Observations 5.20

So a day after a judge ruled Oregon's same sex marriage ban was unconstitutional Judge John Jones ruled the same in a case against Pennsylvania's ban. This one was fascinating for a number of reasons but it was special too because I still consider Pennsylvania my home state. I'll try to get to the fascinating later but for now I want to post a quote from Judge Jones' ruling. It should be noted that Jones was appointed by President George W. Bush.

"In the sixty years since Brown (vs the Board of Education) was decided, 'separate' has thankfully faded into history, and only 'equal' remains. Similarly, in future generations the label same-sex marriage will be abandoned to be replaced by simply marriage.

We are a better people than what these laws represent, and it's time to discard them into the ash heap of history."

United States District Judge John E. Jones III

Observations 5.19

"With discernment we see not shadows lurking in closets or the stereotypes of what was once believed; rather, we see families committed to the common purpose of love, devotion, and service to the greater community.

Where will this all lead? I know that many suggest we are going down a slippery slope that will have no moral boundaries. To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other ... and rise."

United States District Judge Michael J. McShane at the conclusion of his ruling today which declared Oregon's ban on same sex marriage unconstitutional.