The Simplest Solution to the Gay Marriage Question is ...
... civil unions for everybody!!! Hooray!!
But seriously, is it not a disturbing mingling of church and state for the two sides to think they can dictate to the other what marriages are valid or invalid? It's insane that terminology is the single greatest roadblock preventing gay couples having fair and equal rights compared with straight couples. To say this is nonsense would be severe understatement: this is injustice.
Being a practical-minded gal, I wonder, what if the government only regulated civil unions (both straight and gay) and "marriage" was reserved as a strictly religious institution? The "only" unions the state can recognize are civil ones anyway. That's why there are separate procedures and requirements (and different ceremonies, if you like) for the government recognizing a marriage and a church recognizing a marriage. That's why atheists and agnostics can get married without any religious institution being involved. They're already separate in form and function; just not in vocabulary.
To my many gay and lesbian friends: I was so sad to hear the news about Prop 8 passing in California. I can't imagine if I had gotten married and, suddenly, the state declared my marriage invalid. How can they do this to people?
To my straight friends, particularly married ones: If you oppose gay marriage, I ask that you please put yourselves in the shoes of a gay couple recently married in California. How would you like if suddenly, through no fault of you or your spouse, the government declared your marriage was invalid? Last night, you fell asleep in the arms of your spouse; this morning, you woke up with what the state might call your roommate or cohabitor. What if the reason was that over half your neighbors and friends thought they were an authority on whose relationships were legitimate, and yours wasn't? I don't know about you, but I'd be hurt, insulted, and damn angry.
I can't believe gay adoption got banned in Arkansas, which already has 3 times as many orphans as they do homes to take them in. The measure just passed newly orphans over 400 children, who will be taken out of their adoptive homes. This "Christian," "pro-family" measure is literally breaking up hundreds of families. One can only speculate on the joy and pride Jesus must feel at his name being used to tear children from loving parents and place them back in the foster care system. Oh yeah, their future is SO much brighter living under the state's caring and watchful eye. (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/9/9356/17632)
But seriously, is it not a disturbing mingling of church and state for the two sides to think they can dictate to the other what marriages are valid or invalid? It's insane that terminology is the single greatest roadblock preventing gay couples having fair and equal rights compared with straight couples. To say this is nonsense would be severe understatement: this is injustice.
Being a practical-minded gal, I wonder, what if the government only regulated civil unions (both straight and gay) and "marriage" was reserved as a strictly religious institution? The "only" unions the state can recognize are civil ones anyway. That's why there are separate procedures and requirements (and different ceremonies, if you like) for the government recognizing a marriage and a church recognizing a marriage. That's why atheists and agnostics can get married without any religious institution being involved. They're already separate in form and function; just not in vocabulary.
Click to viewTo my many gay and lesbian friends: I was so sad to hear the news about Prop 8 passing in California. I can't imagine if I had gotten married and, suddenly, the state declared my marriage invalid. How can they do this to people?
To my straight friends, particularly married ones: If you oppose gay marriage, I ask that you please put yourselves in the shoes of a gay couple recently married in California. How would you like if suddenly, through no fault of you or your spouse, the government declared your marriage was invalid? Last night, you fell asleep in the arms of your spouse; this morning, you woke up with what the state might call your roommate or cohabitor. What if the reason was that over half your neighbors and friends thought they were an authority on whose relationships were legitimate, and yours wasn't? I don't know about you, but I'd be hurt, insulted, and damn angry.
I can't believe gay adoption got banned in Arkansas, which already has 3 times as many orphans as they do homes to take them in. The measure just passed newly orphans over 400 children, who will be taken out of their adoptive homes. This "Christian," "pro-family" measure is literally breaking up hundreds of families. One can only speculate on the joy and pride Jesus must feel at his name being used to tear children from loving parents and place them back in the foster care system. Oh yeah, their future is SO much brighter living under the state's caring and watchful eye. (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/9/9356/17632)