Should same sex couples have the right to marry legally?

Anon #7 -- "the better to shock you, my dear!" >

Twist: If and when gay marriages are recognized where you live, can I be invited to the wedding? I've never been to a wedding before, and seeing as I'll probably never have one of my own...

Do you think you'll still be up for traveling so far...when you're 90?
*sighs*

This is gonna sound odd coming from me, but, be optimistic!

Yeah. I think that people are just afraid because it's different. If they love each other then I don't see what the problem is.

To what purpose?

Frankly, NO ONE should be allowed to marry legally, I have NO IDEA what marriage has to do with the government. Marriage is a social thing, and the government should not have any buysiness with it.

Why shouldn't they have the right? I don't see the harm.

Love is love, and marriage shouldn't be limited to what's written on a piece of paper. Change is good.

I ahve no intentioned of getting married myself, but sure. Why not?

I don't agree with the premises. Marriage is a personal and private matter. Therefore, government should not be in the business of regulating it. It is a matter between you, your spouse(es?), and your church if you wish it.

It is called civil liberties. Where to draw the line and where not to is the question.

yes i have nothin against them two f or m's can marry why cant they why does it have to be m and f only

Why not? Someone else's partnership and sexual activities do not affect me in the least. That is, unless you count the number of people who conceive of more than 2 kids. I don't care for the expanding population. When we start populating the moon and mars I won't care as much about that.

I know your comment is near the top, but how can you think that the government can make _ANY_ laws regarding marriage partners? How can you presume to choose what is right/wrong for another's personal preference if it does not physically affect you?

Marriage was created to be a union between a MAN and a WOMAN. I feel strongly they should not have that right.

Marriage was created so man could CONTROl women! THEY should not have that right either. In fact, abolish the whole institution of marriage! If two people love each other, they can simply go to their HMO and ask for partner benifets.

queers are queers but we don't have to approve

I agree

But your disapproval should not have the power to stop two people who love each other from receiving the marriage penalty!

As I'm sure that most (if not all) gay people really don't care who I marry, I don't care who they marry. I just want them (and any other couples) to find happiness in each other and build wonderful lifetimes together. Everyone should be given the right to do that.

God destroyed Sodom (Genesis 13)- by the way they had aids too

Have you read Genesis 13

You clearly haven't read Genesis 13 either. God doesn't destroy Sodom and Gomorrah until Genesis 19. And nowhere does it say that they had AIDS. Nevermind that the sin they are killed for is their failure to show hospitality to strangers, not homosexuality.

For all of you who are bringing the bible into this - don't. I am a strong believer in the bible, but before you can say "well, they shouldn't marry cuz the bible says not to" you need to examine your life and take out all the immoral and sinful things. Nobody is without sin, not even YOU. I think same sex marriges should be legalized. If two people of the same sex are in love, they can decide whether it is wrong or not. It is not anyone else's place to decide that for them.

*applauds*

no...thats sick

What is sick about two people who are in love with eachother marrying? Shouldn't they have the same rights as straight people? I strongly believe that homosexuals can't help how they feel;I believe that they are born with some kind of gene that makes them attracted to those of the same sex. I don't think anybody should be punished for something that they can't possibly help.

I actually don't think that they are born with it to be honest with you...I think that it happens to them in their early childhood...sure they can love each other and that isn't wrong...but to me it would still be pretty disgusting to see a same-sex marriage

Well, that's your opinion.

I am in a same sex relationship and I would love to marry my SO.
I am not sick.

I don't know nor have seen you so I can't make that call, but otherwise I still think it would be repulsive to be witness to one...people that aren't straight may see it differently but I'm straight so that is just how I look at it

Why would it make you uncomfortable if people you dont know marry?

Repulsive? For us to marry in front of you? We aren't asking you to watch us fudge...we just want you to have some cake with us and drink a toast to our future happiness...GEEZ!

well...what 2 people are you making reference to here?

I offer my apologies if I offended you...I must say that I see nothing wrong with your sexual preference and whom you choose to base your affections towards...whether they be female or male but I prefer not to be involved...and by the way are you engaged or married to this person currently?

Any two. So, as long as you wouldnt actually see it, you wouldnt mind it?

As long as I don't see it or hear about it then it won't bother me

So as not to bother you I won't disclose anything else about my relationship directly to you.

Yes.

IT'S ECONOMICS, NOT A MORALITY ISSUE

Preference for the same sex is a personal preference. No one can do anything to change that. It is like being attracted to tall people or people with dark hair, nothing more than that. Who in their right mind would accept it if the government said two people who are tall cannot marry by law because a certain portion of the ignorant public thinks its repulsive to see two tall people together? I personally don't see why the Bible or any other religious document should have any bearing on our laws. There are so many different religions. Is there anyone here absolutely and without doubt positive that they subscribe to the correct religious tenants. And if you are absolutely sure, I have one question for you. Where do get the audaciousness to presume to know Gods will?!!

As long as they call it something else.

