Equal rights for same-sex marriages

Several years ago two young men became acquainted through the GALA organization in Independence which works largely, although not exclusively, with gays and lesbians within the Community of Christ. They felt a strong attraction to each other; a bond which has stood the test of time.

At the Cornerstone Community of Christ congregation they are known for their many acts of kindness. In almost every way they are fully integrated into the congregation’s fellowship. 

In general outline, stories such as this have undoubtedly been repeated many times through the ages. In this case the only difference was the love these two men had for each other led to a mutual desire to share their lives together “for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

In other words, not just to cohabitate but to have a legal civil marriage which, in the words of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, “is a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.”

As opportunity for a same-sex civil union is not available in the State of Missouri, they availed themselves of marrying in Iowa. As with most couples, they wished to share their joy with friends and loved ones.

To this end they submitted the following marriage announcement with photos to both the Kansas City Star and the Independence Examiner; “Charles A. and Michael J. Hewitt were married on May 17, 2009 in Roy A. Cheville Chapel at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa. Curtis Filer officiated with musical accompaniment by Skip Frizzell, and witnesses Zach McLaughlin and Ann Frizzell. Present at the service were George B. and Anna M. Hewitt, parents of Charles, along with many friends and supporters. Charles & Michael are members of Cornerstone Community of Christ congregation. Please send any donations to Cornerstone Community of Christ or Outreach Ministries, 1316 S. Osage, Independence, MO 64055, or to www.galaweb.org.”

Perhaps it was not totally unexpected to persons who have experienced bigotry, but certainly to their personal sorrow, the Star immediately turned down their advertisement. The Independence Examiner at first accepted the ad, but subsequently turned them down and returned their money. 

Sometimes Americans fall short, but we have prided ourselves on having a commitment to liberty and equality; particularly in the arena of civil rights. San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom, when he first issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples, observed, “Rosa Parks didn’t wait for the courts to tell her it was all right to ride in the front of the bus.” I, for one, think it is unvarnished bigotry to deny any citizen civil rights which I would demand for myself.

While some argue there is a difference between same-sex unions and other civil liberties, the fact remains that denying them the rights that come with marriage also effectively denies them of many critical tangible, as well as intangible, protections and responsibilities with regard to death, debts, divorce, health, housing, immigration, inheritance, insurance, parenting, portability, privilege, property, retirement and a long list of other legal and economic family protections and responsibilities for which marriage is the gateway.

The good news is the Kansas City Star reviewed their outdated prejudices and now accepts gay wedding announcements. The bad news is that The Independence Examiner, as of this date, has not.