CNN

Jack, as a straight almost 60-year old male military retiree, I say give them any rights that don't make them special, except marriage and serving openly in the military.
I still see marriage as a religious ceremony, and that disqualifies homosexuality.
Being openly gay and in the military might be harmful to their health.

I think the first thing that has to happen is it has to stop being voted on by the majority. Minorities, historically, do not get justice through the votes of the majority but by decisions made to protect them by the government.

Once the government makes gay marriages legal it will slowly become accepted by the majority, just like other minority rights issues. Of course, it will never be unilaterally accepted. There is still racism in the US despite the Civil Rights Act. But to move forward the government HAS to take the steps to protect minority rights.

Jack!
Any love shared by two consenting adults behind closed doors is acceptable. Same-sex partnership rights such as hospital visitation and inheritance issues have long since been settled in most states. What disturbs most Americans is the "in your face" attitude of those at Gay Pride Parades dressed like Big Bird. Americans don't want to see men in dresses or leather chaps coming out of ther place of worship.
I am all in favor or same-sex commitments. The word "Marriage" is the sticking point for most.

gag order on heterosexuals...smile! lynchburg,va

The intelligence fairy will have to tap everyone on the head.

It will take intelligent thought and not stereotypes. It will take a recognition of CIVIL rights that should be afforded to every citizen, without regard to their sexual orientation.

But since there are still a LOT of people who are racists, maybe closet racists but racists all the same, I think it will take a miracle to change people's ideas and fears.

What I'd like to know is, does Prop. 8 make being gay MANDATORY? If not, why should anyone really care? It's all about civil rights, not sex!

The concept that marriage as a union between a man and a woman is as old as civilization and, though flawed due to human frailties, never-the-less remains the best environment in which to raise children, gay arguments not withstanding. All the worlds religions and cultures ascribe this belief. Most if us are afraid that altering such a fundamental tenant of civilization is a slippery slope with an unsure ending and a risk we are unwilling to take. Also, most would support civil unions but the gay community is not satisfied that. My fear, as a religious person, is that couples married in the eyes of the government who may then want a religious ceremony that may be refused and this would only lead to more conflict. Many of us fear it is all about the destruction of marriage as an institution.

when your son or daughter says, I am gay.

I would support a national boycott against California based on the state's Supreme Court decision. I have cancelled a trip of 65 people to Los Angeles that was scheduled for July because of the court's decision. California has lost approximately $30,000 from my group. It may be a small drop in the bucket but if we stopped buying CA products, produce, and stop visiting the state, I am sure they will get the point.

A boycott can be effective. Harvey Milk helped boycott Coor's beer in the CA bars back in the 70's; Miller Lite was boycotted in the 90's for an anti-gay ad; and Phillip Morris was also boycotted over anti-gay issues. These companies learned a valuable economic lesson. Perhaps a lesson should be taught to CA, which would then show the remainder of the US that this kind of discrimination will not be tolerated.

Time is all that's needed. The direction things are going in are clear. Attitudes are changing, so so with that goes the common definitions we live with and live by. As Pres. Obama says in other contexts, the opponents of Gay marriage are "on the wrong side of history."

"What will it take for Americans to embrace idea of gay marriage?" Personally, I don't care if the rest of America "embraces" same-sex marriage. It's the right thing to do and in 20 years, Americans will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Jack, If we told the right wing conservatives and hard lined republicans that every gay wedding would be taxed to repay the bailouts, I'm sure we could get the numbers in support of gay marriage over 55%. It's sad that an institution that ends in divorce for 52% of couples is seen so SACRED once the gays want the same rights.

They should pay close attention to their Bible. Jesus was a freind to all and understood everyone needs the same rights.

Jack, Have we considered changing as a nation to absolve Marriage as a legal issue even between a Man and a Woman? If the problem with Gay marriage is a religious issue what about separation of church and state? If we remove the LEGAL obligations that comes with a marriage... and people are only considered married according to religious beliefs and we all had "Civil Partnerships" in the eyes of the law and government we would all be better off. Isn't being married supposed to be a partnership anyway?

Jack, when nature recognizes the gay/lesbian life style, I will. Do not talk to me about lower species that are "A" sexual. When a gay couple can procreate naturally between the two of them without intervention I will recognize their right to marriage. I am one of those in the surveys that say we recognize their rights as human beings, as citizens when it comes to social benefits like taxes, inheritence and insurance. But legalizing marriage for gays couples says that the gay life style is normal. The physiological processes that make up gay sex is not normal. The Gay lifestyle is not normal. So do not ask me to turn my head and say it is. They have freedom of speech and they can continue to argue their position. I have the same right and will continue to argue my position by voting no in this one area.

Learning a lesson my mother taught me..."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I don't want anyone telling me who I can or cannot marry, what religion to embrace, etc. We need some love and acceptance of people and ideas who are different than our own.

