You're Up, America

May was more than memorable for the LGBTQ+ community. It included a landmark week in the community in terms of the progression of acceptance by the world. Ireland has become the first country, through popular vote, to legalize same-sex marriage. Ríona Ní Fhlanghaile, an elections official, stated that the turnout for the vote was 60%, with 1,201,607 voters in favor and 734,300 against. This overwhelming majority of nearly two-times as many voters voting for the legalization of same-sex marriage bodes extremely well for the future in terms of the change in other countries policies. The real question is, what will the Supreme Court rule after this tide-changing event?

In the next few weeks, the Supreme Court will have to make a ruling on whether or not bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. This decision will set in motion a multitude of events, both good and bad. I don't believe that any of the Judges, after seeing Irelands sudden change in belief, want to be viewed as the individual or group of individuals who halted the acceptance of same-sex marriage both in America and other countries, considering how influential American policy is. Regardless of the ruling, there will always be those people who don't agree and will do all they can to make the ruling seem idiotic or harmful.

Recently, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stated, "the president of the United States would not have to follow a ruling that struck down bans on same-sex marriage because the Supreme Court was not the 'Supreme Being.'" I think that this statement is really informative, because it reminds people that if the Supreme Court makes a ruling, everyone won't immediately be on board. While it would be optimal if people agreed with the Supreme Courts ruling, regardless of previous belief, the full acceptance of every aspect of the LGBTQ+ community will take much longer than just a change of laws and policy.