In my eyes, we are all human. We are all equal. Race, gender, sexuality, etc does not define our worth. It seems like more of the country is beginning to think so, too, because the first gay marriage license was issued right here in Texas last Thursday.

I’ve stated my opinion on this matter before, but that was a sad topic and slightly different. This is a positive thing that could pave the way for gay marriage/marriage equality in every state that it doesn’t currently exist.

Two Austin women, Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant, were issued their marriage license in Travis County after being together for 31 years. However, this did not come without controversy (obviously).

The county clerk was basically ordered to issue it as a special circumstance to Goodfriend’s declining health. And there has been plenty of fussing about it every since. In fact, the issue as a whole is on the forefront in Texas, with A U.S. district judge in the state ruling last year that the state’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional because it denied same-sex couples equal protection under the law. Enforcement of the decision is on hold pending an appeal.

Despite all the conflict, the two women were finally able to be married in their state after nearly 31 years of waiting. My opinion is that the marriage should stand because marriage shouldn’t be limited strictly to heterosexual couples. This is a huge and triumphant step toward equality throughout America.