Government recognizing Gay and Lesbian

13468911

Replies

  • ka_bateman
    ka_bateman Posts: 230 Member
    This is neither here nor there, but there is a lot of sexy women up in this thread.

    haha...just a little humor to relieve the tremendous tension =)
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    Where has it been proven that it's genetic?


    From the evidence I have been able to gather, it is a case of nature and nurture.

    http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1994-44971-001



    Not to mention the close to 1.5k species that have displayed homosexual activity.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals


    Animals also inbreed amongst other things, so that's a terrible example, I was just waiting for this to pop up.

    Why is it a terrible example? There are some humans out there who inbreed too--in fact, it's even legal in some places!
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    I think if we dropped the marriage part and just called it union or something like that all the fuzz would go away

    Not unless you "call it union or something like that" for straight people too! If the word used is marriage for two people of opposite genders, it needs to be marriage for two people of the same gender as well. Separate but equal wasn't good enough for people of color, and it's not good enough for us. We are not going to accept "something like marriage" unless you do too!

    Since when were gay people ever viewed as 2/3 human? Drawing a link between homosexual rights movement and the civil rights movement is a slap in the face to everyone involved.

    Well, considering this country gives me roughly 2/3 of the rights of straight people, I'd say that's fairly accurate.

    See that's not true. You have the same rights. What you want is more rights.

    I do? Hmm...go review the link posted earlier in this thread.
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    This is neither here nor there, but there is a lot of sexy women up in this thread.

    haha...just a little humor to relieve the tremendous tension =)

    heehee!!!!!
  • http://provopulse.com/?q=node/1557


    Link - views from non-religious standpoint against it.

    From your quoted link:

    "Yet, I also know that it has been shown that children who are deprived of the parenting of one gender have a very strong tendency toward emotional and/or psychological problems."

    Source required. Even is this is the case, that means a homosexual couple can raise a child just as well as a single mother or father. Which, by the way, is pretty damn well.

    "To be honest, I believe that if you look, that you will find that nearly all gay men, that were not victims of abuse, came from an unhealthy parenting situation themselves."

    Seriously? With the majority of straight marriages that end in divorce today, would we not expect to see the majority of Americans "damaged" enough to be homosexual.

    What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

    Agree with the OP.

    If straight couples didn't keep having gay babies the problem wouldn't exist. Its completely natural.

    There are so many shades of grey in this life. Live and let live.

    As for god, we all know about Lilith, Eve and Adam etc, so if its anyones fault, its god for making the partnership unequal rather than leaving it balanced :wink:

    Where has it been proven that it's genetic?

    From the evidence I have been able to gather, it is a case of nature and nurture.

    http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1994-44971-001

    "While genetic factors present some of the most persuasive evidence of a biological basis, it is doubtful that homosexuality is determined by purely biological factors. Rather, this uniquely human phenomenon is a consequence of a multifactorial developmental process in which psychosocial factors remain crucial."

    Not to mention the close to 1.5k species that have displayed homosexual activity.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

    The problem with the government is they have all seem to forgotten that whole separation of church and state, and they want to make the issue of gay marriage a religious one. It's not. Marriage is a legal agreement entered into by two consenting adults. If those adults want to attach religious significance to their marriage, that is their business. What goes on between two consenting adults is really none of the government's business as long as we pay our taxes. People (gay, straight, bi) get married for all sorts of reasons: tax breaks, benefits, LOVE, whatever. It's a damn shame that we live in a country that's all about "Freedom" but my brother can't marry his partner and my gay friends, who have been together longer than I have been alive, can't get married either.

    So should we allow marriages to be run in accordance to Sharia Law? After all, two people entered into the agreement.

    As long as the marriage breaks no other laws, such as domestic abuse, child abuse, etc. Sure, I so no reason two consenting adults shouldn't be allowed.

    I think if we dropped the marriage part and just called it union or something like that all the fuzz would go away

    Marriage is pretty much a religious term between a man & a woman, so yeah I agree with you.

    So...straight couples who get married at City Hall shouldn't be considered married...?

