I recently watched a very powerful video on gay rights that many of you have probably seen. In this video there's a short clip featuring comedian Sarah Silverman in which she says "If you are for equal rights, why would you get married right now? It's like joining a country club that doesn't allow blacks or Jews. There's no difference."
That is one of the most thought provoking statements I've heard about equality.
At first when I heard this, I adamantly disagreed. Why should others suffer because I can't get married?
Then I pictured what it would be like to have lived 50 years ago as a white man. A world in which I would be afforded any right, and others denied rights and labeled as second class citizens. It disgusted me to think of myself taking advantage of these rights knowing others were suffering. Someone using fundamental rights available to them and not to others based on their skin color, gender, or sexual preference is essentially agreeing to the creed "separate but equal".
Marriage is an institution that refuses to include gays. Why would anyone want to join such an ignorant club? How could anyone who is for equality get married right now and wholeheartedly enjoy the benefits of marriage knowing that others are being excluded without just cause?
There is no such thing as separate but equal when it comes to human rights.
Forget gay, straight, black, white, male or female, be an advocate for human rights.
Until next time, Namaste.
