Views on marriage equality are changing nationally. This November, nine states recognized same sex marriage and yet thirty-one limit marriages to heterosexual couples. This legislative session Wyoming had the opportunity to become the 10th state to support marriage equality or civil unions, but both bills failed.
When I first saw bills for marriage equality in Wyoming I was thrilled. I thought that Wyoming would live up to its name as the equality state and set an example for the surrounding states. I loved to imagine seeing two men or two women in cowboy hats and boots getting married in front of the courthouse in Cheyenne. Colorado may have legalized marijuana, but Wyoming would beat its southern neighbor to marriage equality. Sadly, with the results of this legislative session Wyoming has passed up a vital opportunity to show the nation that Wyomingites are willing to place personal uneasiness aside for the right to get married to the person of your choice.
Marriage equality has been in the news both nationally and internationally for quite some time and it is unlikely to go anywhere. The Supreme Court will hear two cases that could potentially overturn the Defense of Marriage Act that limits marriage to one man and one woman.
I am proud of the legislators who put party lines and personal feelings aside to support civil unions. The fact that same sex civil unions could be debated shows that attitudes are changing and the people of Wyoming can recognize that everyone should have the option to have their relationship legally recognized.
To those who feel that same sex civil unions would be harmful, or that marriage equality is not a civil rights issue, I must say I am disappointed. People used similar arguments to ban interracial marriages 50 years ago. The only difference here is you can’t hide the color of your skin as you can with your sexuality. No one should have to hide in the closet. Anti-gay bullying is alive and well and young teens should be told that it does get better, that it is possible to marry the one you love and that there should be no reason to fear for your life or your job because of your sexual orientation.
The struggle for equality will continue until all people can feel that Wyoming is a state where they can raise their family and be their true selves without fear. As a Wyomingite, I am disappointed that the state that I have grown to love may not be able to recognize my future marriage.
