Marriage is an Ever-Evolving Institution

One of the things that I love about Celebrant led unions is that they are built on ideas and rituals from many different cultures. Marriage is an ever-evolving institution. Historically marriages were created for economic security. Wives were considered the property of their husbands. Many marriages were arranged by parents so that their families economic interests would be protected and flourish. During the U.S. period of enslavement, captives were prohibited from marrying. In 1967 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the 16 state laws that prohibited and punished people who married across color lines, declaring marriage a fundamental right.

Today, marriage recognizes the inherent dignity and equality of women and men across racial, religious and ethnic lines. Connecticut and Massachusetts and a few other states legally recognize same-sex unions. In the coming years, even if no other state recognizes same-sex couples unions legally, as individuals we all will probably know a same-sex couple. I offer you this section to give you some historical background about same-sex marriage rites and hopefully increase your comfort around these ideas. On their wedding day, no couple, gay or not, should not feel like they are walking onto a battlefield.