Same-sex rights see success

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently ruled that same-sex
couples deserve equal rights and protections as those afforded to
heterosexual couples.

The issue of same-sex marriage is a heated debate on the
political landscape and is marked by highly polarized views among
American politicians and citizens.

Although an important success, the New Jersey court decision was
far from a sweeping victory or even a lasting guarantee of equality
for same-sex couples. It instead represents a significant but
singular triumph in a long war of similar battles.

I am a firm believer in the view expressed in Brown v. Board of
Education: Separate is inherently unequal.

Our nation has the obligation to afford each of its citizens
““ minority and majority alike ““ the same set of rights
and opportunities.

While no religion or denomination has a duty to conduct same-sex
ceremonies against its will, no law or regulation has the right to
deprive citizens of equal protections based on the singular
criterion of their sexual orientation.

Marriage and civil unions are inherently unequal because they
are separate and thus carry dissimilar implications of status, even
when composed of the same underlying rights.

In this light, the New Jersey ruling is best classified as an
incomplete victory.

I am incredibly pleased with the precedent this decision sets in
its proclamation of the need for legislation to recognize the
rights of same-sex couples.

But my celebration of this decision remains reserved.

Not only does this case represent progress in just one state, it
also allows legislature to determine whether same-sex unions
provide sufficient legal protection to couples.

This case is therefore not only a testament to the progress that
the fight for same-sex rights has made, but it is also a reminder
of how far the campaign has yet to go.

It is easy to view this decision as distant from the local
political landscape as members of UCLA, but this is hardly the
case. The fight for same-sex rights is a major struggle in our
local political scene.

I urge everyone to inform themselves on this issue and to take
an active role in the political process.

While I believe that an understanding of the Constitution alone
verifies the legitimacy of this fight for civil rights, I also urge
people of all perspectives to participate in this political
debate.

Wise is a third-year communication studies student. She is the
president of the Student Coalition for Marriage Equality.