Jeff Giard, right, holds up a rainbow flag in support of same-sex marriage in Marysville, Calif. after a federal appeals court declared California’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional on Tuesday. (Associated Press)

Before May 2008, it was illegal for gay and lesbian couples to marry in California. But that month, the California Supreme Court ruled that the law, which barred same sex marriage, violated California’s Constitution. However, on Nov. 4, 2008, Proposition 8 was passed by a very narrow margin. This bill states marriage should be defined as exclusively between a man and a woman.

While only 52 percent of California voters approved the proposition, the margin was sufficient for it to become a state law. I find it extremely unsettling that the simple right for any two people who are in love and wish to make their union legally recognized, can be denied by such a small percentage. Opponents of Proposition 8 submitted a formal argument to a state court calling for a repeal of the law. However, the courts upheld the bill.

I fully agree with these dissenters. It’s my opinion that marriage should be allowed between any two people, regardless of their genders. If you ditch the arguments, laws and opinions you’ve heard about marriage and consider it with an unbiased mind, it seems blatantly obvious that two people, regardless of their gender, should be able to marry. Not only is it natural, but it’s also moral.

The ability of two lovers to marry should never be barred under any circumstance. It is a basic human right, which should be afforded to all people.

I believe those who wish to ban basic human rights, such as same sex marriage, are on par with those who advocated for a separate set of laws for people of race. It’s simple discrimination against a certain group of people.

No group of people should ever be denied basic rights, such as marriage or voting rights.

This is simple discrimination based on tradition, hate, fear, selfishness and a sense of superiority.

Thinking back on our country’s history, many examples of discrimination based on a simple trait quickly come to mind.

For example, women were not allowed to vote until 1920 simply because of their gender. They were viewed as lesser humans. This discriminatory mind set against a particular group of people with a natural, unchangeable trait is despicable.

From my perspective, same sex marriage is very similar to the past issue of women’s suffrage. The fact that such blatant discrimination is still built into laws is mind blowing. This highlights society’s ability to ignore obvious violations of equality.

Perhaps, this discrimination continues because the majority people are so caught up in their hateful and condescending mind set toward people different from themselves.

Whether the majority of people actually have this unacceptable mind set or they choose to ignore the issue doesn’t make a difference. Those who ignore the issue are equally responsible for the continuation of the hate. Ignorance or complacency is another way of condoning, though passively, the inequality. People must become more informed, concerned and involved on this type of issue.

Action must be taken. Everyone is equal and shares a human connection. We are all part of a global family. Laws and mind sets must change as we move toward a better global community. This hatred, fear and discrimination must be stopped. We need less discrimination and more acceptance. Love needs to prevail over hatred.

Michael is the online editor. He is also a senior majoring in philosophy and journalism.