(no subject)

[vivien]

It is hard - so very hard - to wait for social change to occur. Mr. Viv has a marriage missal of his father's (who was a Methodist minister) from the 1920s that lists all the laws of the states at that time and who was not allowed to marry whom because of the color of their skin. Those laws were on the books far too long. The suffrage movement for women's right to vote and the Civil Rights movement all took so long. Too long.

Today I feel hopeful in our latest struggle for human rights. The repeal of Prop 8 is certainly not a done deal, but at least we have this hurdle behind us. It is hard to wait, but I will see the day when gay marriage simply becomes marriage between two people who love each other.

Comments

[jmcgarry.livejournal.com]

My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God's plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation's fears and prejudices have given way, and today's young people realize that if someone loves someone, they have a right to marry.

Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard's and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight, seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.

- Mildred Loving on Loving vs. Virginia on the 40th anniversary of the decision.

Laying flowers on their grave to say thanks is on my Bucket list.