On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states had to recognize and issue licenses for same sex couples who wished to be married throughout the country. At that time, I had been in a relationship with my now fiancé for 4 years and I was excited to see that we finally had a new path forward for our relationship; one that so many others in the country took for granted. In my reflections of the moment I cannot help but be ecstatically proud of my party, the Libertarian Party for standing for marriage equality since 1971!
I am pansexual and a proud member of the Libertarian Party. Our party has been fighting for marriage equality and other GSM rights since our founding. The Democrats and Republicans have played politics with the lives of people like me. Even today, the major parties debate over transgender rights where the Libertarian Party unabashedly embraces all people of all backgrounds, creeds, sexualities, relationship statuses, and genders. If this country is to continue forward we must continue to become accepting of all individuals. The Libertarian Party’s platform recognizes this fundamental fact.
1.4 Personal Relationships
Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government’s treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration, or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, promote, license, or restrict personal relationships, regardless of the number of participants. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Until such time as the government stops its illegitimate practice of marriage licensing, such licenses must be granted to all consenting adults who apply.
Ultimately, I want to see the government get out of all personal relationships, but in the meantime, I am proud of the work the Libertarian Party is doing to push for all people in the GSM Community to be on equal footing with everybody else. We aren’t there yet but with each passing year more freedom is restored. Everyday libertarians can help by supporting the Party, spreading the message of love and equality, and donating today to ensure that all Americans have the option to vote for the Party of Principle.
In Liberty and Love,
Richard Longstreth
LNC At Large Representative
