Opinion: Gay rights in a transitory period

Gay marriage has been quite the buzzword over the past few days, with the Supreme Court hearing cases on California’s Proposition 8 law, and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Many have been passionately debating with each other about gay marriage, even submitting to petty Facebook quarrels. Some cite the bible, others cite common sense, some claim both go hand in hand, but come the month of June, the only opinions that will matter on the subject will come from the Supreme Court of the United States.Justice Anthony Kennedy has been rather mutually agreed upon as the swing vote between the Court’s more liberal, and conservative factions, and is currently said to be “conflicted” on the matter. But ultimately it is not who decides, it is what the decision will be. Many political and legal experts have come out with different options as to how the Supreme Court will rule, but some seem to be more plausible than others. For Proposition 8, mandating banning gay-marriage is unconstitutional for all 50 states is much more unlikely than if the Court mandated specific things for California law. As for DOMA, it is much more difficult to decide how it will be treated. From an unbiased perspective, the Supreme Court should decide to uphold the California appeals court, and rule it unlawful to grant the right of marriage and then take it away. Aside from the legal mess, often times if minority groups are disenfranchised shortly after being given a right, it doesn’t turn out well. In addition, the Supreme Court should repeal DOMA, as marriage should be a state-level issues, decided upon by the people living in a specific region/state, not across multiple regions, places, rural and urban.It seems as if the United States is in a bit of a transition period. Many issues about state rights have been brought to the attention of the public and the federal government; anything from marijuana to gay rights, or immigration. These issues are all important to the American people, and will eventually make their way to the Supreme Court if not on the docket already. These decisions will hinge on the Supreme Court Justices, not the beliefs of the American people. Leave the petty arguments on Facebook to others, ensure you keep your friends and keep your opinion, because it is that difference in belief that makes America the best place to live on earth. It could also be plausible that the people of this state may actually be able to manifest their opinions in the form of a vote.