    No, because that's still a marriage (man & woman), the term marriage originates from the bible & the bible says that being gay is an abomination to God, so I don't think it should be called marriage if you understand my reasoning?

    Not really. Marriage was around way before the bible. Let's not bring religious sensitivities into this because, honestly, they don't belong here. Not to mention, not everyone here is the same religion or even religious for that matter.

    Finally, in the US at least, attempting to force someone to do something or refrain from something on the grounds of religion is illegal.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

    "Marriage (or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship."

    The Bible begins at creation...interesting trick for there to be marriage before people...

    As an atheist, I take no credible evidence from the Bible or any other religious text. So you provide some good science as to why you want to prevent people from living happy, healthy lives with their families and I will listen.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    I am proud to live in MA where gay marriage is legal.

    I'm a straight married woman but I want my friends who are gay to have the same rights I do.

    I want them to have employee benefits for their spouse. If one partner is in the hospital I want the other one to be by their side.

    I know so many happily married gay couples. Here in MA we not only are the only state in the US to have universal health care, we also allow gays to marry. I would be ashamed to live in a state that did not allow gays to marry.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    So much for groups, eh?
  • ka_bateman
    ka_bateman Posts: 230 Member
    My fear of governments recognizing this type of marriage which is completely fine in and of itself but I can see people wanting to push the line further. Let men and women marry under aged or marry their pets or marry their parents or something. Those people have rights just like straight people, bi people, gay/lesbian, and whatever else there is. So the envelope keeps getting pushed as we are constantly seeking fairness in all things. It's always changing and being modified which is nice that we have that opportunity but holy crap! It could go upside down.:noway:

    Children are not consenting adults.
    Pets are not consenting adults.
    Not everything is a slippery slope.

    Thank you!

    What about brothers and sisters...Dads are consenting. where does it end? And don't tell me that it's not okay, b/c incest people should have the same rights as everyone else.

    See above. Incest is harmful because of the offspring. Homosexuals produce no offspring. No harm done.

    So? Everyone wants equal rights. Not fair for the homosexuals to get different rights for "two consenting adults" to wed if they aren't going to share it.
  • Mechel79
    Mechel79 Posts: 99 Member
    My fear of governments recognizing this type of marriage which is completely fine in and of itself but I can see people wanting to push the line further. Let men and women marry under aged or marry their pets or marry their parents or something. Those people have rights just like straight people, bi people, gay/lesbian, and whatever else there is. So the envelope keeps getting pushed as we are constantly seeking fairness in all things. It's always changing and being modified which is nice that we have that opportunity but holy crap! It could go upside down.:noway:

    Children are not consenting adults.
    Pets are not consenting adults.
    Not everything is a slippery slope.

    Thank you!

    What about brothers and sisters...Dads are consenting. where does it end? And don't tell me that it's not okay, b/c incest people should have the same rights as everyone else.

    Family Values Change With The Culture But The Truth Of Scripture Does Not Change.
    Why did Adam and Eve’s children marry each other?

    They had to marry their own brothers or sisters because there was no one else around for them to marry.

    Marriage with close family members represents genuine Genesis family values. Why did Adam and Eve's children marry eachother? Their beliefs and practices were not wrong way back then. Have you ever wondered how Abraham could marry his sister and other women and still be right with God? Have you ever wondered how modern Christians can hold up Abraham as an example of faith yet insist that no one today should follow his example in marriage? If Abraham was alive today, would any modern church let him preach in their pulpit or teach in their Sunday School? No, of course they would not because Abraham had multiple wives and concubines and spent most of his adult life in an incestuous sexual, marriage relationship with his half-sister, Sarah (Genesis 20:2 & 12). The truth of scripture has not changed but cultural values and our perception of what God will accept have changed. Abraham was a good man and Sarah was a good woman. He is called the friend of God. But Abraham's family values and "lifestyle" would not be acceptable to most nongay and gay Christians today.