But to answer the question truthfully – it will take more years than most of us have alive to see the majority of Americans embrace the idea of gay marriage.

Maybe as the economy gets worse and more and more people are losing their jobs people will realize there is much more important things to worry about. As far as I am concern if two people are in love so be it. They aren't hurting anyone. It's their life and let them do what they want. I don't want anyone telling me what i can do with my body . It's their life not mine. I wish more people would be more concern how the powerful lobbyists are ruining this country. How our government is letting us down.We want and need health care now .And not just some little change ,we want an overhaul.We want our jobs to stay in the USA not going over seas. And the jobs must be jobs we can afford to live on. And I don't care what it will cost. We have money for everything else . It's time to find the money for the middle class. It's time the DEMS in office get a back bone and do what we put them in office for. If they don't I for one will be voting independent . I won't vote for a Rep.. and if something doesn't happen for the middle class soon I won't vote Dem. again. I will vote independent. We have given these people in Washington too much time already. We need somebody who is not affiliated with either party. And someone who is truly not afraid of the big business and their lobbists. I am white and 61 yrs. old.and I have had enough. I voted for Obama but he has to do something about this Congress and the Senate or else.

It will take a society that turns to science rather than religion or philosophy to explain human behavior. Too many people identify themselves as gay, lesbian, and everything in between for there to be anything but biological explanations for how they are wired. Unfortunately, it's easier to hate than it is to have the maturity and patience to understand scientific data.

Learn to live and let live? That might help. get some tolerance for others different from you? That might help.

Better education, and remembering that the Dark Ages should have been over a few centuries ago, but this America, the last one to wake up on most social issues

The same level of effort that it took for American's to embrace inter-racial marriage. For years it was against the law for those of a different race to marry. We have to keep enforcing the separation of church and state. If you are against gay marriage, don't have one, if you are against abortion, don't get one. Whatever happened to live and let live. Or another favorite, Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Seems so simple.

I'm not sure they ever will. The Christian's have to know it is not up to us to judge them. They are God's children too. If the Gay people live near us, they aren't going to bother us. I don't want any part of it, but that is their choice. Do you think maybe some people are afraid they might become that way if they are around Gays?

This gay marriage thing is a waste of time, its a shame that there is a lot of time being wasted in this while the country should be focusing more on economy, jobs, foreign affairs, the war in the middle east and the gitmo issue. This should have been done with the first time the question was raised give them the right to marry so we can move on.

It will take people to understand and accept that what other people choose to do in their relationships is really not anyone's business except the people in the relationship. I think most people have more important things to worry about.

It will take time.

The only objections to allowing gay marriage are from those who still wish to impose the strictures of their religious belief on others. As our population continues to move away from organized religion, it will eventually accept the fact that many of these man-made strictures no longer have a place as societal prohibitions.

In order for Americans to embrace the idea of gay marriage the legal aspect of marriage will need to be separated from the religious. In many religions marriage is a sacrament uniting a man and a woman. It is the old story of separation of church and state. Gay couples could marry legally, while churches of each denomination could determine whether they would allow marriage of same sex couples. In other words, a couple could be married in the eyes of the state but not in the eyes of the church.

A law will have to be passed that makes Gay Marriage legal and then everybody will have to keep their noses out of everyone else’s business and stop trying to tell adults how to live their lives. That's part of what got this nation in the mess we are in now. Everyone trying to keep up with the Jones' and telling each other what we should be doing and how we should be living our lives.

how many times do american's have to vote to get the point across????? marriage is one man/one woman.

It will take another generation of births and the death of the baby-boomers. Change comes slowly because people don't usually change. Our children will be better people than us.

Jack, gay rights will be completely granted when the old fogies all croak! BTW, I'm 66!

What will it take?

Time.

Max Planck once said "A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it." The same thing will happen with gay marriage.

That's easy, Jack: a signed note from God – in 50 foot tall burning letters.

It will take time.

The numer of people who support gay marriage is increasing in those under the age of 30. In 10-20 years these people will be the majority and the people who make policy and laws with their votes.

When the old guard is replaced with the new guard gay marriage will be one of the major changes.

Gay divorce!!!

Atlanta Georgia

It'll take people realizing that neither they nor the state have any right to tell a person who they love or don't love. Who they can share their life with and who they can't. I find it a joke that the state feels it has the right and ability to be someone's moral compass.

Don
Milwaukee

Jack, i guess it would take the elimination of all moralistic and God fearing people.

Jack, it's not the generation x'ers or the generation y'ers that are having problems accepting gay marriage. The baby boomers and remaining members from ww2 generation have these values. We generation x and y'ers are the product of the hippie protests and have a much more tolerant value system.

Call it something different

Move out of California.

