The Solution to Gay Marriage, Abortion and Other Similar Debates

In light of the issues surrounding the Olympics in reference to Russia and their anti-gay laws, I thought it would be a good time to shed some light on this topic. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people (and many others) have been protesting the Olympics being held in Sochi because of these laws. It’s an issue that is ever present even if it isn’t currently in some kind of spotlight. To me though, and I’m sure many others, the solution is simple.

While some may think (or many of you, even) that gay rights and abortion issues are in no way similar, you would be right. However, you would also be wrong. While the subjects do indeed differ, how people perceive and judge the argument seem to be exactly the same. In fact, the problem to both can be solved with the same answer.

Let’s completely remove the variable of which side you agree with. Whether you are “pro-life” (anti-abortion) or “pro-choice” (abortion rights), or for or against same-sex marriage it doesn’t even matter. It’s completely irrelevant. To be clear, I’m not saying either side of both of these subjects one would agree with is wrong. You can feel however or argue whichever side you want because it’s your opinion and opinions aren’t a matter of right or wrong. However once you begin to push your opinion outside that realm and start presenting it as a fact then it becomes an issue. By doing that you are disrespecting every single other person.

What matters most is that which is most agreeable to all parties. So the question is, what is the real problem? It’s that people don’t know how to keep their opinions as just that – opinions. Putting your opinions above other people’s rights is the problem. The answer is simple: you don’t have to like it, but why deny those who are not only for those rights, but deserve them? Yes that answer is a question but that’s because asking yourself and understanding that question is the answer.

The fact that it’s even a deciding issue is ridiculous. Why should only half the people have rights? Even allowing the public to vote on such a thing is all wrong to begin with. Essentially all your asking the people is whether or not certain specific people deserve happiness and acceptance. It’s no different than voting on accepting slavery or not. You are stripping away human and civil rights. Why do we still live in a world without equality? This kind of crap is what holds us back as a civilization.

I disagree with calling abortions murder because by definition it’s not. Especially when it’s  something unborn and is done before fetus viability. But even if I did, I wouldn’t advocate against it. It’s not my decision nor my body. It does not harm my well being or my way of life. Same as with same-sex marriages. Not all marriages are religious (see civil marriage) and not all people are religious or follow the same religion as you do. So regardless of which side I represent, why should I judge those who support same-sex marriage by my own standards? What should matter is what THEY believe in. In the end when all semantics are put aside, the only real difference is gender. We must all remember to respect the different religions and practices, including those who are not part of the church and their decisions. If it does not effect you in any possible way, why vote against something that someone else feels for and agrees with? It doesn’t make any sense. Not only for these two examples but for any similar issue.

This completely misguided and ignorant idea that those who disagree with such things should have power over those who do agree needs to end. It’s beyond counterproductive. There are more pressing matters to debate over that effect everyone, and not only those who have something to lose. So don’t force your personal ideals on others on things that only affect them by voting against their choices. Because really, whats denying others their freedom to you?

There’s always an option C. There’s always more than just two sides. Remember that.