Do we have equality in marriage rights?

On Tuesday, February 12, 2013, an editorial regarding same-sex marriage was posted on The Daily Texan.  Do we have equality in marriage rights?  The answer across the United States by the strong opposition of gay marriage would say yes.  On the other hand, supporters of marriage equality for everyone would say that as a nation we do not.

As stated in the editorial, the Texas Constitution states that a legally binding union to be recognized in the state of Texas can only be between a man and a woman.  Several Texas state Democratic Representatives have introduced two bills to formally amend the Texas constitution to reverse the current law.  Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, is quoted saying “In 2005, most Texans did not support any form of legal recognition for lesbian and gay couples. But, public opinion has changed greatly in the last eight years, both across the country and right here in Texas … Two-thirds of Texas’ voters now believe the state should allow some form of legal recognition for committed same-gender couples.”

I believe the intended audience for this editorial is broad.  The author clearly states facts about current law, and arguments from both sides of this issue.  Generally, because the author is in support of gay marriage, I believe the biggest audience for this article would agree on the stance of equality in marriage for all people.  The editorial is clearly written, using facts and focusing on the common sense logic of most Texans, which gives me the assumption that the author is credible and knowledgeable on the issue of same-sex marriage.

I agree with the editorial that the current Texas constitution needs to be amended to give marriage equality in our state.  Texas needs to progress past the "ancient" mindset that marriage can only be between one man and one woman.  Who am I to tell someone that they cannot marry the one they love?  Our state should not be denying the freedom of love and union of marriage to anyone.  Unfortunately, there is a very strong opposition to same-sex marriage that feels the union of a man and a woman is sacred, and that same-sex couples will scar the beauty of matrimony.  Luckily, the supporters of same-sex marriage have equal motivation to show people that marriage is about love, and everyone deserves the right to be legally recognized as a couple.

In conclusion, my favorite part of this article is the final statement from the author.  It seems as though they took the words right from my mind and placed them in the editorial. "All said, marriage is meaningful and all should enjoy the right to get married. Gay people getting married and enjoying that right does not hurt straight people wanting to do the same."

Texas School Finance System

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, The Austin Chronicle published an article titled Judge: Texas School Finance System Unconstitutional.  The article focuses on the public education funding system, and the problems of this system which have been deemed by Judge John Dietz to be unconstitutional.  Many of our state politicians and leaders are now calling for immediate action, and for new equal funding to be a top priority for Texas' public education system.

Coming from a school district with many budget problems, I saw first hand why our current system is lacking efficiency.  I could not agree more with the statement from Texas AFT President Linda Bridges, "It is inadequate, providing insufficient funding to school districts to meet state achievement targets. It is inequitable, failing to distribute school aid in a manner that gives all students a fair chance to succeed regardless of local property wealth. And it leaves rich and poor districts alike with no meaningful discretion over their local tax rates as they struggle to raise the funds to try to meet state mandates."

This article is very informative, and should be a top priority for most citizens of the state of Texas.  At some point in the majority of our lives, we were in the Texas public education system.  Our education system needs reform, and proper funding will help progress the state of Texas in the direction of equality and fairness.  The progression will allow a better school system, higher success rates, and many more positive enhancements that will continue to be seen for many generations.