The majority of the GOP has remained consistent with its dissenting view on gay marriage.

At the most recent Conservative Political Action Conference, however, the Republican Party members didn’t seem as vehemently opposed to gay rights as usual. Could this mean that the GOP is finally changing its views on the issue?

Unfortunately, sentiment from party figures like Rick Santorum was pretty opposed to the issue, expressing concern about republicans that sacrifice “traditional values” in order to win votes.

The reality is that gay marriage has become an issue that many are starting to support regardless of party affiliation. Because more and more people support gay rights, politicians are finding that taking an extreme stance against the issue proves more detrimental than productive.

It’s amazing that if just a few years ago a politician openly supported gay marriage, they were at more risk of not being elected. People‘s stances on the issue are evolving, and this is partly due to the fact that it is such a ridiculous issue to focus so much negative energy on.

We are living in a world of constant court rulings legalizing gay marriage, often in states in which you would least expect to see those bills pass. At this pace, it will not be long before we see full marriage equality in this country.

The big thing for politicians to remember is that there are bigger issues in this nation. Focusing so much time on keeping loving couples from celebrating and having recognition for their love is simply ludicrous.

In order for the GOP to have successful candidates, thoughts on this issue are going to have to change. People no longer stand for intolerance on this issue, and in a world that is so progressive, the Republican party is going to have to keep up with times and change the way they see this issue.

I can imagine that years from now we will all look back and realize how ridiculous the opposition toward marriage equality was. While the fight for equality continues, there is reason to be optimistic about the rights of LGBT individuals in this country.

dhaynie@mavs.coloradomesa.edu