It’s official. Louisiana is less progressive than Alabama — at least with regard to gay marriage. On Sunday, a federal judge overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
The judge stayed her decision for two weeks to allow opponents to appeal her decision, proving in one move that Alabama is more committed both to equal rights and the integrity of the legal system.
Yes, while Louisiana was busy with its governor’s prayer rally (sponsored by an anti-gay hate group, no less), an Alabama judge was preparing to expand equal rights to a significant portion of her state’s population.
To me, Louisiana has always seemed like a bit of a misfit. Neither entirely Northern nor entirely Southern, we have the unique opportunity both to maintain the unique cultural aspects of our state and embrace the progressive attitudes of the rest of the country.
Right now, we are doing neither. In the last century, Louisiana has been characterized by a fierce populist attitude and commitment to its citizens. But over the past few years, many have been whipped into a fearful, evangelical fervor by none other than our own governor: a man with no loyalty but to his own political ambitions.
We owe it to ourselves to see through the political ploys of Bobby Jindal and stand in solidarity as Louisianians — a solidarity that affords equal rights to all.
I love Louisiana, though it might not seem like it sometimes. I love the flavorful food, the Southern hospitality, the history and revelry of New Orleans, the tropical weather, and countless other things.
But I want everyone to feel free to enjoy these things as much as I do. I want every person — regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, or religion — to feel comfortable and welcome in Louisiana. And as long as we continue to treat homosexuals as second-class citizens, we are doing an injustice to them and our state.
In fifty years, when gay rights are seen in the same light as racial and gender equality, do we really want to be known as the last state to legalize same-sex marriage? Will we come together as a people and realize that treating everyone as a person is more important than one man’s political goals? Or will we have to look our grandchildren in the eyes and tell them that this unique, beautiful, welcoming land was the last stronghold of bigotry in the United States?