Does this mean we can just call it "Marriage"?

First, let me say that Andrew Cuomo would have my vote if he ever decides to run for President.

Yesterday, New York State finally passed the Marriage Equality Act, and then Gov. Cuomo signed it, legalizing Same Sex marriage. (I can't believe how much time was wasted by the delay in voting, the posturing and politicking - not to mention tax payer dollars or the other issues that the Senate needs to take care of too... but I digress...)

I'm proud to say that this is an issue I've always had strong support for, but 9 years ago, when I began to date my now-husband, it also became a personal issue for me. My mother-in-law and her partner have been together for more than 20 years. They are absolutely wonderful, warm, loving people. Before I became part of the family, they celebrated their relationship with a Commitment Ceremony. When New Jersey allowed Civil Unions, my husband and I, and two of their close friends were the guests at their "Unionizing", but there was still a distinction between Civil Partnership and Marriage. Now, at least in New York and 5 other states, any two PEOPLE who love each other, can get married.

Now, let me get out my soap box... I find it painfully ignorant when people argue that Marriage Equality is not a Human Rights issue. How could the denial of the right to marry the person you love be perceived as anything but a HUMAN Right? We're Humans, and therefore our rights are Human Rights, no? If the right to marry were denied to any other distinct group of people, I wonder if these opponents would still say the same thing?

I also get upset when I hear people say that they want to protect the "Sanctity of Marriage." Maybe they should focus their attention on adulterers or people who choose a spouse as nonchalantly as they would a pair of socks, and view divorce as an easy fix if it doesn't "work out". When I hear the "Sanctity of Marriage", I think "Sanctimonious" instead. When two PEOPLE love each other and are committed to each other, the love and respect they share should be celebrated, not shunned.

Ok, I'll get down off the Soap Box now. I feel better, getting that off my chest. Now, I want to send out Big Congratulations to all the Brides- and Grooms-to-be in New York who are happily planning their weddings. And more importantly, to my Mothers-In-Law, I want to say that I love you both, and I'm so happy/proud/excited that you can finally make it legal! And I can't wait to dance at your wedding!