Same-sex marriage legality has recently become a major question at the federal level, with the Supreme Court deciding to hear two cases, one regarding Proposition 8 and the other the Defense of Marriage Act, that have the potential to put an end to the debate.
On an episode of the satirical television show, “The Colbert Report,” that aired on March 27, Stephen Colbert acted devastated that so many people, including Bill O’Reilly of the Fox News show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” are actually in favor of same-sex marriage.
On March 26, O’Reilly discussed the Supreme Court cases with Fox News Anchor, Megyn Kelly on his show. During the segment, O’Reilly stated that, “The compelling argument is on the side of homosexuals. That’s where the compelling argument is. We’re Americans. We just want to be treated like everybody else. That is a compelling argument. And to deny that, you’ve got to have a very strong argument on the other side. And the other side hasn’t been able to do anything but thump the bible … All right, the gay marriage thing, I don’t feel that strongly about it one way or the other.” He ended by saying, “I want all Americans to be happy. I do.”
Since Colbert’s character on “The Colbert Report” idolizes O’Reilly, these statements were shocking. For someone like O’Reilly to come out as not feeling “strongly” about the issue of same-sex marriage is shocking for anyone to hear, especially since in the past he has fervently been opposed to same-sex marriage.
During the segment, O’Reilly also called Bill Clinton a “phony” for now being in favor of same-sex marriage even though he signed the Defense of Marriage act in 1996, which made it so that same-sex marriages would not be recognized on any federal basis.
While I actually agree with the points made by O’Reilly on this segment of his show, it’s interesting that he had the audacity to call Clinton a “phony” for changing his views on the issue of same-sex marriage, while he did the exact same thing.
O’Reilly has every right to change his opinion on same-sex marriage, and frankly, it’s refreshing that he has, but it’s very hypocritical of him to criticize Clinton on one hand, and then make the same switch in his own opinion.
The fact remains, however, that O’Reilly’s sentiment of simply wanting “all Americans to be happy,” is something that many people in the country want. While I don’t quite understand what his reasons are for suddenly deciding to be more or less in favor of same-sex marriage, O’Reilly is just one of many Americans who are realizing that the question of marriage equality should no longer be a question, but a reality.
