On May 8, 2012 61% of North Carolina voters approved Amendment One (Marriage Amendment) which makes marriage between one man and one woman the only legal union recognized by the state. Television, local media, social media ran campaign against and for the amendment for months.
Recognizing or disapproving gay marriage is a complex issue.
Considering traditional child bearing families, religion, and nature it is common sense to recognize marriage between a man and a woman only. However, pro gay marriage proponents beg for equality. Furthermore several scientific studies strengthen the claim of homosexuals as these studies imply that sexual orientation is the result of physiological factors and not necessarily a choice. Some quotes from Wikipedia
- Gay men and straight women have, on average, equally proportioned brain hemispheres. Lesbian women and straight men have, on average, slightly larger right brain hemispheres.
- The VIP SCN nucleus of the hypothalamus is larger in men than in women, and larger in gay men than in heterosexual men.
- Gay men's brains respond differently to fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
- The functioning of the inner ear and the central auditory system in lesbians and bisexual women are more like the functional properties found in men than in non-gay women (the researchers argued this finding was consistent with the prenatal hormonal theory of sexual orientation)
- Gay and non-gay people's brains respond differently to two putative sex pheromones
- The amygdala, a region of the brain, is more active in gay men than non-gay men when exposed to sexually arousing material.
Maybe sometimes in future the “common sense” will change and common men and common women will accept the gay marriages. Though completely acceptable today, inter racial marriages became legal only in 1967 by a US Supreme court decision. Maybe legalization of gay marriage will follow the same path.
The outcome of referendum disappointed 39% NC voters and many more in other states. However labeling North Carolina a dogmatic state and Governor Perdue’s statement that “approval of Amendment One made North Carolina look like Mississippi” disappoints me more.
A question to broader readers around the world:
- Do you accept gay people and approve gay marriage?
PS: If you don’t like this controversial topic, enjoy some pictures of beautiful North Carolina here.
