I'm a little confused. When you responded to me a few weeks ago about this, i got the impression you were against the idea. Maybe I misunderstood. First post on the page. http://www.tigerfan.com/threads/gay-marriage-ban-in-north-carolinaaa.103920/page-2
I'm not sure what confuses you. I'm saying that the word marriage is an ancient social institution that did not, until very recently, include gays. I'm talking about the term here. I'm entirely neutral on the gay marriage political debate, as I really don't care one way or another. I simply feel that there is a legal issue and a social issue. Legally, I think it is obvious that all citizens, straight or gay, must have the same rights to inheritance, community property, custody of children, etc. that is inherent in a civil marriage (or civil union, call it what you will), treat them like a contract. Also, it seems obvious that religions can accept or decline to accept gay unions as marriages in their religion. I just feel that the word marriage is ancient and has deep social roots, definition, and significance. The gays could have saved themselves a lot of grief, controversy, and legal hassles by accepting civil unions and not getting their panties in a wad about usurping a term that has much religious and social significance with regards to legitimacy of children and such. But the more I try to think about it, the less I find myself giving a rat's ass. It's all semantics anyway and you can call gay unions Ralph if you really want to. Why do the republicans fear Ralph?
You're right, that's not confusing at all. Okay, so you and I agree about governments role beings separate from churches. When you posted int he other thread, I thought you were disagreeing because you felt people wanted the term marriage to be recognized by the government without having to go through the church.
This post does a good job of summing up my position on this subject. I would only add that I've never understood the point that gays calling their relationship 'married' makes mixed sex marriage any less important. I've been married to the same person for 30 years and only I can hurt my marriage, not someone I don't even know using the term marriage. But Red, with respect to your last line, why did Obama fear Ralph until Biden forced his hand; why do a lot of Democrats still fear Ralph? Allow me to answer; VOTES. And its not Republican votes they are trying to pull in because they know that's not gong to happen - its the independents. You can't blame everything on Republicans - unless you're Obama in which case its just a well practiced reflex.
They are, they have a civil union, they want that special word to feel accepted I assume. I don't give a shit either way.
You know, when you think about it...Marriage is in a horrible state. Divorce at record highs, broken families living in poverty...etc. And the heterosexuals are to blame....not the gays.
To blame for what exactly? There are more people today than yesterday, so what is your point? What does living in poverty have to do with being straight or gay? Gay people do not divorce? I am some dudes will cheat for some better azz if you know what I mean.
Jesus never said anything about gays. Just more intolerance by right wing lunatics who hate anyone who isn't like them.
Why are they lunatics for standing behind the definition of marriage? Only "right wing" are supportive of marriage as it relates to religion?
