I have this whole thing about marriage. Which is I think it is really wonderful when people decide to get married, that they want to stay together forever, etc. I get teary eyed and want to give everyone hugs. Marriage as a commitment is important to me.
Marriage as a legal construct which gives you various privileges is something I'm opposed to. Sort of.
In theory, I think that basically no one should get special benefits from the government due to marriage. I want the government out of my bedroom. HOWEVER. Being as that is never going to happen, I want marriage equality. I want everyone to be able to get married, and get all the legal and societal benefits that entails.
I went to a Quaker wedding ceremony where everyone attending basically signed a document saying we would support the couple's marriage. I really liked that idea of community supporting them, which was even more significant since they were a same sex couple unable to get legally married.
I also signed the wedding certificate of another couple I know. I was very emotional about signing it. I feel like in some way I am on record as approving of their marriage. And I do! Just...I never expected that to be on a legal document.
I'm with you. Ideally, for me, marriage is a private thing that the state doesn't get involved with, that doesn't come along with all these privileges and special treatments. But, like you said, that's never going to happen, so I want marriage equality, with those benefits open to anyone who wants them.
I really like the idea of Quaker ceremonies (I've not been to one, sadly). Part of the "simple gift" metaphor I use above is meant to echo the Quaker hymn, "Simple Gifts." I like to believe that marriage can be a way for things to "come round right."
A huge part of my personal experience with the transcendent is in the act of witnessing. Being present, that I am there and can later attest to the truth of a thing... that's part of how I try live my life, and a large part of why I write. It's how I try to act upon my vocation, since I know my calling isn't strong enough to minister, to join the rabbinate and do that work. But witnessing... that feels right.
Marriage as a legal construct which gives you various privileges is something I'm opposed to. Sort of.
In theory, I think that basically no one should get special benefits from the government due to marriage. I want the government out of my bedroom. HOWEVER. Being as that is never going to happen, I want marriage equality. I want everyone to be able to get married, and get all the legal and societal benefits that entails.
I went to a Quaker wedding ceremony where everyone attending basically signed a document saying we would support the couple's marriage. I really liked that idea of community supporting them, which was even more significant since they were a same sex couple unable to get legally married.
I also signed the wedding certificate of another couple I know. I was very emotional about signing it. I feel like in some way I am on record as approving of their marriage. And I do! Just...I never expected that to be on a legal document.
and...I love the last line so much.
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I'm with you. Ideally, for me, marriage is a private thing that the state doesn't get involved with, that doesn't come along with all these privileges and special treatments. But, like you said, that's never going to happen, so I want marriage equality, with those benefits open to anyone who wants them.
I really like the idea of Quaker ceremonies (I've not been to one, sadly). Part of the "simple gift" metaphor I use above is meant to echo the Quaker hymn, "Simple Gifts." I like to believe that marriage can be a way for things to "come round right."
A huge part of my personal experience with the transcendent is in the act of witnessing. Being present, that I am there and can later attest to the truth of a thing... that's part of how I try live my life, and a large part of why I write. It's how I try to act upon my vocation, since I know my calling isn't strong enough to minister, to join the rabbinate and do that work. But witnessing... that feels right.
Which is all to say: I understand what you mean.
And thank you, for loving that last line. :)
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