Brown Wedding, June 1, 2013, Washington DC. Photo Taken By Constance Thomas
What is marriage? What has it become today? Google’s definition of marriages states this, (Noun) 1. The formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law by which they become husband and wife. 2. A relationship between married people or the period in which it lasts. In only a decade and a half we see the shift of laws taking place concerning this topic.
On June 24, 2011, New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed the Marriage Equality Act into law. This Act states, “[a] marriage that is otherwise valid shall be valid regardless of whether the parties to the marriage are of the same sex”, (Dueutsch, pg275). However, fifteen years earlier, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which was signed by President William Clinton stated, “[i]n determining the meaning of any Act of Congress…the word “marriage” means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife, (United States Congress, 1996).
A shift has taken route in the United States. As time moves forward, this topic or issue as some like to state it will become the norm in this society.
According to Huffington Post, 36 states still ban the union of same sex marriages. Other information about the ban stated this, “The trend follows regional lines. Aggregated data from four 2012 surveys by the Pew Research Center found gay marriage support in New England at 62 percent — those states all allow the unions. In the central south (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas), opposition was 56 percent. Each of those states has a gay marriage ban”.
The wedding industry has seen a shift of actually ceremonies taking place in certain areas. Kirsten Ott Palladino, editor-in-chief of EquallyWed.com had this to say to the Philadelphia Inquirer, “we’re not seeing as many people flying to Massachusetts of New York for their big weddings”. With the 36 states that still ban same-sex marriages, couples within those states lines choose to postpone their ceremony, hoping that a shift takes place where they reside (Grovum,Huffington Post, 2013).
Third Baptist, Midtown Detroit. Photo Taken By: Constance Thomas
Brandi Peart of B. Posh Events of Detroit has not coordinated any ceremonies but she has provided a candy table. Her faith does not shift her thoughts on how people choose to live their lives, “I’m a Christian, however I also do not judge others…I have the right to refuse or turn away business, but same-sex marriage would NOT be one of them.”
State lines play a poignant role when deciding to marry. A couple can live in New Jersey where same sex marriage is banned, yet they cross over into New York and get married. Back in February the New York Times interviewed a couple and they stated, “Marrying in another state would represent surrender and defeat not joy,”(Huffington Post, 5/29/13).
Federal Court, Downtown Detroit, MI. Photo Taken By:Constance Thomas
For a young Metro Detroiter Brittney McKinnon, she shares her thoughts on the Marriage Equality Act, “it really doesn’t matter if it’s recognized because I’m so use to it being over looked that its going to take forever for it to go through as far as legal documents”. She also stated, “Some places here, like the Motor City (Detroit), do have domestic partnership that has the insurance and cover adoption,” for that she is pleased.
On Sunday evenings Oprah airs “Super Soul Sunday” on the OWN network. Just recently the issue was discussed about same-sex marriage. Oprah asked the question “Would you call this a social revolution or a cultural shift?”
The question was also raised in which the heart of the issue, “Is same-sex marriage a threat to the institution of traditional marriage?” Author Elizabeth Lesser, replied with the answer, “… the institution of marriage is already in trouble, long before gays were getting married”.
