Many LSU students do not know that Louisiana’s Defense of Marriage Act could be threatened by a pending lawsuit in the Massachusetts Supreme Court.
But many students are speaking out in favor of, or in opposition to the validity of the law, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The threat comes from a pending lawsuit within the Massachusetts Supreme Court.
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders filed suit with the Massachusetts Department of Health on behalf of seven gay and lesbian couples demanding marriage licenses April 11. Though the Massachusetts court was scheduled to rule on the case July 14, it has yet to announce a verdict.
Marisa Frye, a women and gender studies sophomore and Spectrum Alliance co-chair, said it is important to be aware of what’s going on in Massachusetts because it could happen here.
Although a change in Massachusetts law would not directly change Louisiana’s law, the verdict could spark special interest groups and civil rights advocates to pursue changes in the laws of other states, including Louisiana.
In the wake of the controversy, public opinion around the country is split. An August CBS poll reported 40 percent of those polled favored a law allowing homosexual marriage, with 55 percent opposing such a law.
LSU students are also split.
Some, like Bathany Hales, a mass communication junior, believe the government should not recognize homosexual marriage.
“I’m against gay marriage because I don’t believe it’s biblical,” she said. “Homosexuality is a sin. Everyone sins, so we shouldn’t judge homosexuals harshly, but the state should not condone their marriage.”
Other students agreed with Hales’ religious reasoning.
“I believe, based on my Christian values, that marriage is intended for man and woman,” said Michael Brune, a mechanical engineering senior.
Brune said allowing homosexuals to marry would be against the idea of marriage.
Lacey Ardoin, a biological sciences junior, also cites religious reasons for opposing homosexual marriage.
“Religiously, I just think it’s wrong,” she said.
But Ardoin also offers another angle. She was enrolled in a marriage and family class last semester where she learned about the financial effects legalizing homosexual marriage could have on insurance and tax rates. She said she thinks those effects would be negative.
Rodneyna O’Conner, an art sophomore, agrees that homosexuality is morally wrong.
“The Bible says that men should lay with women,” she said.
But O’Conner’s thinks that her religious views cannot interfere with civil rights.
“The government just doesn’t have the right,” she said. “They shouldn’t be able to prohibit two consenting, able-minded adults from marriage.”
Many students agree that marriage is a personal choice that should not be prohibited by the government.
“It’s their decision, their choice,” said Renee Lafont, a freshman in psychology. “They should be able to live as they want.”
Michelle Murry, an art freshman said that separation of church and state was reason enough for her to support homosexual marriage.
She said that though marriage is both a legal and a religious issue, the law doesn’t allow religious views to intervene in governmental responsibilities.
Frye said that Spectrum Alliance would be working in the coming weeks to organize a reaction rally.
She said that she respects the opinions of those who disagree with homosexual marriage.
“But, opinion does not make the law,” she said.