    According to "your bible" they should!
  • mdorisi
    mdorisi Posts: 69 Member
    You know, it's amazing to me that this is an issue. I know many gay couples that have been together longer than married couples I know and yet, they've never had the right to be married. I am straight and am getting married this summer which I am just crazy happy about. How can we deny people happiness because we don't "agree" with who they love? Everyone in the world has the right to love who they love regardless if they're gay or straight. Is being gay a choice? Who cares. We are all faced with choices every single day. If someone is choosing to be gay, then whatever. They're happy, leave them alone. I am so happy that I live in a state that just approved gay marriage. It's a great feeling to know that my gay friends can now share in my happiness this summer, and that I can share in theirs openly. I only hope other states and countries follow and that everyone can really have the freedom to love who they want and to showcase their love as they please.
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    I can be fired in 29 states of being gay. How do I have the same rights as straight people?
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    Clint Eastwood on Gay Marriage:

    “These people who are making a big deal about gay marriage?” Eastwood tells the magazine. “I don’t give a **** about who wants to get married to anybody else! Why not?! We’re making a big deal out of things we shouldn’t be making a deal out of … Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want.” — GQ via Reuters
  • I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Are you for or against gay marriage? It sounds like you're against it. The government should have a say in it because they have a say in straight marriage. There are over 400 rights a married couple has that an unmarried couple doesn't. For example: If my husband is in a coma in the hospital and is essentially brain dead, not only would I have the ability to say, "pull the plug", but I would also be able to be with him in his last moments. A gay or lesbian couple doesn't have that right. How is that fair? Not to mention that while a lot of people see it as a religious institution, it is, in fact a government institution, unless you get married without signing that fancy marriage lisence.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    I can be fired in 29 states of being gay. How do I have the same rights as straight people?

    No offense but I would never want to live and work in a state where you could get fired for being gay. And I'm straight!
  • ka_bateman
    ka_bateman Posts: 230 Member
    http://provopulse.com/?q=node/1557


    Link - views from non-religious standpoint against it.

    From your quoted link:

    "Yet, I also know that it has been shown that children who are deprived of the parenting of one gender have a very strong tendency toward emotional and/or psychological problems."

    Source required. Even is this is the case, that means a homosexual couple can raise a child just as well as a single mother or father. Which, by the way, is pretty damn well.

    "To be honest, I believe that if you look, that you will find that nearly all gay men, that were not victims of abuse, came from an unhealthy parenting situation themselves."

    Seriously? With the majority of straight marriages that end in divorce today, would we not expect to see the majority of Americans "damaged" enough to be homosexual.

    What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

    Agree with the OP.

    If straight couples didn't keep having gay babies the problem wouldn't exist. Its completely natural.

    There are so many shades of grey in this life. Live and let live.

    As for god, we all know about Lilith, Eve and Adam etc, so if its anyones fault, its god for making the partnership unequal rather than leaving it balanced :wink:

    Where has it been proven that it's genetic?

    From the evidence I have been able to gather, it is a case of nature and nurture.

    http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1994-44971-001

    "While genetic factors present some of the most persuasive evidence of a biological basis, it is doubtful that homosexuality is determined by purely biological factors. Rather, this uniquely human phenomenon is a consequence of a multifactorial developmental process in which psychosocial factors remain crucial."

    Not to mention the close to 1.5k species that have displayed homosexual activity.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

    The problem with the government is they have all seem to forgotten that whole separation of church and state, and they want to make the issue of gay marriage a religious one. It's not. Marriage is a legal agreement entered into by two consenting adults. If those adults want to attach religious significance to their marriage, that is their business. What goes on between two consenting adults is really none of the government's business as long as we pay our taxes. People (gay, straight, bi) get married for all sorts of reasons: tax breaks, benefits, LOVE, whatever. It's a damn shame that we live in a country that's all about "Freedom" but my brother can't marry his partner and my gay friends, who have been together longer than I have been alive, can't get married either.

    So should we allow marriages to be run in accordance to Sharia Law? After all, two people entered into the agreement.

    As long as the marriage breaks no other laws, such as domestic abuse, child abuse, etc. Sure, I so no reason two consenting adults shouldn't be allowed.

    I think if we dropped the marriage part and just called it union or something like that all the fuzz would go away

    Marriage is pretty much a religious term between a man & a woman, so yeah I agree with you.

