“Marriage is one of the “basic civil rights of man,” fundamental to our very existence and survival…. To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State’s citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.”
If it hadn’t been for the dedication of people like the Lovings, relationships like Cristian’s and mine would face the level of disrespect and harrassment that queers of all stripes face right now. I do believe that someday, under our Constitution, the freedom to marry or not marry any person, regardless of gender, will reside with the individual, beyond the infringement of the State.
Amen.
Comment by mmalan — May 7, 2008 @ 8:59 am
And hallelujah.
Comment by jmm — May 9, 2008 @ 10:56 am
In places I’ve lived, it’s not the state that’s the concern. It’s the protected freedom of idiots to speak who are small-minded and bigoted. Fred Phelps in Topeka comes to mind. Also, many random west Texans could well have such tendencies. And you can’t believe how intolerant and loud Chicagoans can be on a variety of topics associated with race.
I do, however, cheer on your idealism and believe as you do.
Comment by KUDave — May 22, 2008 @ 8:39 am