Marriage equality is a term so ridiculous on its face that when you hear it mentioned, you would think you were in Riyadh. Years from now, perhaps we can lose the equality part, the same-sex part and call it what it is - marriage.

In this quote, Henry Rollins critiques the term marriage equality and its necessity, suggesting that the term itself is somewhat redundant and reflects a cultural struggle. Rollins points out the absurdity of the term by contrasting it with a place like Riyadh, known for its strict, traditional views on marriage and human rights. He implies that by labeling same-sex unions as "marriage equality," society is still framing these relationships as something separate or different from the traditional institution of marriage, which he believes should not require an added label. His point is that marriage should inherently be about love and commitment, regardless of the gender of the individuals involved.

Rollins envisions a future where society has progressed to the point that the distinctions between same-sex marriage and heterosexual marriage are no longer necessary. He suggests that one day, the term equality will no longer be needed because the right to marry anyone, regardless of gender, will be universally accepted. In this future, the conversation will simply be about marriage, with no qualifiers, because love and commitment should be the only criteria for it.

The origin of the quote lies in Rollins' outspoken activism and often controversial views. Known for his career as a musician (in Black Flag) and spoken word artist, Rollins has long been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. His position on marriage equality reflects his commitment to progressive causes and his desire for a world where people are not judged based on their sexual orientation.

Ultimately, Rollins’ quote is a call for progress and normalization of same-sex marriage, advocating for a future where equality in marriage is so universally accepted that distinctions between different kinds of unions no longer need to be made. He challenges the need for special terminology, suggesting that true equality will come when all marriages are seen simply as marriages, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation.