By Renee O’Connor, Opinion Editor
Remember when Republicans told the left that we were worrying over nothing? Eat your words. According to CNN, Indiana GOP Sen. Mike Braun told local reporters that states should decide the legality of interracial marriage.
The reporter asked Braun if he would “be okay” with the US Supreme Court leaving interracial marriage to the states, to which he replied, “Yes, I think that that’s something – if you’re not wanting the Supreme Court to weigh in on issues like that, you’re not going to be able to have your cake and eat it too. I think that’s hypocritical.”
Since these comments, Braun has since stated that he misunderstood the question and has condemned “racism in any form”. However, I believe that he completely understood the question. It’s important to note that he didn’t apologize–he clarified. Braun doesn’t regret his comment.
How many ways can you misinterpret the question, “So you would be okay with the Supreme Court leaving the question of interracial marriage to the states?” That question could not be more direct.
To further this point that he understood the question, he was later asked about Griswold v. Connecticut, which was the case that found a constitutional right to sexual privacy and legalized contraception for married couples. Braun’s response? “When it comes down to whatever they are, I’m going to say that they’re not all going to make you happy within a given state but that we’re better off having states manifest their points of view rather than homogenizing it across the country, as Roe v. Wade did.”
While I obviously condemn his thoughts on Roe v. Wade, Griswold v. Connecticut, and interracial marriage, he has since retracted his statement completely, by saying interracial marriage should not be left up to the states. He claims that he “wasn’t paying close enough attention” to the question.
While I think his excuse is ridiculous, this raises a much bigger question about marriage equality and the rise of extreme conservatism in our country. Braun’s comments paint a much bigger picture of the current political climate in the United States.
The agenda has switched. The Republicans are condemning cancel culture and the “woke left”, while threatening to punish or persecute anyone who makes comments about Charlie Kirk’s death or against our current administration. Cancel culture is only acceptable when the right does it.
Marriage equality has always been a hot topic in our country. The idea that a man and a woman, or in this case, a strictly white man and woman has always been the “perfect image” of a marital union. How dare anyone threaten that.
As a lesbian, I am terrified for my marriage rights going forward. The Trump administration published their plans online, titled Project 2025. In this plan, they highlight their prerogative to let the states decide the legitimacy of gay marriage.
I believe before the end of Trump’s term, Obergerfell v. Hodges will be overturned, which is a terrifying idea. Can you, reader, imagine not being able to marry the love of your life? This is what our federal government wants. Have empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of an interracial or gay couple, who is currently being told that their love shouldn’t be federally recognized.
How would you feel? Mark Braun’s comments perfectly highlight the rise in popularity of conservatism in our country. It’s a terrifying thing to witness. Just this week, I had a man come into my work preaching about how white people are better than any other race.
The fact that anyone feels okay to have those views is insane. No one should have their racism, or in this case, white supremacy supported, excused, or cushioned. The Young Republicans group chat that was leaked? Another example of racism with no consequences. No one is in a complete uproar over that. Why?
Nothing can get worse than the person we have in the White House. A racist, misogynistic, Epstein-befriending, rapist, pedophile. People feel safe to share their racism because we have the most evil person as the figurehead for our county.
I ask you–when did it become “woke” to have empathy for the oppressed and marginalized? If you are a far-right extremist, I ask you to have compassion. Imagine if you were in the shoes of a person of color, or a young queer person in our country right now. Wouldn’t you be scared, too?