    So...straight couples who get married at City Hall shouldn't be considered married...?

    No, because that's still a marriage (man & woman), the term marriage originates from the bible & the bible says that being gay is an abomination to God, so I don't think it should be called marriage if you understand my reasoning?

    Not really. Marriage was around way before the bible. Let's not bring religious sensitivities into this because, honestly, they don't belong here. Not to mention, not everyone here is the same religion or even religious for that matter.

    Finally, in the US at least, attempting to force someone to do something or refrain from something on the grounds of religion is illegal.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

    "Marriage (or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship."

    The Bible begins at creation...interesting trick for there to be marriage before people...

    As an atheist, I take no credible evidence from the Bible or any other religious text. So you provide some good science as to why you want to prevent people from living happy, healthy lives with their families and I will listen.

    Take a look at the research of the importance of a mothers and fathers involvement in raising a child. You want to tempt fate and claim atheism that's fine. I'm not hear to change your mind. I'm just here so the OP knows all opinions about this issue.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Are you for or against gay marriage? It sounds like you're against it. The government should have a say in it because they have a say in straight marriage. There are over 400 rights a married couple has that an unmarried couple doesn't. For example: If my husband is in a coma in the hospital and is essentially brain dead, not only would I have the ability to say, "pull the plug", but I would also be able to be with him in his last moments. A gay or lesbian couple doesn't have that right. How is that fair? Not to mention that while a lot of people see it as a religious institution, it is, in fact a government institution, unless you get married without signing that fancy marriage lisence.

    My marriage license was not fancy. It looked like it was made in MS Word. Here in MA gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. Because gay and straight couples can legally marry in Mass.
  • TOYGRRRL
    TOYGRRRL Posts: 251 Member
    Imho... If the government would actually practice "separation of church and state" this would not be an issue. Stop the insanity and allow everyone their equal rights by the law. Isn't this supposed to be a FREE country? This goes for the insurance covering birth control issue as well.
  • http://provopulse.com/?q=node/1557


    Link - views from non-religious standpoint against it.

    From your quoted link:

    "Yet, I also know that it has been shown that children who are deprived of the parenting of one gender have a very strong tendency toward emotional and/or psychological problems."

    Source required. Even is this is the case, that means a homosexual couple can raise a child just as well as a single mother or father. Which, by the way, is pretty damn well.

    "To be honest, I believe that if you look, that you will find that nearly all gay men, that were not victims of abuse, came from an unhealthy parenting situation themselves."

    Seriously? With the majority of straight marriages that end in divorce today, would we not expect to see the majority of Americans "damaged" enough to be homosexual.

    What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

    Agree with the OP.

    If straight couples didn't keep having gay babies the problem wouldn't exist. Its completely natural.

    There are so many shades of grey in this life. Live and let live.

    As for god, we all know about Lilith, Eve and Adam etc, so if its anyones fault, its god for making the partnership unequal rather than leaving it balanced :wink:

    Where has it been proven that it's genetic?

    From the evidence I have been able to gather, it is a case of nature and nurture.

    http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1994-44971-001

    "While genetic factors present some of the most persuasive evidence of a biological basis, it is doubtful that homosexuality is determined by purely biological factors. Rather, this uniquely human phenomenon is a consequence of a multifactorial developmental process in which psychosocial factors remain crucial."

    Not to mention the close to 1.5k species that have displayed homosexual activity.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

    The problem with the government is they have all seem to forgotten that whole separation of church and state, and they want to make the issue of gay marriage a religious one. It's not. Marriage is a legal agreement entered into by two consenting adults. If those adults want to attach religious significance to their marriage, that is their business. What goes on between two consenting adults is really none of the government's business as long as we pay our taxes. People (gay, straight, bi) get married for all sorts of reasons: tax breaks, benefits, LOVE, whatever. It's a damn shame that we live in a country that's all about "Freedom" but my brother can't marry his partner and my gay friends, who have been together longer than I have been alive, can't get married either.

    So should we allow marriages to be run in accordance to Sharia Law? After all, two people entered into the agreement.

