LGBTQ rights have been disputed since the early 1800s, and as of late become a major debate in the United States. However, the U.S. has already determined part of the argument: It supports some same-sex issue — Michigan, however, does not. In the decision of Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated all laws that had gone against consensual “sodomy” throughout America. This decision made same-sex activity legal in every state and territory. So why not allow them the same rights to marriage as a heterosexual couple?
Upon the decision of the Lawrence v. Texas case, the U.S. Supreme Court held that LGBTQ conduct is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. However, Michigan still ignores this fact and that its residents want a change. In the Public Policy Polling survey of May 2012, 70 percent of voters supported legal recognition of these couples, and it also showed an increase in people who support LGBTQ rights.
The U.S. has already acknowledged the rights of numerous groups through civil right movements. It’s only a matter of time before LGBTQ rights are finally attended to, and eventually become legal. So why not allow LGBTQ people their rights now, why prolong it? We, as a diverse community, can make that change, one vote at a time.
Jordan Killingsworth
LSA freshman