The unsettling thought of not being able to marry the person you love is upsetting to most of our Vanguard community. Being able to love someone and devote your life to him or her should be a right, not a privilege. Liz Ojeda, a Vanguard student, said, “ I think same sex couples should have every right we have.”
Divorce rates have gone sky high the past couple of years, according to the Americans for Divorce Reform Website. They stated on their website that “Probably, 40 or possibly 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce if current trends continue.” Allison Mory, a Vanguard student, said, “ It’s sad to see how people take advantage of the sacrament of marriage. These days Britney Spears gets married and divorced in less than 24 hours, and that’s OK, but if a same-sex couple wants to commit their love it's wrong.”
It's unethical that the religious views of citizens of the United States often affect lawmaking. There has been even some instances where former president George W. Bush couldn't separate his religious views from his job. The first amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." If congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, then why does religion influence the way our country is run? I invite and challenge you to comment on our blog about this very topic.
“Religion has no place in government,” said Vanguard student Bianca LaCour. Religion has always collided with government and has caused “chaos” added another Vanguard student. The first amendment protects the right to freedom of religion in addition to the four other freedoms. Whether it be Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or Non-Believers, it’s your preference, but by trying to force your religious views upon other people is wrong in the eyes of many Vanguard students.
In the public eye today civil rights continues to be an important issue. Actor Sean Penn chose to take on what some would call a risky career move. Penn chose to star in a film that challenges those who believe gays should not be allowed equal rights. This move paid off. Penn won the Academy’s Best Actor Award for his portrayal of California’s first openly gay politician Harvey Milk. As he accepted his golden statue at the 81st Academy Awards he said, "I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support." He then added, "We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
"It was an honor that Harvey Milk stood up for what he believed in knowing the risks. He inspired a whole new generation of people," said Vanguard student Nikki Harper. On November 27, 1978 the man who pushed the boundaries was shot and killed because of his support towards the gay community. He once said, "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door." He did not die in vain. People are not scared; they are standing up and fighting for their rights. It’s tragic to see how some people in this world interpret the possibility of equality. Milk said it best, “Hope will never be silent.”
a column by Jaclyn Cimarusti
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