Denying that the issue of marriage equality has changed is being

"Denying that the issue of marriage equality has changed is being on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of love and commitment." These powerful words by Ana Navarro offer a poignant reflection on the evolution of society, the shifting landscape of love, and the commitment to equality that continues to shape our world. In her statement, Navarro makes it clear that to reject the progress made in the fight for marriage equality is not merely to resist the tides of social change, but to stand against the very principles of justice and love. The phrase is a call to action, urging us all to recognize that the struggle for equal rights is not a passing moment in history, but a moral imperative that we must continue to embrace as a society.

In the ancient world, love was often seen as a powerful, yet complicated force. The Greeks, who revered the gods of love and desire, explored the multifaceted nature of human relationships. Plato, in his Symposium, spoke of love as the highest form of philosophy, transcending physical attraction and rising to a form of universal and eternal truth. Yet, despite this elevated view of love, societal constraints remained, and certain kinds of love—especially those between people of the same gender—were often marginalized or misunderstood. The Greeks, in their wisdom, knew that love could not be confined to the limitations of gender or status, but society had not yet fully embraced the freedom to love as one’s heart desired. The battle for marriage equality that we fight today, therefore, has roots that stretch back to the deepest philosophical discussions of human freedom and love.

As we turn the pages of history, we find that the fight for equality—whether based on race, gender, or sexual orientation—has always been fraught with resistance. The abolition of slavery, the women’s suffrage movement, and the civil rights movement all faced fierce opposition from those who believed that the existing order was both natural and just. Yet, over time, these battles were won, and societies that once accepted inequality as a given slowly began to see the light of justice and freedom. Marriage equality is no different. The denial of same-sex couples the right to marry was long justified by prejudices and fears—but as society progressed, it became clear that love knows no boundaries, and commitment should not be limited by gender or orientation.

Consider the monumental struggle of the LGBTQ+ community, whose fight for marriage equality culminated in the United States Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage across the nation. The victory was not just a legal one—it was a moral victory for love, for equality, and for the belief that the rights of all people should be honored, regardless of who they love. This landmark moment in history was the result of decades of activism, from the Stonewall riots to the tireless work of organizations like ACT UP, which fought for recognition, respect, and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Those who opposed marriage equality stood on the wrong side of history, just as those who fought against racial equality and gender equality had before them.

In truth, those who deny the progress of marriage equality—those who seek to hold back the floodgates of love—are resisting the inevitable course of history. Navarro’s words reflect the wisdom that progress cannot be reversed, for society has already changed. We have seen the fruits of the fight for equal rights ripen, and we cannot unsee the faces of those who have now been given the right to marry. To deny the legitimacy of same-sex marriage is not to cling to tradition, but to perpetuate an injustice that does not align with the values of love and equality we claim to hold dear. It is to deny the dignity and humanity of those who have long been marginalized and excluded from the sanctity of marriage and commitment.

The lesson we take from Navarro’s call to action is clear: to stand on the wrong side of history is to stand against the human spirit, which has always longed for freedom, love, and equality. Denying marriage equality is not simply an ideological stance—it is a refusal to acknowledge the humanity of those who love differently. The truth of our shared human experience is that love is not confined by boundaries, and commitment is a right that belongs to all. We must each ask ourselves: are we on the side of history, or are we clinging to outdated and oppressive ideals?

As we move forward, let us ensure that we stand for love, for equality, and for justice. Let us be the generation that looks back with pride, knowing that we helped shape a world where everyone—regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation—could marry whomever they loved and enjoy the same legal and social rights as anyone else. In doing so, we will not only honor the fight for marriage equality, but we will honor love itself, in all its forms. Let us not shy away from the responsibilities of equality, but embrace them with open hearts and a willingness to act in accordance with the highest ideals of justice. History has already shown us the way. Let us now walk it.