A Growing Debate

The issue of gay-marriage ran a close race in the 2008 presidential election, placing second only to the overwhelming issue of America's failing economy and all the issues connected with it. The legalization of same-sex marriage was pushed into the spotlight on November 5th when the tallying of votes in California revealed that Proposition 8 was approved. The measure proposes an amendment to California's state constitution that would make marriage between same-sex couples illegal by defining "marriage" as a union between a man and a woman. According to the Los Angeles Times voters approved Proposition 8 52% to 43%.
It seems that a majority of the public who are anti gay marriage are more receptive of civil unions. In my opinion while civil unions are a step in the right direction, they're kind of the diet Pepsi of compromises... just one calorie not Pepsi enough. On one had I recognized that many of the rights we have today did not come about full force. It was a process, step-by-step. But on the other hand, I can't help but think that we as a society to should be able to move faster when it comes to the rights of a people.
As of today there are 5 states that legally recognize same-sex marriage (California's Supreme Court is in the process of reviewing an appeal of Proposition 8), and 4 states have legalized same-sex civil unions.