The past few weeks have seen an outpouring of support for gay marriage from public figures and politicians, right as the Supreme Court has commenced hearing two cases concerning gay marriage laws in the U.S. What do you foresee in the near future for ideologies in American political parties as party lines become blurred over the issue?
Emma Gray
Gay marriage in courts gives the chance to leave party divisions behind
John Foti
Republicans should want gay marriage ruling
Marshall Bornemann
For same-sex couples, the 'dark days' may soon be over
Gay marriage in courts gives the chance to leave party divisions behind
By Emma Gray
The U.S. Supreme Court has begun to consider two cases surrounding same-sex marriage, shifting the debate away from political divisions.
On March 26, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which amended California's constitution to solely recognize opposite-sex marriages.
The following day, the court heard arguments on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which only allots federal marriage benefits and interstate marriage recognition to opposite-sex couples.
Because of these historic legal battles, political and public figures are expected to take a stance. In May 2012, President Barack Obama spoke in favor of same-sex marriage in an interview with ABC News. It's a move that undoubtedly won him the support of LGBT rights supporters, since Republican candidate Mitt Romney maintained traditional views on marriage.
In recent weeks, many prominent figures have also opted to show their support for same-sex marriages.
Among others, several Senate Democrats have recently shown their support, including Mark Begich, D-Ark., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Kay Hagan, D-N.C., Jon Tester, D-Mont., Mark Warner D-Va., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.
Perhaps more surprising is the support emerging from conservatives, including Senators Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Mark Kirk, R-Ill., In addition, 75 other prominent Republicans, including former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in opposition of Proposition 8.
On the day of the hearings, the normally blue-saturated Facebook erupted in pictures of red equal signs being shared in support of the Human Rights Campaign, a visual testament to the changing tide in support of same-sex marriage.
Quinnipiac University data from April 3 reports that 50 percent of American adults support same-sex marriage. In 2008, only 36 percent were in favor.
According to Pew Research Center, 28 percent of these supportive responders said that their views had changed on same-sex marriage.
Furthermore, 32 percent of these responders said that their views had changed because they "know someone who is homosexual." This seems to the case with Portman, whose son Will came out two years ago.
With growing public acceptance and support for those who identify as homosexual, it follows that more people will feel comfortable "coming out" than in the past. And, as the polls show, this will likely encourage support among families and close friends. It's a cycle of change that doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Political ideologies can be slower to change than public opinion because it's not ideal for politicians to break from their parties' general consensus, especially in high-profile cases. However, as the numbers show, support for gay marriage will continue to rise as citizens and politicians are exposed to successful, healthy same-sex relationships within their social circles.
There are people on both sides of the political spectrum who struggle with their opinions on this issue. Because of the human rights issues at stake, this is an area where politicians of both parties can and should come together. The conversations surrounding these Supreme Court hearings are opportune moments for America's political leaders to seriously examine a difficult transition as individuals, leaving the party divisions behind.
Emma Gray is a junior in the School of Communication.
Republicans should want gay marriage ruling
By John Foti
The U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage could change the nation for decades to come.
While Democrats have been fundraising and signing petitions, helping them further connect with constituents and supporters of marriage equality in their own party, Republicans are scrambling to decide where the party stands.
The GOP has to decide whether it will evolve or if it will stick to the same archaic principles that are deterring more voters from aligning with their party every day.
The Republican Party is trying to move forward since it lost to President Barack Obama in 2012.
The Supreme Court holds the cards for the GOP right now for the way it will address gay marriage in the future. Should the Court adopt an opinion that gay marriage is the law of the land, the issue becomes settled on legality and the GOP never has to address the issue again. But if the Court doesn't adopt a sweeping opinion, the GOP may find itself holding onto an ideology opposite of young Americans who are far more accepting than their older counterparts.
There is political pressure on the GOP from the far right to stick to its old way of supporting marriage only between a man and a woman, but this isn't necessarily the smart way moving forward. It would be a huge victory for the American public on the merit of the case, but it'd be an even bigger political victory for the GOP.
With such division within the GOP on the issue, a strong ruling could be just be what the party needs to tie itself back together.
Sen. Rob Portman, R-