    As long as the marriage breaks no other laws, such as domestic abuse, child abuse, etc. Sure, I so no reason two consenting adults shouldn't be allowed.

    I think if we dropped the marriage part and just called it union or something like that all the fuzz would go away

    Marriage is pretty much a religious term between a man & a woman, so yeah I agree with you.

    So...straight couples who get married at City Hall shouldn't be considered married...?

    No, because that's still a marriage (man & woman), the term marriage originates from the bible & the bible says that being gay is an abomination to God, so I don't think it should be called marriage if you understand my reasoning?

    Not really. Marriage was around way before the bible. Let's not bring religious sensitivities into this because, honestly, they don't belong here. Not to mention, not everyone here is the same religion or even religious for that matter.

    Finally, in the US at least, attempting to force someone to do something or refrain from something on the grounds of religion is illegal.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

    "Marriage (or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship."

    The Bible begins at creation...interesting trick for there to be marriage before people...

    As an atheist, I take no credible evidence from the Bible or any other religious text. So you provide some good science as to why you want to prevent people from living happy, healthy lives with their families and I will listen.

    Take a look at the research of the importance of a mothers and fathers involvement in raising a child. You want to tempt fate and claim atheism that's fine. I'm not hear to change your mind. I'm just here so the OP knows all opinions about this issue.

    Tempt fate. Okay.

    I guess if we won't let a homosexual couple raise children, we should also stop single parents from raising them since they can't do the job well enough on their own.

    It's nice to have both parents but it causes no significant damage to a persons mental state.

    http://youtu.be/MLnn96n3Lpg
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member
    Imho... If the government would actually practice "separation of church and state" this would not be an issue. Stop the insanity and allow everyone their equal rights by the law. Isn't this supposed to be a FREE country? This goes for the insurance covering birth control issue as well.

    Agreed. Also, not to shift gears back to the birth control issue but some of us (medically speaking) cannot carry a baby to full term. So, the $50/month (the other $50 covered by the employer sponsored health plan) is needed. If my health plan stopped covering BC due to the employer's religious beliefs (happens in the US to this day) I would illegally get my BC online. For less $.
  • ka_bateman
    ka_bateman Posts: 230 Member
    Well, it's lunchtime here in Cali...everyone eat well today! I'll leave you all to sort this out.

    Have a great week!
  • I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Are you for or against gay marriage? It sounds like you're against it. The government should have a say in it because they have a say in straight marriage. There are over 400 rights a married couple has that an unmarried couple doesn't. For example: If my husband is in a coma in the hospital and is essentially brain dead, not only would I have the ability to say, "pull the plug", but I would also be able to be with him in his last moments. A gay or lesbian couple doesn't have that right. How is that fair? Not to mention that while a lot of people see it as a religious institution, it is, in fact a government institution, unless you get married without signing that fancy marriage lisence.

    My marriage license was not fancy. It looked like it was made in MS Word. Here in MA gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. Because gay and straight couples can legally marry in Mass.

    Then your state would be an exclusion to my example. And a marriage license is fancy if you can't get one like in most states, including mine. Also, if a married gay couple came to my state and one got sick, the other would have no say in their care because it's illegal here.
  • capaxinfiniti
    capaxinfiniti Posts: 367 Member
    Take a look at the research of the importance of a mothers and fathers involvement in raising a child. You want to tempt fate and claim atheism that's fine. I'm not hear to change your mind. I'm just here so the OP knows all opinions about this issue.

    Tempt fate and claim atheism?


    Most ridiculous and judgmental comments I've ever heard.

    And sorry, just because a child has a mother and a father in their life doesn't mean they'll grow up being an outstanding citizen.
  • OMGLeigh
    OMGLeigh Posts: 236
    Take a look at the research of the importance of a mothers and fathers involvement in raising a child. You want to tempt fate and claim atheism that's fine. I'm not hear to change your mind. I'm just here so the OP knows all opinions about this issue.

