Supreme Court finally takes on gay marriage

This week has been historic. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on two issues involving gay marriage, those being Prop. 8 (a ban on such marriages in California) and the Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.

It is an emotional issue held by both sides, with supporters for and against camping out in the nation’s capital in some of the worst weather to make their views heard and seen.

In recent days, many have been voicing their support of marriage equality. Even former President Clinton has reversed his support of his own act he signed into law in ‘96. He and Hillary Clinton now support gay marriage. Our own Democratic Sen. Mark Begich has come around in support of this contentious issue. One senator of note is a Republican, Rob Portman, who used to be very vocal against gay marriage and is now for it. The reason? His son William is gay.

I am also in favor of gay rights and same-sex marriage. I have stated so in the past. I am a straight guy who is not threatened in any way by the notion of two gay or lesbian adults wanting to tie the knot. It won’t spell doom for me nor doom for this country if they do.

Of course, some do feel that way. I do not understand the thinking behind it all, honestly. I do know that many feel this way primarily for religious reasons. That is their right to believe that way. I, however, respectfully disagree with them. I, like a good half of the nation, are hoping that the high court will rule in favor of marriage equality and strike down both cases. If it does go this , I believe the court will make it the law of the land.

So the drama begins, making headlines all over the country. Every move and word the justices make are under the deepest scrutiny by all in the media. Just from looking at today’s headlines, it may turn out to be a long wait before any decision is made, for or against. Or, they could duck it all together, postponing a decision even longer, maybe for years. I hope not.

I would like it resolved in favor of the gay and lesbian community. It will happen sooner or later. I feel it is inevitable. It is up to the justices right now. I hope they are up to it. Our society is changing. The prejudices of the past are being righted for the future. That process can be painful at times. This is one of those events that could shape us all for years to come.

Someday, soon I hope, this issue so fraught with emotion will be something of the past. In that future, all Americans will be treated with full equality and respect no matter what race, creed, faith or sexual orientation they are. And the terms “traditional marriage,” “same-sex” marriage or “gay marriage” will be known by just one all-encompassing word — marriage. It’s a union of two people committed to each other until death parts them, to raise their families and to live life as they see fit.

It won’t be the end of the world. It won’t spell the end of this country. It won’t endanger any family or anyones marriage. It will, however, be a beginning of something new.

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