Gay Marriage Spring in {USA}France}Britain}Russia}
The fight to legalize gay marriage is popping off just like it happened in the Middle East with the fight for civil rights.
President Francois Hollande is carrying the brunt of the heat after announcing last November that he was planning on introducing a same-sex marriage bill. In the last month, thousands have gathered in Paris to take part in anti-gay protests and marches.
Just this morning, the British joined the bandwagon by introducing a same-sex marriage bill.
The movement, which began in Tunisia in 2010, is more widely known as the Arab Spring. It is based on the idea that sustained revolutionary campaigns are possible by building on similar events occurring in different parts of the world. Through the strength of others, many are able to build up courage to make a public stance. The Arab Spring has done well to pave the way for other movements, such as the same-sex marriage debate.
US
Same-sex marriage was first introduced in the US in Massachusetts after it was already legalized in the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. However, it wasn’t until recently that the debate really hit full swing. Thursday, Rhode Island was the last New England state to legalize equal rights for gay married couples.
Same-sex marriage was first introduced in the US in Massachusetts after it was already legalized in the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. However, it wasn’t until recently that the debate really hit full swing. Thursday, Rhode Island was the last New England state to legalize equal rights for gay married couples.
France
President Francois Hollande is carrying the brunt of the heat after announcing last November that he was planning on introducing a same-sex marriage bill. In the last month, thousands have gathered in Paris to take part in anti-gay protests and marches.
Britain
Just this morning, the British joined the bandwagon by introducing a same-sex marriage bill.
Russia
The Russian government sparked a wave of civil unrest after publicly backing a controversial anti-gay bill that would ban “homosexual propaganda” among minors. Twenty gay rights protesters were detained at a rally in Moscow Friday. Earlier that day, three dozen LGBT rights campaigners were pelted with eggs and assaulted by militant Orthodox activists near the State Duma. Police were on the scene to maintain order, but mostly detained the LGBT campaigners.
The Russian government sparked a wave of civil unrest after publicly backing a controversial anti-gay bill that would ban “homosexual propaganda” among minors. Twenty gay rights protesters were detained at a rally in Moscow Friday. Earlier that day, three dozen LGBT rights campaigners were pelted with eggs and assaulted by militant Orthodox activists near the State Duma. Police were on the scene to maintain order, but mostly detained the LGBT campaigners.
While violence is an unfortunate by-product of these current events, throughout the history of effective social and political change, there are few, if any, great revolutions that have successfully occurred without it.
As the issue of same-sex marriage becomes more widely recognized, political figures and government entities will be forced to take action. Whether or not these actions are on the defense or offense, at least the conversation is being had, which is progressive, in and of itself. Just as the US and France have taken the forefront on this issue by taking the necessary steps to legalize gay marriage, Britain and Russia are following the example by fueling the fire that has already been stirred. Others will find strength from these actions and step forward. What matters most is people not being afraid to speak their mind, especially when it comes to their beliefs, their spouses, and especially their rights.
Can I get an amen?
Theresa Dinh is a Staff Writer for GlobalGrind. Workamaniac. Southern Girl who just can't get enough of spicy food, shiny black leggings, and Chris Hedges. Follow her on Twitter @iamsethera
(by Theresa Dinh for Global Grind Staff)
(by Theresa Dinh for Global Grind Staff)
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