The Supreme Court affirmed the right to same-sex marriage on June 26th, putting an end to the lifelong conflict. “Same-sex couples respect marriage and ask for equal dignity in the eye of the law”, Justice Anthony Kennedy states, “and the Constitution grants them that right.” However, there are still problems that the Supreme Court needs to solve in order to make the new legislation more tangible.


1. The debate between God vs. Gay

From a religious standpoint, Evangelist dissenters still strongly oppose same-sex marriage, believing that such a union disobeys the “natural law” made by God. Although we should not invade religious freedom, the Church cannot restrict the rights of gay people due to difference. Unless the Supreme Court and Congress take an active role in solving these religious conflicts and helping the dissenters discern between “natural law” and gay rights, the fight will go on and increase social inequality.


2. Inequality in jobs and housing

Although de jure discrimination is banned, de facto discrimination still exists in jobs and housing. Only 22 out of 50 states provide protection against sexual orientation- based discrimination for housing and jobs. American society needs to make changes in order to help the same-sex marriage laws become effective. It is hard to root bias and prejudice out of the society in a short time. However, difference should not be a reason to discriminate, especially in the nation of freedom and equality.


3. Increase public facilities to support

State legislation that support gay people’s family life and adoption should increase, now that same-sex marriage is a nation-wide law. Although some may worry about the psychological development of such adopted children, there are no empirical facts that show that children who are adopted by gay or lesbian parents are prone to impairment in psychological functioning. Being a good parent does not depend on one’s gender. If one has equal passion and love for kids, then one should have equal opportunities and privileges as other Americans.

History is contingent. Although decades have passed since African-American segregation, discrimination still exists in the U.S., but targeted towards a different group. The gay rights movement is spreading rapidly worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage like the United States. In order to prevent the same mistakes from happening again, we should put every effort to eliminate discrimination.