Equality in Texas

            Civil liberties are defined as individual legal and constitutional protections against the government.  Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, we the people have shed copious amounts of blood, sweat, and tears in pursuit of these liberties. Originally the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution only protected the people from the national government and did nothing to protect them from state governments until 1868 when the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified. It has now been just shy of two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Americans are still locked in heated battles over civil liberty issues. Bringing up controversial issues is a sure way to quickly bring peoples blood to a boil; just as they did at the birth of our great nation and here in Texas we are no different. One of our biggest debates at this moment is equal rights as our nation debates the constitutionality of DOMA a law that restricts marriages to couples with partners of the opposite sex and weather or not this is a states rights issue, some Texas politicians, especially our governor Rick Perry are making their opinions heard.

The purpose fourteenth amendment  is to ensure equal protection under the law to all Americans regardless of race, gender, religious affiliation or sexual orientation. The biggest arguments in the matter of marriage equality come from religious institution of Christianity, who are making the point that in the bible marriage is between one man and one woman. The statements made by the Governor at the faith and family rally on March 26, 2013 on this matter make it clear that here the battle for equality is far from over. 

 As long as we allow our politicians to make political decisions based on their religious beliefs there can be no equality. While politicians have a right to their own personal opinions and beliefs when it comes time to post their votes their gods and religious doctrines should be left in the lobby.  Some may still believe that faith is what made this country strong what truly made us strong is diversity and it will continue to make this country stronger when we are all excepted and protected by its laws.