Gay marriage has always been a controversial topic, especially after the recent legalization, and in return, the rebellion of states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. In return, I wanted to give a short list as to why gay marriage should stay legal:

1. It is a basic human right to marry the person you chose. "Since 1888 the US Supreme Court has declared 14 times that marriage is a fundamental right for all, according to the American Foundation for Equal Rights."

2. Religion is not a good enough excuse. It is stated, not only my many of the founding fathers, but also in the Declaration of Independence that church and state should be separate:

"In politics as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution." - Alexander Hamilton
"Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law." - Thomas Jefferson

Many religious leaders actually agree saying that it is consistent with scripture. Gene Robinson, openly gay former Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, stated in Sep. 2012: "Scripture says where love is, there is God also. And they [religious people] see that love in our families, and I think people can't help but be supportive."

3. It helps the economy. Not only because of the sudden rush of people who weren't able to get married before buying the licenses, but the bakers, florists, caterers, decorators, and suit/dress makers would all get a cut in this too. This will be a huge boost in stimulating our economy.

Gay marriage is nothing more than a human right that should have been given a long time ago, and fighting it doesn't only hurt gay people, but hurts everyone.