Most people in our country have some aspect of an idea of equality in the backs of their minds—whether it is liberty, equal opportunity for success, or inalienable rights regardless of race or religion. Today, however, this idea of equality is unobtainable for many. Our Founding Fathers formed a constitution that not only formed a government but also provided for the rights for individuals.

Over the years, we have turned to this ideas of rights to address contemporary issues, moving ever closer to the words, “All men [and women] are created equal.” With widespread opposition to same-sex marriage, it is time to revisit this idea that all Americans have basic human rights.

The inexhaustible push for marriage equality has an increasing amount of support. Currently 32 states, including the District of Columbia, allow same-sex marriage, 6 of them ruling in favor on October 21.

Missouri recognizes same-sex marriage licenses from other states, legalization is pending in Florida, state governments are appealing against legalization rulings in four states, Ohio is appealing against rulings to recognize same-sex marriage licenses from other states, and same-sex marriage is completely banned in 15 states.

The Supreme Court’s October 6^th decision will be ever known as a monumental turning point for the fight for rights for same-sex marriage, and gaining more equality. The court denied appeals against legalization rulings in 5 states. This is an extremely positive sign for the LGBT community, and the country will keep this decision in mind when the Supreme Court inevitably will rule on this issue once and for all.

Besides the increasing number of states allowing marriage equality, there is a significant increase in our nation’s support for it. Fifty-five percent of Americans currently support same-sex marriage, up from 44 percent in 2010. In states where same-sex marriage is legalized, the percentage of supporters are generally higher, while in states where it is being decided, the percentage of supporters are generally around half.

It is interesting to think that even with the majority of our nation supporting legalizing same-sex marriage, there is still opposition that is causing a huge debate in specific states. However, you have to take into account that those who oppose same-sex marriage are set in their beliefs, and are difficult to persuade.

Public Opinion polls report that the major opposition on this issue are typically religious groups, and people over the age of 50. The opposition of same-sex marriage has created a passionate and endless debate.

The political structure of our country allows a lot of issues to be debated for years, and same-sex marriage is certainly one of them. The intense opposition of same-sex marriage is blocking the marriage equality movement from obtaining its envisioned result, and has denied a major portion of our citizens their constitutional rights.