gay marriage ban (Page 5)

EVERYTHING is a math problem; finding the right equation is just difficult sometimes.

But you're right...in this case the answer is just so incredibly simple. My frustration is in why others don't see it that way.

Good stuff. Time for an exercise. Ok people, complete the following sentence: (Singular. There's a one sentence limit.)

The purpose of marriage in modern Western society is ______.

Why isn't it any simpler than this: treat couples  equally under the law, regardless of race, creed, ethnicity or sexual  identity.

I base it in Civil Rights and Equal Protection.

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution, Section 1.

US Code, Title 42, Section 1981.

"All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts, to sue, be parties, give evidence, and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens, and shall be subject to like punishment, pains, penalties, taxes, licenses, and exactions of every kind, and to no other."

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Additionally, I don't think the definition of marriage matters.  However you define it and play semantic games with defining it, it is recognized by our goverment and afforded certain benefits, priveleges, and rights ( as already outlined, such as tax benefits, estate issues, etc. ). 

To deny a group the ability receive such benefits based upon their sexual orientation runs against the very nature of our Freedom in the same way denying women or blacks the ability to vote did.

Attic Forced Entry....isn't that a capital crime in Texas?

when I say "swoon" after a post by jim or chris, it means "swoon" like, I swoon for them.  I swoon a lot when they speak.

Amanda, I respect that you have no need or interest in marriage- most days I wish I felt the same way. 

Semantics are very important. And I am so glad we have lawyers to take care of that for us. Just wanted to remind the masses that it is more than that.

sex is what makes you a heterosexual?  and heterosexuals get to get married? so if you aren't having sex are you still heterosexual?  Did you fall in love with your wife before or after you had sex with her?

For what it is worth you all know my political leanings, however I have no problem with gay marriage (somebody go pick Jim up off the floor). I have friends that are gay and I would love to see them have the same opprtunity that my wife and I have.

That being said I agree with ASA on his point that a good argument has not been made on this issue by the gay community. There are too many homophobic people out there who think that by allowing gay marriage that you are perpetuating the lifestyle and devaluing heterosexual marriage. In order to convince these people a good rational argument has to be made supporting your cause (just some advice here Rosie O'Donnell is NOT the person you want as your spokesperson). I hope that eventually some compromise can be worked out to where gay couples have at least the legal rights as hetero marriages. Like I have said before though, if you don't like who is in office let your vote be your voice. 

I must have missed what that compelling interest that justifies the suspension of equal rights to gays.  Can you point me to it?

-Chris