Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker declares Feb. 7 through 14 to be Marriage Week and his proclamation has some University of Wisconsin-Superior students talking.

“Married men and women appear to be the greatest wealth-producing entity we have. Marriage benefits minorities economically and reduces the likelihood that women and children will experience poverty,” states Governor Walker in a news release for the promotion of Marriage Week.

Some students don’t share Walker’s sentiment.

“I don’t see how same-sex marriage can affect the economy,” said UW-Superior student Hannah Miller.

“It is shocking to see there is somebody pushing back the progress that has been made,” said Aaron Wainman of the Queer and Allied Student Union. “Because that will create a polarization of the issue at end, that is same-sex marriage.”

According to Julaine K. Appling, president of the Wisconsin Family Council, Marriage Week USA is part of an international effort that is beginning to gain momentum around the country as more and more people realize how crucial healthy marriages are to society.

Miller describes partnerships as equal regardless of the sexual orientation, and adds, “by not allowing homosexuals the right to marriage, we are also denying them the right to learn from the same mistakes, that is bad marriage, or even divorce”.

Governor Walker’s proclamation states, in part, “...a healthy, loving marriage... provides irreplaceable personal happiness and creates the safest place for children to flourish and to enjoy the full emotional, moral, educational and financial benefits of both parents...”

“There are strong family values in homosexual couples as well, so why can’t homosexuals get married?” asked Wainman.

Gay rights movement organizations are not stopping their efforts in the fight for equality.

In April, the organization plans on rallying for a statewide march to the capitol building in Madison to rally for global equality. The movement, Stop the Silence, aims at showing that same-sex marriages do not affect the anything in the country, and will address other issues faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, questioning, intersex and ally communities.

The QASU organization, an active organization since the 1990’s, serves the community by providing support and promoting visibility and awareness of LGBTQIA student, faculty and staff issues. This weekend’s drag show is the first of many more events organized by the group.

The Wisconsin Family Council created a website for Marriage Week. Its content helps people to strengthen their marriage by signing up for wedding classes, providing resources to families on how to keep a healthy marriage. Media, businesses, churches, and other partners are asked to join the movement held by appointed officials around the country.