L2E: Michigan should grant same-sex couples equal rights

The following article was not written by an of the volunteers associated with Speak Equal. This letter to the editor was written by a Flint resident, and published first via the Flint Journal.

Voice: Kristen Fedeli, Flint

It is official, gay and lesbian individuals gained their equal rights once again. Wait, equal rights? Is that not something we should all have as American citizens already? One would think so, but that is not the case for many homosexuals in this country.

Our nation’s capitol, the home of our president, made history last month with the award of marriage licenses for same-sex couples. The Marriage Equality Act was passed by the Washington, D.C., Council, despite efforts to block it.

In an overwhelming 11-2 vote, Washington, D.C., became the sixth jurisdiction to offer marriage or civil union licenses to same-sex couples, proving our country is once again opening its eyes to the rights of all individuals in our nation.

Michigan has previously failed to grant same-sex couples the right to marry or form civil unions, because some people view it as an unconstitutional offering of special rights, when it is simply an extension of overdue equal rights.

As a Michigan resident, I try my best to be an active citizen. I vote, I follow all the laws and I donate money to many charities. My employment with the state has given me the opportunity to serve the disabled in our community. I am a student, a mother, and I work hard for everything I have. I deserve to be happy and enjoy my civil liberties as much as any other taxpayer.

Open your eyes, Michigan. Every day, there are more laws passed and more legislation written to provide all citizens with their civil rights. I am not asking your religion to accept my lifestyle; I am not even asking you to like me. I am asking that you realize it is my right to have my family recognized by my government as a legal entity.

Follow our nation’s capital, do the right thing for your fellow citizens. Set an example so others will follow. The state of Michigan is in a struggle right now to rebuild. Let this be one of the stepping stones.

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