For those who support same-sex marriage - and I support it without reservation - the ideal of equality and the belief in the dignity of same-sex relationships necessarily makes the issue seem a great deal like the civil-rights struggles of the past.

In this quote, Benjamin Wittes articulates his strong support for same-sex marriage and aligns the movement for marriage equality with the historical civil rights struggles. He emphasizes that for those who believe in equality and the inherent dignity of same-sex relationships, the fight for marriage equality mirrors the past struggles for racial and social justice. Wittes suggests that the principles of equality and dignity are universal, and just as civil rights movements sought to secure basic human rights for marginalized groups, so too does the fight for same-sex marriage aim to ensure the same recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Wittes draws a direct comparison between the civil rights movement, which sought racial equality and justice, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, specifically the push for same-sex marriage. By doing so, he positions the debate over marriage equality not as a separate or distinct issue but as part of the broader pursuit of human rights. This framing suggests that the struggle for same-sex marriage is intrinsically linked to the broader fight for social justice and equality.

The quote also underscores the deep moral and ethical dimensions of the issue. Wittes argues that the fight for same-sex marriage is not simply a legal or political issue, but one that touches on the very idea of human dignity. The recognition of same-sex relationships as equal to heterosexual marriages is a matter of respecting the individual and treating everyone with the same rights and respect.

Wittes' words are rooted in his broader commitment to civil rights and social justice. His advocacy for same-sex marriage is framed as part of a continuous struggle for equality, where the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is not just a legal or political issue, but a deeply moral one that seeks to affirm the dignity of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.