From medical marijuana to the enchanting eight of MTV’s newest sensation “Jersey Shore,” New Jersey has been enjoying a flood of attention ranging from high praise to jaw-dropping horror. Although the state has accepted the media’s fist-pumping phenomenon, the state senate has slammed the door shut in the face of same-sex marriage.
On Jan. 7, to the dismay of many hopeful partners, New Jersey was six votes away from securing a spot as the sixth state to allow same-sex couples to marry. Four days later, the New Jersey legislature legalized the use of Marijuana for patients living with chronic illnesses. The bill includes many stipulations, but will allow patients to obtain the drug to cope with diseases such as cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis. While it is admirable that New Jersey is so concerned with alleviating the pain of its citizens, the state seems to ignore the chronic suffering of same-sex couples who still face discrimination when applying for health insurance and struggling with hospital visitation rights.
Those who oppose the proposal suggest that gay marriage will doom the nation by altering social order and that it will destroy the institution of marriage. Obviously these people have not witnessed the train wreck that is “The Jersey Shore,” which would convince them quite solidly that humanity is faced by far more fearsome perils.
The proposal was the hopeful effort of gay marriage supporters who wanted to win approval before Jan. 19- the date that Gov. Jon S. Corzine would leave the office and be replaced by Gov. Christopher J. Christie. Unlike Corzine, who had promised to sign the measure, Gov. Christie made his opposition of same-sex marriage crystal clear.
Supporters, especially those who are still feeling as if they have been robbed of the rights guaranteed by America’s celebrated Constitution, are discarding their downtrodden dreams for marriage equality in New Jersey and regrouping to begin the battle yet again. Frowned upon by the stony brow of tradition and continually smothered by an irrepressible fear of change, those who fight for gay rights are up against a firing squad of troubles. They appeal to Americans to ask themselves how the right to fall in love and commit to a life with whoever they choose could possibly be a nation’s nightmare. We are, after all, entitled to the pursuit of happiness.
Arguably, with the new marijuana law, the opposition may be a bit more relaxed in the coming years, but for the time being, the debate will continue to enflame the nation. So, while there’s one more plant growing in the Garden State, many are not yet permitted to smell the roses.
The Garden State Allows Same-Sex Marriage Proposal to Wilt
Published: Sunday, February 7, 2010
Updated: Sunday, February 7, 2010
 "Photo: Photo courtesy of Google Images")
Photo courtesy of Google Images
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