    I would never doubt that a mother and father could be the best pair for a child.
    But I would doubt that an abusive father would be a great role model, an alcoholic mother could be detrimental, parents who cheat on each other could also cause some problems. A woman who leaves her husband and takes the kids and all of the money may also have some negative effects on how a child views marriage. So far I'm just mentioning straight couples, men and woman, who have problems. They can still legally have children, legally get married, legally get divorced, and still produced messed up children who have had a horrible life at home. A mother and a father may be great, if they are good people, but a good single parent, or a good gay couple can still nurture a healthy family.
  • lloydrt
    lloydrt Posts: 1,121 Member
    No offense but I would never want to live and work in a state where you could get fired for being gay. And I'm straight!



    Gays were imprisoned for years until I think the 1930s, not totally sure about the date, but you could be imprisoned for being gay. Also, gays were imprisoned by Hitler during WW 2 and wore pink triangles . Homosexuality was considered an mental illness in the past and many totally normal gay people were institutionalized for being gay......

    I am glad I have been informed about the issues affecting gays in general.......My cousin, who is my age has been in a long term , committed relationship for 23 years with his partner.......You couldnt find a more honest, sincered, hardworking, honest pair of guys in the world......Matter of fact, I get along with those guys better than certain siblings in my own family....

    He was the individual who explained to me the importance and relevance of the word " marriage". I totally support gay marriage and have no problems with it ........Lloyd
  • paigemarie93
    paigemarie93 Posts: 778 Member
    .
  • Tempt fate. Okay.

    I guess if we won't let a homosexual couple raise children, we should also stop single parents from raising them since they can't do the job well enough on their own.

    It's nice to have both parents but it causes no significant damage to a persons mental state.

    http://youtu.be/MLnn96n3Lpg

    I agree with this completely. Why can single parents raise children just fine, but gay couples can't. There are many ways to provide strong role models of both sexes regardless of parents.
  • Onesnap
    Onesnap Posts: 2,819 Member


    My marriage license was not fancy. It looked like it was made in MS Word. Here in MA gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. Because gay and straight couples can legally marry in Mass.

    Then your state would be an exclusion to my example. And a marriage license is fancy if you can't get one like in most states, including mine. Also, if a married gay couple came to my state and one got sick, the other would have no say in their care because it's illegal here.

    Gay or straight I'm telling you I would not want to live in a state that did not count gay married couples as legally married with the same rights. I just don't want to be part of a town/city/state and pay taxes into a system that does not treat married couples (gay or straight) the same. The fact that gay marriage is not legal in all states in the US is just a clear view of how f-ed up this country is. Why is my state the only one in the whole USA with universal health care?? Same reason. We believe that everyone has a right to the same things, poor or not poor. Gay or straight.
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member
    http://provopulse.com/?q=node/1557


    Link - views from non-religious standpoint against it.

    From your quoted link:

    "Yet, I also know that it has been shown that children who are deprived of the parenting of one gender have a very strong tendency toward emotional and/or psychological problems."

    Source required. Even is this is the case, that means a homosexual couple can raise a child just as well as a single mother or father. Which, by the way, is pretty damn well.

    "To be honest, I believe that if you look, that you will find that nearly all gay men, that were not victims of abuse, came from an unhealthy parenting situation themselves."

    Seriously? With the majority of straight marriages that end in divorce today, would we not expect to see the majority of Americans "damaged" enough to be homosexual.

    What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.

    Agree with the OP.

    If straight couples didn't keep having gay babies the problem wouldn't exist. Its completely natural.

    There are so many shades of grey in this life. Live and let live.

    As for god, we all know about Lilith, Eve and Adam etc, so if its anyones fault, its god for making the partnership unequal rather than leaving it balanced :wink:

    Where has it been proven that it's genetic?

    From the evidence I have been able to gather, it is a case of nature and nurture.

    http://psycnet.apa.org/psycinfo/1994-44971-001

    "While genetic factors present some of the most persuasive evidence of a biological basis, it is doubtful that homosexuality is determined by purely biological factors. Rather, this uniquely human phenomenon is a consequence of a multifactorial developmental process in which psychosocial factors remain crucial."

