Picture this: a joint session of Congress, Donald Trump at the podium, and Democrats—yes, Democrats—leaping to their feet, clapping like giddy schoolkids, all because he mentioned support for Ukraine.
The party of equality, gender rights, and rainbow flags was practically glowing with pride. But here’s the kicker: Ukraine isn’t exactly the progressive paradise they’d have you believe. Gay marriage? Illegal. Civil unions? Nope. The Ukrainian Constitution flat-out says marriage is between a man and a woman, and that’s where the story ends. So why are the self-proclaimed champions of LGBTQ+ rights cheering for a country that doesn’t even recognize same-sex couples?
Let’s break it down. Article 51 of Ukraine’s Constitution is crystal clear: “Marriage is based on the free consent of a woman and a man.”
No wiggle room, no ambiguity. Same-sex couples can’t marry, and they don’t get civil partnerships either. Sure, there’s been some noise lately—activists pushing for change, petitions floating around—but as of today, March 5, 2025, Ukraine’s laws haven’t budged.
Compare that to the U.S., where Democrats have spent years touting marriage equality as a cornerstone of their platform. Obergefell v. Hodges turned ten last year, and you’d think it was their proudest achievement. Yet there they were, in that joint session, applauding a nation that’s stuck in the past on this issue.
Maybe it’s just politics. Trump says something they like (Ukraine aid, sticking it to Russia), and suddenly principles take a backseat.
Or maybe it’s selective outrage—call out red states for bathroom bills, but give Ukraine a pass because, well, geopolitics. Either way, it’s a head-scratcher. If a Republican governor pushed a “man and woman only” marriage law tomorrow, Democrats would be screaming bloody murder. But when it’s Ukraine, crickets. Or, rather, applause.
Ron J., Chesapeake, VA
