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Posted February 8, 2012 by Charlie Van Dyke in Town Square
The recent decision in California that declares Proposition 8 unconstitutional (in a ruling quite specific to California), brings back to the conversation the issue of gay marriage.
Currently, 8 states now allow gay marriage: California (if Prop 8 remains unconstitutional), Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massechusetts, Washington state, and Washington D.C.
Speaking with gay members of this community, it is important to note that not all GLBT people believe or want the same thing regarding marriage rights and terminology. Civil unions and domestic partnerships are adequate for some. Others think that equating their relationships with heterosexual marriage is something to be avoided. The majority of those in the GLBT group, it seems, do believe that full equality under civil law will only be achieved by using the term "marriage" as well as receiving 100% of its rights.
So, the Town Square question: What is fair and right on the question of gay marriage?
Currently, 8 states now allow gay marriage: California (if Prop 8 remains unconstitutional), Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massechusetts, Washington state, and Washington D.C.
Speaking with gay members of this community, it is important to note that not all GLBT people believe or want the same thing regarding marriage rights and terminology. Civil unions and domestic partnerships are adequate for some. Others think that equating their relationships with heterosexual marriage is something to be avoided. The majority of those in the GLBT group, it seems, do believe that full equality under civil law will only be achieved by using the term "marriage" as well as receiving 100% of its rights.
So, the Town Square question: What is fair and right on the question of gay marriage?
sheila tkachenko wrote at March 29, 2012
0 Votes 
Don't think that love has anything to do with a marriage certificate, but as mentioned, taxes do!
I don't know what's fair or right on this matter; I'm for traditional marriage, yet, I'm also for the freedom to choose whomever I love for marriage/companionship!
I don't know what's fair or right on this matter; I'm for traditional marriage, yet, I'm also for the freedom to choose whomever I love for marriage/companionship!
Shayna Abrams wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
Should anyone have the right to marry whomever they want? Of course, can I tell someone what to do? But, if it becomes a legal issue - and one that affects others (such as tax revenue for the state), then traditional marriage should be the extent of what is legally allowed. I have had some pretty harsh backlash for my opinion on this matter, but I don't really understand the purpose of a paper that says two people are married unless there is some sort of financial benefit involved....and I would have to assume that taxes is that benefit. If this is the case, what would stop other non-traditional threesomes from claiming that they too have the right to benefit legally from a marriage.
Furthermore, even though I think that the legal definition of marriage should remain as a traditional one...that doesn't mean that I have an opinion about other people's lifestyle choice.
The opposite - I don't think the government should be able to dictate anything about our personal life..but, unfortunately, the tax laws are so complicated and regulated that they unavoidably mesh with our personal lives.
That is the problem - not whether or not gays should be allowed to be married.
Furthermore, even though I think that the legal definition of marriage should remain as a traditional one...that doesn't mean that I have an opinion about other people's lifestyle choice.
The opposite - I don't think the government should be able to dictate anything about our personal life..but, unfortunately, the tax laws are so complicated and regulated that they unavoidably mesh with our personal lives.
That is the problem - not whether or not gays should be allowed to be married.
Brother Ken wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Owe no one anything but to love them. Love God and Love others as yourself.
Stormie Barella wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
I think that marriage is marriage regardless of what the sex of the couple is. I don't think there should be differences just because two people are the same sex. The rights should be equal.
James Grayman wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
I'm on the fence so I really can't give a solid answer but more like probable answer. I think the fair question is "What can we do to compromise that seems like everyone can agree on?"
Enzo Vargas wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
My guess is take the Italian approach on the topic. Support it yet question it constantly at the same time. I for one was brought on some tough Catholic upbringings but I rather display my thoughts on this so publicly.
Herschel Weinstein wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
I really don't know much of an answer but I do know that it shouldn't be the government's decision who or what dictates this or that including marriage. What's what this old Jewish man believes.
Enzo Vargas wrote at February 9, 2012
0 Votes
Though government (Italian, USA, Germany, and so on) always managed to get themselves involved.
English (US) 