2012 was a watershed moment in American politics and gay and lesbian rights. The winds of change were fast and furious, and change came sooner than many expected. The President of the United States and the Vice President not only supported LGBT rights, they endorsed marriage equality. This reflected a changing political and social mood in the United States.
While legislatures in several states have endorsed marriage equality, November 2012 became the month that voters in three states endorsed the legitimacy of same-sex couples. In Maine, Maryland, and Washington, voters chose to give all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, the right to marry. Not enforced by legislation or court opinion, the voters made the choice.
The next decision belongs to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Court has agreed to hear two cases that could ultimately decide the future of marriage equality. The Court will hear the arguments in March, and this could be a decisive issue for gay and lesbian rights in America. While there is a good chance that the justices will decide that marriage is a state issue and not a federal one, there is also the possibility that they will decide that equality for all citizens is determined by the Constitution of the United States.
Should the Surpeme Court decide to leave the decision to each state, in Pennsylvania, that could be a problem. The administration and legislature have given no indication that they would support marriage equality. In face, many in the legislature would actively oppose it. They may choose to be on the wrong side of history.
Locally, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have government leadership that endorses the rights of gay and lesbian citizens. Their options are limited by the authority of the state government. Civil rights protections are provided to the LGBT community in Pittsburgh, but these are note provided statewide. And Pittsburgh cannot give same gender couples the option of marriage without state approval.
The important isse is that politics are changing. Attitudes are changing. The tide is turning quickly. Can you feel the winds of change?