    Not to mention the close to 1.5k species that have displayed homosexual activity.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

    The problem with the government is they have all seem to forgotten that whole separation of church and state, and they want to make the issue of gay marriage a religious one. It's not. Marriage is a legal agreement entered into by two consenting adults. If those adults want to attach religious significance to their marriage, that is their business. What goes on between two consenting adults is really none of the government's business as long as we pay our taxes. People (gay, straight, bi) get married for all sorts of reasons: tax breaks, benefits, LOVE, whatever. It's a damn shame that we live in a country that's all about "Freedom" but my brother can't marry his partner and my gay friends, who have been together longer than I have been alive, can't get married either.

    So should we allow marriages to be run in accordance to Sharia Law? After all, two people entered into the agreement.

    As long as the marriage breaks no other laws, such as domestic abuse, child abuse, etc. Sure, I so no reason two consenting adults shouldn't be allowed.

    I think if we dropped the marriage part and just called it union or something like that all the fuzz would go away

    Marriage is pretty much a religious term between a man & a woman, so yeah I agree with you.

    So...straight couples who get married at City Hall shouldn't be considered married...?

    No, because that's still a marriage (man & woman), the term marriage originates from the bible & the bible says that being gay is an abomination to God, so I don't think it should be called marriage if you understand my reasoning?

    Not really. Marriage was around way before the bible. Let's not bring religious sensitivities into this because, honestly, they don't belong here. Not to mention, not everyone here is the same religion or even religious for that matter.

    Finally, in the US at least, attempting to force someone to do something or refrain from something on the grounds of religion is illegal.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage

    "Marriage (or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship."

    The Bible begins at creation...interesting trick for there to be marriage before people...

    As an atheist, I take no credible evidence from the Bible or any other religious text. So you provide some good science as to why you want to prevent people from living happy, healthy lives with their families and I will listen.

    Take a look at the research of the importance of a mothers and fathers involvement in raising a child. You want to tempt fate and claim atheism that's fine. I'm not hear to change your mind. I'm just here so the OP knows all opinions about this issue.

    But...what about the single parents? My great-grandmother was a deeply religious Catholic from Italy. When she was pregnant with her SEVENTH child, her husband walked out on her. She raised all those kids on their own. All seven led clean lives, worked honest jobs, etc. Were her kids messed up in any way because they were raised by a single parent? Definitely not.

    Similarly, plenty--PLENTY--of straight couples raising children do a TERRIBLE job of it. Look at how "Godly" the Amish people are, and look at how often rape takes place in their society.
  • clewis628
    clewis628 Posts: 94 Member
    Why not should be the question. If we are a country that pushes freedom, why not push to have all American's free and able to have the choice to marry the person they love? I am gay. I've been with the same wonderful man for over 11 years. We can get married in DC, but live in Virginia... so when we are home we aren't married.
    I served in the military proudly and now work for the Government, again proud to do so, but let me marry who I want to marry. I'm not asking for anything to be changed for anyone else. Just let me enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness like all American's should.

    AMEN!!!! I am happy to live in MA where we "allow" people to marry the person whom they love! I wish the rest of the country would catch on!!! I'm straight but have had many gay friends. Love is love. Plain and simple. Love makes people happy. Happiness is one of those three things mentioned by our country's forefathers, wasn't it??
  • Italianyc84
    Italianyc84 Posts: 192 Member


    My marriage license was not fancy. It looked like it was made in MS Word. Here in MA gay couples do have the same rights as straight couples. Because gay and straight couples can legally marry in Mass.

    Then your state would be an exclusion to my example. And a marriage license is fancy if you can't get one like in most states, including mine. Also, if a married gay couple came to my state and one got sick, the other would have no say in their care because it's illegal here.

    Gay or straight I'm telling you I would not want to live in a state that did not count gay married couples as legally married with the same rights. I just don't want to be part of a town/city/state and pay taxes into a system that does not treat married couples (gay or straight) the same. The fact that gay marriage is not legal in all states in the US is just a clear view of how f-ed up this country is. Why is my state the only one in the whole USA with universal health care?? Same reason. We believe that everyone has a right to the same things, poor or not poor. Gay or straight.

    Agree a million percent. We all deserve equality--gay, straight, black, white, rich or poor.
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