Another equal rights setback — Otter still fights a losing battle

The state of same-sex marriage in Idaho has been characterized by a rather tenacious tug of war. Oct. 15 marked the first day same-sex couples could legally marry in the state of Idaho. The day came when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Idaho’s 2006 gay marriage ban.If Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter was reasonable, he would have stopped fighting progress tooth and nail. 

Masen Matthews

Masen Matthews

However, shortly after the initial overturn made same-sex marriage a reality for LGBTQ couples across the state, Otter filed an emergency stay on the issue, which was then overturned once again.

Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself once again in this ridiculous back-and-forth cycle. On Tuesday, the governor requested the 9th Circuit review the ruling on same-sex marriage, and he’s exhausting his options in a desperate attempt to burn taxpayer dollars to protect his outdated personal beliefs.

Regardless of party affiliation or personal views, there are a number of things that need to be considered when viewing the case against gay marriage as a universal failure. The primary issue affecting supporters and critics alike is the inexcusable amount of money being used to further this ordeal. This entire battle started with Otter devoting $1 million to defend what he views as “traditional marriage.” Compound that with other attorney and legal fees, and it’s clear that an incredibly large sum of money is being wasted here.

This consideration leaves us to wonder exactly where is this money coming from. According to Boise State Public Radio, many school districts throughout Idaho have switched to four-day school weeks due to a lack of funding. Educational institutions across the state are clearly struggling financially, so on what basis is this massive amount of money being spent? This is a clear example of fiscal recklessness, an issue Otter has been publically opposed to.

Why does Otter feel the unwavering need to continue this battle? One response he has given is “I will continue defending Idahoans’ self determination and the will of Idaho voters who decided that traditional marriage is a core principle of our society.”

Maybe this truly is his crusade, but the U.S. Constitution ultimately trumps the Idaho Constitution and the 14th Amendment ensures equal protection under the law. Interestingly, the 14th Amendment was also used to legalize interracial marriage across the U.S. as a result of the Supreme Court ruling on Loving v. Virginia in 1967.

Election Day is creeping around the corner and the reign of Otter desperately needs to end. This is a battle that won’t be won, and the structure of the U.S. Constitution clearly exemplifies the ridiculousness of this tired crusade. Fighting against same-sex marriage, as Otter has done, clearly demonstrates the idea of beating a dead horse, and the financial and emotional burdens against the citizens and LGBTQ community of Idaho shows a desperate need for a change in leadership.

Masen Matthews 

can be reached at

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