Congrats to the Newlyweds!

First off, Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it's already 2008, but at least it began on a high note here in New Hampshire. This morning, at the stroke of midnight, roughly 20 couples entered into civil unions at the State House in Concord (full story here in the Monitor). The legislation that made the event possible went into effect at the stroke of midnight, so these couples and roughly 200 friends, family members, and supports, rung in the new year with a bit of a celebration of love, and a long journey for legal recognition.

One of my hopes for the new year is that at least for a few months the issue of same-sex unions can take a turn away from the political. With the several polarizing elections of years past, same-sex unions have taken on the form of a political wedge issue. For now, at least, I think we should just take a step back and be happy for the couples who are now able to realize the same rights and responsibilities made available for their straight neighbors. We should also breathe a sigh of relief for the children of these couples, whose families are now legally recognized as a part of their communities.

I've been combing the Web and the blogosphere for reaction to the newly recognized civil unions, and have been glad to see the general outpouring of warmth and support for these couples who have now entered the realm of "I do." While I have come across some negative comments about how civil unions will lead to the downfall of society, I have to admit that after years of taking such attacks personally they now just seem to bounce off. Nowadays they just hit me as hollow, and talking points for groups who should be worried about much more important issues, like poverty or education.

As someone who went to school in Massachusetts when same-sex couples were given the legal right to marry, and someone who knows many happily married couples in the state, I know that granting legal recongition to same-sex couples doesn't change much of anything for 95% of the population. Life goes on, just like it always has. The only difference is that the small percentage of same-sex couples who live there can now sleep easier, knowing that they'll be able to visit their partner in the hospital should an accident occur, or that their partner will be able to receive health insurance from their employer if that don't already have coverage.

I think today should be a day of celebration, and with further civil union celebrations taking place in Portsmouth and the North Country, many are ringing in the new year by entering the next phase in their lives. Congrats to those who entered into civil unions today, and best wishes for years of happiness!