Gay Rights - Straight Benefits

The Colorado legislature will again consider a civil union bill this year.

In 1913 W.E.B. Du Bois editorialized against anti-miscegenation laws. He had no interest in marrying a white woman. The problem was with white men. A white man could seduce a black woman with no fear he could be compelled to marry her. The laws needed repeal to protect black women from assault by white men.

Civil unions will benefit lots of gay couples. That's fine for them. But as a straight man, I have a more direct interest.

The quality of my life improves when the folks around me maintain long term, committed relationships. Whether it's gay or straight isn't the point. It's the relationship that matters. A civil union both facilitates and solemnizes that relationship.

The same analysis applies to gay marriage. That, however, requires an amendment to the Colorado constitution and approval of an amendment is up to the voters.

We need civil unions to improve the quality of life for straight people like me.