Don't let him get to you. He's just mad the state didn't call his back door policy "holy matrimony". He's lashing out...be understanding of his pain.
According to the US Constitution everything listed in the Bill of Rights is a right. If it's not there it isn't a Right. We may like it or enjoy it or hate it but it is not a legally guaranteed Right. Since Rights are primarily a legal issue, that is that. One can certainly argue gay marriage pro and con on many other levels, but to say it is a Right is making up your own ideas of what is a Right.
Never said it doesn't. In fact, I fully support gay and multiple marriage. ONCE THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS REPLACED.
Yes, I know. Until the law changes, he and Face can never have their "Special Day" legally recognized.
Marriage is an institution recognized by the state whereby couples are given certain legal rights. They can be performed either by clergy or by duly appointed persons such as judges. In the old days marriages were arranged by families to produce children, especially amongst the Catholics, to increase their power and influence. In many societies young girls were bartered off so that the families could gain more material wealth and increase their social status. But in the 20th Century a funny thing happened.....people started to marry for love rather than for barter, religion or slavery. Couples wanted to commit to each other to live out their lives together. Now certain religious wackos want to go out of their way to deny this basic "Freedom" to couples who don't meet up to their standards. The last I checked (at least here in the U.S.) couples aren't forced to marry for social standing, material gain, or for breeding purposes. Here most people choose to marry out of love. So what the fuck is wrong with allowing two human beings who love each other and are devoted to one another to join together just like every other married couple? And don't give me that Civil Union ! Marriages are recognized differently by society, and if two adults want to marry they should not be prevented from doing so by a bunch of bigoted assholes, even if they are the majority. At one point the so-called majority also passed laws outlawing inter-racial marriages and sodomy. Just because the majority wants something doesn't mean that it's right.
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
Funny how involving the state seems to cause so many problems. But then, how would people like Bear live without being told which way to wipe his ass?
I don't fear change. I just hold idiots who insist on doing things the dumbassed way like yourself in contempt.
Yes, but some religions *do* approve of it (iirc, Takei's wedding was a Buddhist wedding) and now they aren't allowed to practice that, because the members of 2 other religions (Mormons and Catholics) waged a huge expensive campaign that denied them that right. "My God is bigger than your God." (Well, Buddhism doesn't have a God, but it's not the only religion that has no problem with gay...and even among non-fundamentalist Xtian groups, there is aceptance of gay marriage...hell, there are even *many* Mormons and Catholics that have publically broken with their churchs on this.) But that's what they voted against. All because they are afraid gays will use to word "marriage". Yes, yes they are. Because part of "living as a married couple" is sharing certian rights - shared property, medical decisions, etc... The Constitution says some rights are inalienable. And protected - not subject to even vote or popular whim. The majority can't just decide to deny those rights to the minority. And yes, sometimes it's taken legislation even before 100% accetance isn't there. Just look at the entire histopry of this country from slavery ending, to the civil rights momement and desegregation. On the upside...polls and studies have shown time and again - and continue to show - that younger generations acceptance of gays (and of everyone who is different) grows. Even despite these props, we are more tollerant of gays now then we were 20 years ago. And kids toady who can't yet vote (but will be able to in 2012, or in 2016, are the most tolerant *ever*. Mormons and Catholics and Protestant fundamentalists are trying to counter that trend, but they are falling behind. Change (and yes, even acceptance) will come - is coming - it's just gonna take time. Just as it came for women, and came for blacks. It's just gonna take more old people dying off, more young people growing up and taking part.
Sure, the "right" way, defined in terms that make it nearly or entirely impossible, so can you can hide your bigotry behind it forever.
Since fucking when?!? You don't even know who has chosen a church wedding, civil union, five minutes before a judge or an elopement to Vegas unless the couple tells you! In every case, the couple is considered "married". There is no real difference besides the elimination of a church ceremony and religious aspects. In every other way the joining is the same.
Easily handled with contracts. You don't have to be married to buy property together. You can outline your medical wishes in an advanced directive...you can assign anyone you want to make your medical decisions for you...a will takes care of if you die...insurance beneficiaries can be anyone you wish. You don't have to be married for joint bank accounts. There is absolutely nothing that can't be arranged if one is motivated. Oh...I'm not against gay marriage and vote for gay rights when they come up here so anyone who believes that can suck it.
No, you're the one flipping insults a 14 year old could best when your "arguments" fall on their asses. You calling me selfish is funny. You'd be pissed if the subject involved you and your rights, but since it's someone else, and someone you don't like at that, it's easy to dismiss it with such smug disinterest. YOU are a self-absorbed fucking hypocrite.
This is exactly how my sister and her partner have handled it. Both are working, as have I, on promoting Civil Union laws to replace marriage law in our respective states.
Why should they have to go an extra-long route when an existing legal status satisfies the need just fine? Because a bunch of sanctimonious assholes sitting in a church like to pretend they own a word?