March 26 marked the first time that the U.S. Supreme Court took up a case on gay marriage. After the court spent two days hearing arguments over whether or not same-sex couples should have the constitutional right to marry, the debate continues among Morgan students.
“I don’t believe in gay marriage at all,” said Morgan junior Raven Ferguson. “They can be together, they just can’t get married.”
On March 26, Supreme Court justices took up California’s Proposition 8 case, a 2008 amendment that recognizes marriage as being solely between a man and a woman. The following day, arguments were heard on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law that restricts federal marriage benefits and bans recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States. A decision in both cases does not seem likely until sometime in June.
“I’m two sided,” said Morgan freshman Miya Cottoms. Although Cottoms would like to see that same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples, she is torn between that and the religious aspect of the issue. “As a Christian, marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. But if you’re gonna let them get married, then let them have the same rights as opposite sex couples.”
Director of the University Chapel Dr. Rev. Bernard Keels said that the chapel does not have an official stance on the case, and is not in support or against gay marriage. Keels believes that, “all humans are of sacred worth.”
Rainbow Soul, an LGBT organization on campus, has been working with Equality Maryland and the Human Rights Campaign to advocate for equal rights for gay individuals. Although they are not recognized by the university, they have also been reaching out to other schools in the area to build bridges between the different communities. “There is a lot of disconnect between us and Towson,” said Rainbow Soul President Barbara Cook. “But we have the same issues.”
Same-sex marriage is legal in nine states, including Maryland, and in the District of Columbia. However, it is still banned or limited in the other 41.
“I’d like to see them pass it. Because it’s a free country,” said Morgan senior Devin Brown about the court cases. “Just like everyone should have their fair shot at the American dream, everybody should be allowed to love who they love, and marry who they want to marry.”
