Wuv, twue wuv ...

So, today was a big day.

Not that it was Valentine's Day, though that is a nice coincidence (or is it?).

Today, The Illinois Senate voted yes on SB10 which will guarantee all committed couples in Illinois the opportunity to pledge their promise of love to one another before their families, friends, pastors who are so inclined, and the state, offering them and their children the protections and benefits - and responsibilities - of marriage that heterosexual couples now enjoy.

This is big.  It's not done yet, because it has to pass the Illinois House (where it has a good chance) and be signed Governor Pat Quinn (who supports it) - and then I'm sure it will face a legal challenge or two - but this was the first big hurdle.  And now the momentum is on the side of equality and fairness.  Illinois will be the 10th state to offer true marital equality, and more are on their way.

But now what I'd like to propose is that those who are on the "no" (and frankly, wrong) side of this discussion to be honest - with themselves, most of all.

For those whose objections purportedly do NOT stem from a religious position, admit that they in fact do.  There is no non-religious reason to prohibit two consenting adults from publicly committing themselves to one another just as "straight" (oh, how that word rankles) adults are now able to - and in some parts, those who are not yet fully adults.  Biology, psychology, sociology and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are in accord on this.

For those whose objections are religiously-based: you are entitled to those objections.  For you.  And those who agree with your religious tenets.  But that's all.

The marriage of ANY other couple - gay, lesbian, straight (again!), bi-, trans-, queer - will in no way impact the sanctity of anyone else's marriage.  That's up to each couple.  Nor will legalizing all marriages force any clergy to perform weddings that are against their rules.  That's been made clear.  So, like with so many other issues, if you are not in favor of homosexual marriage - don't have one.  Thanks.

And another thing.  Can we drop the "Love the sinner; hate the sin" mantra when addressing the issue of inclusivity and the church?  Because if you really love - really love - then you don't deny anyone's basic personhood.  You don't tell a person that he or she will never be able to make a committed, one-on-one connection, driven by that person's understanding of his or her true self in the name of Christ who told us our number one job is to love our God and our neighbors as ourselves.  This behavior does neither.

This kind of behavior is never based in love.  It is based in fear.  So own it and move on.

Peace ...