I hear it as "issue" with some sarcasm. As in, I can't believe this isn't settled already since it's such an obvious answer. I believe he is saying it wouldn't be an "issue" if people actually appealed to reason.

But I get why you would be offended, the struggles and hardships should not be taken lightly. In effect a white male could make the same comment about women's suffrage and it would not be cast in a good light at all.

Anyway, congratulations! I'm so glad people are finally seeing reason and you can take one more step towards being treated truly equal!