The Brits Have Spoken: Marriage Equality in the U.K.

As proclaimed by the BBC News on Tuesday, February 5th, the English government passed a marriage equality bill with a majority vote, ensuring the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales. Those in favor outvoted their opponents by a majority of 225 votes — a considerably large margin of victory. From now on, that day will be known as a milestone for equal rights in England.

Regardless of what you believe in respect to this issue, this vote is another major step for the gay rights community and its supporters. The important point I’d like to make here is that the old story from social studies classes around the nation has proved true once again. A movement has refused to give up, advocated its way into the attention of the decision-making body, and perservered until the cause succeeded in changing government to fit the needs of the society it stands for. There was a large majority, but that doesn’t mean this was a one-sided decision. There were still 175 votes against the bill, and much of the popular opinion is still ambivalent. The thing is, not everyone has to agree in order for change to happen.

Social change is a matter of time and dedication. With one of the most influential countries in Europe making such a demonstrative decision to legalize marriage equality, it will be interesting to see where the debates in the United States will turn. For the states who have not yet declared this type of equality, England’s decision might turn out to be a powerful springboard for reformers.

Marriage equality and the elimination of discrimination based on sexuality is no doubt one of the hottest topics in American politics. This is the civil rights movement of our generation, and the debates are finally turning into progress and decisions, both here and abroad.