I am a lesbian I have been dating my girlfriend for over a year now. We are not ready to marry yet, but it would be nice to at least have the option once that time comes. As it stands, I am a " Human Being without my legal rights" ::gays and lesbians are denied parental rights, job security, equal housing opportunities, insurance benefits for our partners, hospital vistation rights,adoption rights, inheritance rights, tax breaks, and most important the right to marry the person we love.----For those of you like maggie who don't understand. Maggie feeling the way you feel know, what if someone told you that you had to fall in love with and marry a woman? Stop that terrible feeling of something just not being right about this that you have right now, that's the way I feel everytime someone tells me I am supposed to fall in love with and marry a man.

also I would like to add for those of you who want a job we you can sit in judgement of someone else it's already been filled..think you might know him..God sound familar?

Oh please....

Why is it that in a country were "LIBERTY" is our main logo be so against something that is someone RIGHT !!! FREEDOM !!!
What is everyone so scared of? Is it that you question your own sexuality? who are you TO judge Ohters?
SO Fanatics say...THE bible says .....
BUT I GOT ONE FOR YOU>>>
GOD SAID>>>>>YOU SHALL NOT JUDGE ANYONE....at the time of our death he'll be the one judging... you can hide behind the cloth...and proclaim his word...but what counts is what in your heart...so if you think GAYS are going to hell..LOOK in THE mirror... if your hear t is full of anger and hate...THAT who's on the way donw there....
THe only thing these people are asking is to be LEGALLY... recognized as a union.....so they can file TAxs together...have right..to visit ther partners at the hospital...
HOW would you feel if one day you wife get into an accident and is taken into the ER....you get there but you are not allowed in because you are not the DIRECT FAMILLY....and have NO RIGHT!!! but the most huating thing is that you didn't get to say good bye....and now you must go back to an empty house...and live the rest of your life knowing you the one SHE loved was not there...she died alone among strangers...because yoou are nothing LEGALLY!

IT the right thing to do!!!
Our society tries to give that inpression that we "care" about everything...that we are makeing a better world.. PLEASE DON'T BE so SINICAL!!!

I believe some sort of civil, rather than religious, ceremony would be appropriate. It would grant the same legal rights e.g. inheritance to same-sex couples as to heterosexuals.

Morally they should. I'm not sure about all the legal issues involved. I'm sure it can get very complicated

dont they already?

this world is in desperate need of good couples willing to make a go of it, if they are same-sex, then so be it. why all this bible quoting? who the hell decided that the bible is so great anyway? it's just another book and books are wtitten everyday aside the fact that there is so much bias against women. and also, if this whole homosexual thing is sooo offensive to so many people, then why do all these "people" find women/women together erotic. hmmm, not so against it afterall. LOVE IS LOVE AND THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE, not religion, not politics, not people's opinions

i dont understand why they shouldnt be able to marry
they are in love with eachother and we should all respect that

I guess before I can understand this I have to understand WHY people get married in the first place. Should Gays and lesbians have the same rights as everyone else? YES. But WHY does anyone gay or not want to get married? The only reason I can see is for tradition. If a gay or lesbian has dreamed their whole life of getting married why should they be denied the opportunity? That just seems a little wierd. But... what are some other reasons? in particular i have not thought much about the legal aspects of it. Could someone help?

Don't discount tradition too quickly. Announcing your commitment in the presence of friends and families can be very powerful.

Legally, some of the reasons are inheritance laws, power of attorney in the case of medical incapacitation, and being allowed on your partner's insurance.

Read my comment again, please.

Okay, I've read your comment again and I still think tradition can be a valid and powerful reason to get married and I think the legal reasons I listed are some other reasons why people want to.

Well, my license says female now. People could consider me having a same sex marriage no matter who I was interested in. Last night I was at a party making out with women on the floors of art installations to live music, the security guard said "Alright, Witness protection program ladies", but the audience didn't seem to have a problem. I love parties. I could easily imagine myself marrying either gender, I sure don't want someone else making that decision for me.

Why the hell not?

yes they should have the same rights as everyone else...why oppress people because of what they do in the privacy of their bedrooms?

maggie how can you say that something is repulsive if it is not your damn buisness what goes on in someones bed ? just because isnt not your lifestyle doesnt mean that its not everyone's. you are very ignorant and need to grow up and live in the real world...one that has both hetero, and homosexual people.
(btw i say this as a straight person)

absolutely! If we're going to let Republicans marry, then we have to let gays and lesbians marry, also

It's still not fair; They reproduce.

And I take it most everyone who agrees in this survey are gay. Hummmm
What is the world coming too.

Yup, all 70% of them. And their dogs.

They're everywhere!

Even the guys here who become women become lesbians.

What is the world coming to?

A better more open and understanding place I hope.
A place where gay people don't have to hide or be ashamed or feel abnormal.
A place where people with your views on how homosexuality should be a shameful and hidden thing, become the minority. I hope
A place where I can be happy for you and your husband and your children and the love you share as a family, which I am!
and you can be happy for me and my SO and my child and the love we share as a family.

anything else is sin

Self-knowledge of God.
well, do I get a cookie-cutter paste?
...

Personally, I have a problem with governments "sanctioning" marriage at all. As far as the goverment should be concerned, we are all individuals, and it should enforce any contractual covenants we enter into, including marriage of any nature.

