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California, Arizona and Florida all passed laws outlawing same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Small Dog Electronics had joined Apple in opposing this proposition that legalizes discrimination against one group of people. It is a slippery slope and a workplace issue that deserves our attention. I have been active in similar efforts here in Vermont and helped to pass a policy resolution for Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility that states unequivocally:
“The people of Vermont have long aspired to live together under fair laws that recognize our equality and common humanity. As business leaders, we support the freedom to marry in Vermont. We understand that strong businesses thrive in strong communities. We know that our ability to recruit the most talented employees depends on our ability to attract them to a state with fair and inclusive laws. And we understand that Vermont’s national leadership in civil rights is an important part of who we are as a state. Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual choice, we support full civil marriage for same-sex couples.”
This issue is one of basic human rights. Couples, whether straight or gay should enjoy the same rights regardless of their sexual orientation. It is a matter of civil rights and equal protection under the law. Perhaps all marriages should become civil unions in the secular society and marriage itself should be a strictly optional label that could be governed by religious or other organizations. The key element, however, is that the rights granted under law should should be identical.
I know that this issue will come up again and hopefully, soon will be resolved intelligently and one more excuse for bigotry and prejudice will be put on the scrap heap of discrimination.
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