It's awesome that Maryland and Maine stood up for marriage equality.

Amen.

I am SO PROUD of my home state! This success was in the face of a rather intense "anti" campaign.

Glad to see that in some places people will get the rights they shouldn't have to fight for

Hardly the first time people have had to fight for their rights, let's just hope this one is put to bed here and in MD. Would hate to see it pop back up again....but it probably will. (we need a "big sigh" smiley)

At least it's held to a state level and not recognized at the federal end.

Maine. Isn't that the place where it's cold and isolated most of the year?

Your point being?

It's a big deal, though, because it was voted on by the people. That will slowly start happening in other states as well.

1st amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

when a nonreligious reason can be found maybe they would have a leg to stand on for not allowing same sex marriage

but

until then they are passing laws establishing a religion

the united states is supposed to be a republic not a democracy

a democracy is the wants of the majority stepping on the rights of the minority

guess i killed this one

What kind of response were you looking for, adj? People want to take away rights of the minority (gay people) and that's slowly changing. What happened in Maryland and Maine is a huge step in the right direction.

nothing specific...just thought someone would of said something

well.....be well

Maybe I missed the point you were trying to make? Care to try to re-word a bit?

basically it should not be an issue unless someone has a nonreligious argument to use to ban same sex marriage

until such an argument can be made the constitution bans the banning of said marriages

this issue does not effect me...but if one does not stand up for he rights that o not effect ones self

then when they come after the rights that do effect you no one will be left to help save your rights from being taken

Most of the people who have an issue with gay marriage do so because of religion. Gay marriage does not affect me in any way, but I have no problem standing up for their right to marry.

there are non religious reasons as much as there are for resistence to incestuous marriage


(ie, 'increased' risk for certain physical ailments,,,)


but it doesnt matter, as Im sure the majority opinion will always matter more,,,,

it will be an interesting change in our culture, especially for our children already reaming from the trends which minimalized the importance of fathers in the home,,,,

,,but,,fate is fate,,, and we will have what the body wants to have,,,

Anyone can have sex outside of marriage whether they are straight or gay. When 2 people decide to get married there are more factors involved than just the desire for physical contact...Marriage is a commitment. A promise to "be there" for each other through "thick" or "thin." Gay people fall in love just like straight people do. And when they find the "right person" they want to get married and form an "exclusive bond" that involves emotional closeness as well as physical intimacy...This all makes sense to me. And I don't want to deprive gay people of their right to get married....I don't consider myself part of the "ruling class" just because I happen to be straight. (Or white!) We live in a world full of diversity.

I understand people will have sex, but soon the government will support and encourage all adult consentual sex through government SANCTIONED 'marriage'

it doesnt make sense to me anymore than adult consentual incestuous marriage, I believe it harms the social foundation for children just as much as single parenthood does (and I am a single parent, so this is not a prejudice but an honest observation and belief)




commitments and bonds exist without legal marriage, legal marriage is the way such bonds are FOPRCED to be more broadly supported and encouraged and promoted to the public by government,,,


from husband and wife(mother/father), to husband and husband(dad/dad?) or wife and wife(mom/mom?), and next uncle dad and aunt mom,,, its ridiculous to make those bonds all 'equal' in our community,,,,

but thats just my opinion

msharmony...Nice to have you back! I missed you! I should have said this in my earlier post. Sorry!...We all have our own beliefs about every issue in life...One of the reasons Romney and a few other Republicans probably lost the election was due to their strict views about abortion and contraceptives and gay rights etc. (I know other factors were involved too.)...I don't want to deny minorities their "rights" even when their "rights" seem to conflict with my beliefs...And I view gay people as a minority group in our society...I don't have a strict or traditional view about what constitutes a "real family" or a "decent family" etc...I think children just need adults in their life who love and support them. I was a single parent myself for 12 years so I know it can be rough...I was so grateful when relatives or neighbors or other adults gave my sons love and attention too!