A marriage by any other name

A marriage by any other name

We could argue all day about the political correctness and moral reasoning behind same-sex marriage, but I believe many of us have become somewhat apathetic towards the increasing banter we hear every day on the issue.

It’s easy to forget what marriage is really about in between deciphering the Bible and marching through the city. And it wasn’t until last week at my aunt’s wedding that I began to remember what marriage is about – love, family, and unity.

Given the honor of being a groomsmen, I knew this meant two things; a brand new suit and tears-galore! I can’t even watch someone get married on TV without being reduced to a puddle.

And so, as the wedding started, I began to tear-up. She was beautiful. I grew up with my aunt and to see her on her big day, marrying the man she loved with all our family there to watch her and celebrate her love, it stirred many emotions in me.

I reckon a majority of my family thought that I was crying because marriage was something I wanted so badly for myself, and while that was on my mind, it was more the whole ceremony and what was taking place that made me cry.

Whenever words like ‘love’ or ‘happiness’ were stated I could see a huge smile on her face. But it wasn’t until I heard the words “marriage is a milestone in life” that I broke down.

At that moment I had a strange realisation: marriage is not only an institution in society that grants rights to the specific couple, but it also brings together families, friends, and lovers in a way that no other institution or ceremony can.

And it’s for that reason I believe stopping two people who love each other, no matter their sexual orientation, from marrying is not only wrong, it is cruel.

By JESSE MATHESON

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