The Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding same-sex marriage on April 28.
The cases being heard are from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. According to The Washington Post, the four cases revolve around same-sex marriage licenses and the recognition of legally married same-sex couples in states where gay marriage is banned. The outcome of these cases will determine whether states can continue to ban gay marriage, or if same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage.
Senior Silas Heffley said he did not think the federal government should get involved in the debate on gay marriage.
“I think it’s best left to the states and I don’t think the Supreme Court should touch this issue,” Heffley said. “It’s in direct violation with the Judeo-Christian values that this nation was founded on. I don’t hate gay people, but it’s a lifestyle I disagree with. I think you can still love a person and still disagree with their lifestyle.”
Senior Amanda Gierisch said the outcome of the cases will show the rest of the world what direction America wants to go.
“The Court’s decision can say a lot about our country, especially when it comes to how other countries and cultures look at us,” Gierisch said.
In the past three years, the views within the U.S. on same-sex marriage have changed considerably. According to The Washington Post, 36 states allow gay marriage, compared to 2012 when only nine states allowed it. That was the last time the Supreme Court heard cases on same-sex marriage.
During the last case, it was ruled that legally married gay couples should have the same federal benefits as legally married heterosexual couples. This time, the Supreme Court will go a step further and make a nationwide ruling regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Senior Meagan Adkins has a cousin who is gay and said that while the law change would be convenient, she said that it would not change how LGBT couples feel about each other.
“Not being able to get married isn’t going to have an affect on my cousin’s love for her partner; she’s going to love her regardless of legalities,” Adkins said. “But if gay marriage is legalized, they benefit from the protections that institution allows. Ultimately, it would make everything easier. They’re already trying to navigate something that’s difficult and messy, but not giving them the same protections as everyone else makes it that much harder.”
A poll taken by USA Today reported that 51 percent of those surveyed believe the Supreme Court should rule in favor of gay marriage.
While the outcome will bring mixed feelings, freshman Taylor Haynes said she hopes for a caring response to the decision.
“I just feel like we should respond either way with love, because that is our Christian duty,” Haynes said.
The Supreme Court is expected to make its final ruling by the end of June.
