The state of California recently voted 6-1 to uphold the controversial Proposition 8, which changed the state constitution to prevent same-sex couples from obtaining marriage licenses. Although California decided to honor the 18,000 licenses granted in the time before Prop 8 was passed, it is startling to realize how primitive our society is to deny thousands of happy couples the same rights as everyone else in this country.

Protests were held across the country on May 26th, organized by individuals and organizations out of concern for social equality. At one of these rallies, I saw a sign that read, “Haven’t we protested this enough? Women’s Rights. African American Rights. Gay Rights.” These are not inferior people in need of containment. I hope more people realize soon enough that disallowing same-sex couples to get married is as asinine as preventing interracial couples from getting married. I hope with the recent progress our country has seen, we can work together to correct this step back and move forward towards social equality.

Lauren Clapp

Resident of North Bend

Student at Western Washington University