A couple of weeks ago the Supreme Court heard arguments for and against California's Proposition 8, a voter-initiated law banning gay marriage, and the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing gay unions. Since my grandkids live in a household with two moms, my daughter explained what was happening to Phinn, aged 6, and Harper, who's 4.
"Because of laws like this," she explained, "Mama and I can't get married."
"I thought you and Mama were already married," said Harper, frowning worriedly.
"Mama and I committed our lives to each other," my daughter reassured her, "but we can't legally get married--not until that law is overturned."
There was silence from the back seat as the two children considered the implications of that. Finally, Phinn spoke up.
"I have a list of people I might marry," he said, "but they're all girls, so we won't have to wait."
"And I'm marrying Vincent," Harper was matter-of-fact as she named the kid who's been her her best friend since the day she started nursery school two years ago. "He's a boy, so we're good."
I think there's a message here for the more patient members of the gay community, the ones who are willing to wait for the world to change and the next generation to grant gay couples their rights: that may not be such a great option.
Also, you need to call every right-wing news channel with this proof that having gay parents doesn't make you gay. It'll blow their minds.
ReplyDeleteGood example of acceptance. A little child shall lead them. I've heard that somewhere.
ReplyDeleteFunny. Kids have such an honest way of looking at things.
ReplyDeleteLeave it to the kids to figure it out in a way some adults just don't get.
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