Being queer myself, naturally I think so.

Marriage is first and foremost a civil contract. Inveigh what religious/moral(istic) implications you respect; Just don't expect everyone to share the same morals or religion.

yes, they should have the same rights to marry legally as any other couple. If they can find a church or temple or judge or whatever liberal enough in their views of homosexuality to allow them to be married by them (which i know there are all over) then so be it. The good ole pledge says "..with liberty and justice for ALL" Not, for all...except those whose lifestyles people don't like

I'm a minister, and I'd gladly marry any same-sex couple that I thought was going to stay as committed as in any other good marriage.

Gays are gay, ok. I can accept that. But a legal marrige is for a MAN and a WOMAN. They are already doing something unnatural and I don't believe it should be "OK-ed" by the normal folks by marrige.

morality should not be legislated

Then it shouldn't be illegal to kill and steal!!

Anonymous #10: MARRIAGE is unnatural. It is a law made by humans and does not occur in nature. When was the last time you saw a squirrel wearing a ring?

YES

No it's a cardinal sin. Only a true satanist would do this. I dont care what the doctors say about it being a chemical imbalance, it's not. Everyone chooses what they do during their life whether you choose to be gay, bi, or homeless. Those are all your choices. They may not always be the right choices but their your choices and your entitled to them.

Get out of here you zealot! We're tired of you extremists trying to force everyone to be exactly like you. As a race humanity gets it's strength from diversity, and you and your religous ilk want to destroy that which makes us grand! Go back to your own time Mr. Hitler!

You diversification zealot, you. Insisting that everyone be like you, accepting of diversification with the exception of anti-diversification zealots.

You have my blessing on any loving relationship you embark upon or maintain.

Damn, you're stupid.

You raised some really good points in your quotes from Deuteronomy. I see no reason why gay people should not be allowed to marry legally. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, and should not be the last word in creating laws for today. The Bible also says, "judge ye not, lest ye be judged." Now, that one I agree with wholeheartedly. And, just for the record, I am heterosexual.

It's NOBODY'S-N.O.B.O.D.Y.'S business what other people do. I say, if the lover they have makes them happy then let them go for it. What is the harm in letting people be happy? Besides, it's not our job to judge people anyway. That's what God is for.

Marriage is a legal contract. There is no reason to prevent people from entering into contractual arrangements due to their gender (which is what this amount to in final analysis).

God didn't intend for any human or animal to be with the same sex.
If he did then we would all have two different kinds of sexual organs.

You're working under two assumtpions with that statment. 1: That I believe in God. I don't. 2: That there IS a god. There isn't. Next argument please?

And you just made the assumption that there is a god. Which there may be, or may not be. Learn to take your own advice.

When did I make that assumption? Did you mean to reply to the toher guy?

Yeah. It's just that you told him that he shouldn't assume that there is a god, yet you yourself assumed there isn't one.

Well in your reply you said that I assumed there WAS a god. I think you got cofused.

Oh, sorry. Yeah, I did.

So brian, ya still in 'woe is me', 'wallow' mode? ya never sent me or even commented a 'sure, why not' on those 'make jobs happen' techniques.

Yeah, you're a pathetic loser. Life sucks, and it's certainly all hopeless for you. Ya happy now?

No, I'm much happier now. Now I'm worried about my Dad having been fired.

How far will it go Brian?

Well, the life of everyone is this family has been on a down hill slide since November.

1: I tell a girl I'm inteested in pursuing a romantic relationship, and she not only rejects me becasue of mya ge (I was 18 (19 now), she was 23), then rubs in my face by fliritng with every guy we run into (we worked together).
2: I stupidly quit a job only because my managers were harrasing me and the stress was causing body order problems that have yet to reverse themselves.
3: My Dad steals my hard earned money. More then $1100, including Christmas and Brithday money I got from my Grandmother.
4: The house gets sold without our consent. This is followed by a rent increase that stresses us to the financial brekaing point.
5: My grandfather gets in a car accidnt, and the Sundance, which had been so loyal to us over the years, ends up ebing scrapped.
6: My aunt has surgery on her hands, resulting in a further stressing of the financial situation by way of lost time and wages.
7: The insurance company tries to screw us. Upside: We got the bastards!
8: My uncle's girlfriend has a miscariage. They recently started negotiating their break-up.
9: A place I applied for job wise is willing to hire me; for less than I made at the theatre for only 3 days a week. My share of the rent is 400/month. With that job I would've made little more than 200/month.
10: My cousin Becky is in the lunch room at school, when a girl she knows has aa seizure and dies. Another child ran to the school nurse who did nothing. becky herself ran out to get help and the teachers put her back in that cafeteria. Finally Paramedics arrive but it's too late. They didn't even think to check her neck for obstructions, as it turns out was the cause. If I were that child's parents I'd sue the fudge of tat school.
11: My dad gets in a car accidnet, and is fired the next day.

How can ANYBODY be positive in a situation like this?

That's not really what it's about. You'll be amazed what can happen when you find your connection with the universe, and you have a good picture of what happens when you reject it. Sorry your path is so tragic. Rethink who you are. It wont be easy.