Despite all of the debate regarding gay marriage, there remains much confusion as no one has yet clearly articulated why the meaning of the term “marriage” matters. Proponents of gay marriage rightly contend that discrimination should be avoided. In the marriage context however, this is a false generalization that carries the implicit assumption that preserving the current meaning of the term somehow amounts to discrimination.
What then, is the real issue and why does it matter? I proudly wear my wedding band. The reason that I proudly wear my wedding band is that it communicates this message to those who see it: “I am a man and I love my wife.” As such, the wearing of my wedding band is an exercise of my first amendment right to free speech. If the definition of the word “marriage” is changed, then my message loses its meaning and I might as well keep the ring in a box.
The attempt to redefine marriage is really a censorship effort cloaked in the guise of fairness (although this strategy is subtle enough that most gay marriage supporters are themselves not even aware of it). It is time the world recognizes it as such.
