Sunday 28 June 2015

A time for happiness, not anger

I awoke the other day to the news that the American Supreme Court had ruled that same-sex marriage could be legal all across America. It's also been legal here in the UK for a while now too. As a straight man, this change in the law has made absolutely no difference to my life... except it has in one major way; it made me pleased for the happiness of others who have finally gained the equality they deserved. 

Of course, if my Tom Thug character was still around today he'd have hated it. I nicknamed him the 'Brainless Bully' and one of the most loathsome types of bully is the bigot. Tom would have kicked and screamed and had a tantrum and made himself look a right pillock with his impotent rage. So I thought I'd draw him doing that in the picture above, with him furious at the very thought of this act of equality. 

Happiness is far too elusive in this world, and finding a soulmate is even harder. I was never fortunate enough to find true love, and I've come to terms with the likelihood that I never will now, but I'm happy for those that have. If two consenting adults want to celebrate their love with the ceremony of marriage, good luck to them, whatever their gender or orientation. Life's too short to resent people's happiness.

10 comments:

PhilEdBoyce said...

Here in Northern Ireland the main political party the DUP have constantly blocked it happening here, always tabling a motion of concern when it comes to discussions and votes, meaning none can go ahead. It's sickening to see this part of the UK lagging behind. They rule through fear - making their voters terrified of change, keeping their naive supporters in check with their religious outbursts and scaremongering tactics. Unfortunately it seems with them in a position to stop any vote on anything by tabling these motions, it's going to be a long, hard struggle for true equality here.

With the fantastic result of the Republic's vote you'd think it'd happen here as the Republic is seen as a more religious country. But it's actually this party which calls itself Unionist and which says it wants to remain as part to of the UK, that's going against what England, Scotland and Wales have already passed.

Good use of Tom too, certainly sums up some certain commentary I've read today!

Lew Stringer said...

There will always be the 'dinosaurs' who resist change because of religion, tradition, or because they psychologically can't deal with it. They're more to be pitied than blamed I think. That American pastor who said he was going to set himself on fire, for example. That's not a rational attitude, so I hope he gets the help he needs. (To ease his mind, not to set him on fire.)

Kaptain Kobold said...

Australia is still waiting for marriage equality - yes, the country that gave the world Priscilla and the Sydney Mardi Gras is run by religiously-motivated conservative dinosaurs* who still want same-sex couples to be second-class couples.

There's still work to be done.

*Apologies to real dinosaurs, who were awesome.

Lew Stringer said...

That phrase 'second class' is spot on. Why should they be regarded as second class to the rest of us? That's the point the bigots don't get.

I suppose the equality laws are still relatively new so I'm sure Australia will adapt eventually.

Steve Bright said...

I think he's now saying it was some sort of figure of speech, Lew, and that his religion does not approve of harming people (especially himself, presumably).

I didn't realise Northern Ireland hadn't yet fallen into line with the rest of the UK on this, Phil. That's appalling! But the pressure is well and truly on now, with not just England, Wales and Scotland, but the entire United States on board, so many of whom are fiercely proud to have Irish ancestry. It will happen - it's only a matter of when.

With so many horrors going on in the world right now, this movement to enlightenment and equality is a welcome beacon that will not be extinguished.

Lew Stringer said...

Well said, Steve!

Anonymous said...

This goes against the traditional marriage ceremony created exclusively for men to marry women. Let's not forget it's Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

Lew Stringer said...

Times change. It doesn't bother me and it shouldn't bother you.

PhilEdBoyce said...

Is this the same marriage ceremony the Bible apparently allows for? Also like the marriages between a man and his many wives, a soldier and his prisoner of war, a rapist and their victim, a man, his wife and his concubines, or a man and his brother's widow? All of which are 'allowed' in the Bible. Marriage was created by man, and this is all about allowing equality amongst those who love each other instead of treating people like lesser beings just because of their sexuality. It has no bearing on anyone else.

Lew Stringer said...

Exactly, Phil. I really don't understand why some people get so annoyed by it. No doubt there's a gay wedding happening somewhere right now. Makes no difference whatsoever to me or anyone else except for them. Times change and anything bringing fairness to law abiding people has to be a positive thing.