religion, country of origin, languages they speak, their gender or who they wish to marry. I would love to see this proud state step up to the plate and declare to the rest of the country, and indeed the world, that marriage equality is alive and well in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

That is my hope for the future. It won’t bring on the end of the world. It would be a beginning. People in the gay and lesbian community are not degenerates, perverts or some other way less than human. They are people. They are Americans and they are Alaskans, too. It is about time that the state of Alaska realizes this and takes steps necessary to right this wrong. We live and breathe in the 21st century, not the Middle Ages. Equal rights are for all people and not for a chosen few. Otherwise, the whole concept is meaningless.

I believe Alaska is more than able to meet that challenge. The 21st century is calling and Alaska must answer the call.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.