The Student Senate will debate SGR 5 tonight, a bill aimed at promoting acceptance and equality for all students regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution, if passed, will urge the University’s ticket office to provide spousal privileges to domestic partners of students – allowing them to buy tickets. With the national debate continuing about couples’ rights – gay and straight – it is imperative this University be willing to put aside any prejudice and recognize everyone’s rights equally. In the past several years, the debate has waged about rights for committed gay couples. This Senate bill should not get bogged down as a measure to voice approval or disapproval of gay marriage or partnerships. This is a simple matter of providing equality to all students. The Athletic Department said this fall it will recognize all marriage licenses, which would include out-of-state or foreign marriage licenses where civil unions and gay marriages are permitted. This resolution is an important step for the University on the path to becoming more inclusive and accepting, thus showing the nation we do not fit the South’s close-minded stereotype. We would be setting a new standard among our peers in the Southeastern Conference and the region. Universities like Harvard, Princeton and Yale recognize domestic partnerships. Auburn, Clemson, Mississippi State and Alabama do not. To which group do we aspire to belong? This resolution symbolizes a move toward tolerance, something neither the East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council nor the state will not commit to. The Metro Council voted down a measure this past year that would include “sexual orientation” on the list of accepted groups in city-parish literature. Gov. Bobby Jindal has stated he will reverse an executive order barring state offices from practicing hiring discrimination based on sexual orientation. Student Government could distinguish itself as an entity of change, potentially captivating the attention of the student body and bringing more people into the process. On the other hand, if the resolution does not pass, this University will remain stagnant and appear unwilling to discuss or approach change toward equality. This resolution offers a possibility for change, equality and tolerance. This board recommends passage of SGR 5.
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