Studies have shown that those who watch the news are roughly 70 percent more likely to be depressed than those who don’t. It’s a tad bit selfish when you think about it, but I typically avoid watching the news myself. However, it dawned upon me that being informed is crucial for a writer’s credibility. Nevertheless, I have recently begun sacrificing my own happiness through tuning into the daily news for the past week.

In the midst of my daily research, if you will, I stumbled upon a friendly reminder as to why I despise the news so much. Following the legalization of gay marriage nationwide, one governor is still refusing to condone same-sex weddings in Louisiana. Bobby Jindal, the star of the show, justified his actions by saying, “Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that.”

Here’s what Jindal, along with many others against gay marriage are missing: the state always has been and always will be separate from the Church. The legalization of gay marriage is not an attempt for the U.S. government to change the nation’s belief system. It’s simply a way to equip a select group of people the necessary rights to be considered equals with everyone else in the legal system.

As a heterosexual male, I applaud the government’s decision to legalize gay marriage. My reason being, there’s no reason a predetermined attraction should keep anybody from his or her rights in the legal system. The fact that people like Jindal, consider heterosexuals superior to homosexuals boils down to nothing but ignorance.

Here’s the real reason stories like these sadden me: I was raised Catholic and attended countless hours of bible school and church services growing up, so I know the ins-and-outs of the christian belief system. So here's my take on this situation: if you want to believe in the bible that’s great! You’re more than welcome to. But if you’re going to use the bible to justify your hatred for gay marriage, then you'd better listen to all of the other rules that are clearly laid out by your religious handbook. On top of stating that homosexuality is an abomination, the bible also says touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean, and that premarital sex is punishable by death. In continuation, wearing clothing that consists of two different fabrics, eating shrimp, and cutting one's hair is against the rules of the bible. With that being said, if you’re a football fan, have cut your hair at some point, have worn multi-fabric clothing, have enjoyed a plate of popcorn shrimp, or have had sex before you said the words “I do,” you’re a hypocrite when it comes to using the Bible to say gay marriage is wrong.

One of my favorite comedians, Jim Jefferies, said it best. “If you hate gay marriage you know what you should do? Don't marry a gay person." I love this quote because of how much truth it holds. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this article, it's that the key to happiness is the ability to live and let live. Stop judging people based off of predetermined traits such as nationality, race, or sexuality. Judge others based on their intentions and their character. This is America; we pride ourselves on our freedom and equality. Perhaps when people like Bobby Jindal begin to recognize the correct way to judge others, the news will no longer be so painful to watch.