On May 18th, 1970, Richard John Baker and James Michael McConnell were rejected the right to marriage, due to their sex. Ever since then, the debate regarding whether or not gay marriage should be legal in all 50 states has been one of the most heated and common debates, amongst the American people. It’s feuded over for decades, with everyone having their own reasoning behind their beliefs – whether it be against their religion, or “unnatural,” or just outright discrimination. Some people even believe that it is a “choice” to be homosexual. Now granted some of these people were raised this way, and are “inherently” against it, but this may not always be the case. However, it would appear that a majority of people tend to dislike it due to their lack of knowledge regarding the topic. The most unjust part about it is the discrimination and the sometimes even deadly violence that gays are faced with everyday. In fact, hate crime towards gays is actually the third most common type of hate crime according to the FBI.

Despite the hatred and negativity gays are faced with everyday, people are not discouraged from speaking up and fighting for equal rights. In fact, gay right debates have taken over the internet in their favor. Evidenced by advertisements in support, social media blowing up with debates, and much more. Even our own president has tweeted about his support for same sex marriage. And now schools are even forming Gay Straight Alliance clubs, such as ours, allowing gay, straight and everyone in between to form an alliance and become one.

It’s inevitable that change will come, but the questions is: when? We’re hoping sooner than later. Currently, you can see same sex relationships pretty much anywhere, along with the assimilation of gays into the “straight world,” for example straight people and gays befriending one another, or gay parents adopting straight kids. So why shouldn’t gay marriage be legalized in all 50 states? They’re already becoming accepted for everything else. Not only can legalizing this law positively affect, and hopefully change our society today, but also affect the future people. After all, one thing we’re always told to do is set a good example for those younger than us in order for them to follow in our footsteps and help change society, so wouldn’t showing acceptance toward others regardless of whom they are, set an excellent example? Acceptance goes a long way in our modern day and future resulting in a much brighter one.