By AMANDA JAMES

Staff Writer

Louisiana voters have overwhelmingly approved a proposed constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman and prohibiting the recognition of same-sex marriage.

Although this amendment was voted on Saturday, it is not the first time the United States has dealt with controversy toward an alternative lifestyle.

"The last 40 years in America have been full of the challenge by groups, and now individuals, looking for equal protection under the Constitution," Dr. Gary Stokley, an associate professor of sociology, said. "The minority is requesting to be treated fairly. They would like to have some rights different than the majority."

The fight over same-sex marriage ignited after the Massachusetts Supreme Court recognized the right to same-sex marriage in that state in November 2003.

Louisiana law had already limited marriage to the union of one man and one woman and prohibited marriage between members of the same sex since 1975, according to the Monroe News-Star. However, the new amendment will also prohibit the recognition of civil unions and the recognition of any same-sex marriages contracted in any other jurisdiction.

Macy Helms, a second-year graduate student of theatre, wonders why a vote on the amendment was called.

"Why on earth would the state of Louisiana waste money to ban something that is already illegal to practice since Louisiana still has anti-sodomy laws on the books?" Helms said.

Helms said she was disappointed with the election results.

"I think it reflects poorly on this state and poorly on the South in general," Helms said. "Be it race or be it gender, we always find some way to discriminate against someone."

Helms does not feel the amendment is fair to those who are homosexual.

"Gay marriage does not, in any way, shape, or form, lessen the value of a straight marriage, and it's ridiculous to believe that it will bring down the morals of this country," Helms said. "People pledging to love each other and be faithful to each other for the rest of their lives is never wrong."

Helms also said she does not feel the amendment is fair to those in civil unions.

"It's also wrong to forbid civil unions, because in this country, we're all equal, and we should be allowed to be united to whoever we wish to be," Helms said.

However, others support the amendment.

John Stepp, a junior computer information systems major, said he supports the amendment.

"I feel that the union between people of the same sex under law was never meant to be," Stepp said. "First of all, in the religious aspect, homosexuality is an abomination to God."

Stepp also questioned how same-sex marriage would effect future generations.

"We would have to explain to our kids that at one point only a man and a woman were allowed to be joined in marriage," Stepp said. "If gay marriage were allowed, it would bring up so many moral and ethical issues, such as how they would have children. If adoption was an option, how would we know that a child would want parents of the same sex?"

The battle over same-sex marriage is much contended and will continue to be across the United States. According to a recent article in the Monroe News-Star, 32 states considered proposals this year to define marriage in their state constitutions. Louisiana is one of 12 states to vote on such an amendment this year.