President Barack Obama voiced his support of same-sex marriage Wednesday — an announcement that heartened but also concerned Ohio University students and Athens County officials alike.
His announcement came on the coattails of North Carolina’s banning of same-sex marriage Tuesday. Senate Bill 514, known as Amendment One, passed with 61 percent of the state’s vote.
“Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be recognized,” the bill states.
Though Shannon Kee, a senior studying sociology and criminology, said he was happy about Obama’s announcement, he was concerned that the statement of support was even necessary.
“It’s kind of ridiculous that the president has to tell the rest of society that everyone should be treated equally,” Kee said. “After everything that our country has been through, no matter of your race, gender or sexual orientation, you should be treated equally.”
Before the bill’s passage, same-sex marriage was already illegal in the state, but the amendment now makes it unconstitutional.
“You know, I can’t say I was surprised,” said Brianna Adamson, a sophomore studying early childhood education and member of the Athens LGBT community. “It kind of disgusts me that people believe some marriage is different that others.”
Ryan Dilworth, president of OU’s College Republicans, declined to comment to “avoid offending people.”
“I am disappointed with the passage of Amendment One in North Carolina,” said Shannon Welch, president of OU’s College Democrats. “… We are excited for Obama’s support for same-sex marriage … that is a huge step forward.”
Mickey Hart, director of OU’s LGBTA Center, was unavailable for comment.
The events of Tuesday and Wednesday emphasized the differing views on same-sex marriage held by officials in Athens County and on the national level.
Bill Bias, former chairman of the Athens County Democratic Party, said Democrats in Athens stand in opposition of Amendment One.
“I don’t think civil rights should be handled with the popular vote,” he said.
North Carolina represents people’s fear of moving forward and accepting equal rights for all, he said, adding that he believes things will improve once America’s younger demographic is able to take office.
Alternatively, Pete Couladis, chairman of the Athens County Republican Party’s Executive Committee, said there is no concrete Republican viewpoint on same-sex marriage in Athens County.
“It’s really up to the people in North Carolina, not to the people in other states,” he said.
Though Bias said it is a positive move for Obama to take a stand, Couladis said he believes it will bring numerous political ramifications.
“It’s probably not going to help him … across the country, especially in the swing states,” Couladis said.
Adamson said she believes Obama tends to have the support of the LGBT community.
A similar issue on the Ohio ballot in 2004 banned same-sex marriage in the state. Athens County was the only one of the 88 counties that voted in opposition.
bl171210@ohiou.edu