Jack it will take Gay American's to share thier story about what happens when bans are passed and when we can't get married. The public at large needs to be educated on the real life challeges with finances, discrimination, and bias we face each day. If they knew what it was like, they would allow us to enhance the good and beatiful part of our lives, love. Just like they can do anytime they want, and get married.

one word: ARMAGEDDON

until arrogant bigots like limbaugh and o'reilly learn it's 2009.

Why protect gay people fron the realities of marriage? Equal protection includes equal suffering for all.

Time. I would be willing to bet that within 10 to 20 years, the majority of states will legalize and SURPRISE, Western Civilization won't fall. The holdouts will be the usual suspects in the South and a few in the mid West.

Sadly.....time.

Marriage is purposeful; it is designed by God for pro-creation. Gay marriage is not purposeful. Im nervous for an America that accepts gay marriage vis a vis Sodom and Gomorrah.

What will it take? Different terminology. Why not have all marriages be called civil unions? Then, if some folks want to have their civil union blessed or consecrated or whatever in their chosen religion, go ahead.

It will take the realization that denying gay marriage is blatant discrimination. Not against gays but against heterosexuals. After all, why should heterosexuals be the only ones to suffer through marriage? Let the gays and lesbians suffer just like the rest of us !

What will it take? Step out of fear, embrace change.

What will it take? You and Wolf walking down the aisle. I am sure Wolf would look fetching in a bridal gown!

Some people will never let it happen Jack. But honestly those are the same people who are pro segregation because all the opposition consists of is blind fear and directionless hate. It is the one issue in America where people can show their true colors. Because in reality if people lose rites based on who they are then by that token no one other then white protestants should be able to marry at all.

It's going to take time more than anything. Older generations still have a stigma against homosexuality, while younger generations seem to have accepted it more. As times goes by, it will become more accepted. It's gradually becoming more and more accepted in our society.

Time.

Just a couple more steps away from God will help us Embrace the idea. Just a couple of steps Jack.

The Rapture of the church.

Americans already support gay marriage. Those who do not support basic civil rights are not Americans. Just like the generation who believed separate was equal, these traitors will be a distant memory in due time.

We'll have to wait until the baby boomers 'fade away' into obscurity.

Jack, the only way for Americans to become more accepting of gays and gay marriage is for them to slowly get used to the idea. Hopefully it won't take too long for it to sink in that we don't live back in the 80s or 90s but as more states legalize gay marriage we can expect other states to legislate in favor of gay marriage at increasing rates.

Won't America have to embrace the idea of marriage first?

A revolution... unfortunately, this country only seems to understand force. Forcing others to adhere to America's rules, forcing it's own people to accept the status quo, forcing it's ideology onto other countries... perhaps it's time we have another revolution in this country. Lives will be lost and blood will flow in the streets but that's how it works in America... if you don't force it, it will never happen.

It will take another generation. The members of the religeous right of today will not embrace tolerance or equality for gays, but their children will. It is the same process we went through getting ewuality for women and African americans. The hard liners never change their minds, but they die and their children grow up in a more tolerant world.

Mountain Home ID

Financial conservatives will have to decide that it is no longer reasonable to join into the chorus of gay bashing with social conservatives just to get their precious tax cuts.

Time just like everything else.

I am so disappointed about this outcome. The US prides itself to be an innovative country, having elected their first black president, preaching human rights and equality for all etc. In reality, the country is behind its time. Even in Canada, the GLBT are able to marry a person of the same sex. I think it is so sad there is a segregation of a part of your population. Isn’t there a World Human Rights Organization that could help with this? The states constitutions have been written at another time, it needs some updating. It is important for all US citizens to join the 21st century. Homosexuality does not come from the devil and it has existed for as long as the world has.

Every one knows that being gay is a mental condition. If Americans can just except the fact that some people are just born that way then maybe we can just let them live in peace. Think about it, look into all the brain research that has been done on this subject or just ask Dr.G. It's a fight that America can't and won't win.
Big Bad,California

Jack, I think it time that America realizes that the Gay Society is a factor in the economy and its not going away, unless the End of World comes. Other than that, it times to accept it, keeping the religious factor out. Thoswho are Religious great for us all, but for those who are not, Judge not, for you shall be judge as well.

Bj Couch
Elkhart, Indiana

How about this Jack, no marriage for anyone. Why not get the government out of religion and give civil unions to all consenting adults. And then we can make marriage a purely religions union.

It is hard to believe that in our modern society, over half of American citizens are still opposed to gay marriage. Granting homosexuals the same rights as everyone else will not hurt anybody. All it will do is give equal rights to certain Americans. United States citizens will need to become much more tolerant and respectful if this is to occur. Jack, you are the man!

When you catch Rush Limbaugh in an airport bathroom toe-tapping and reaching under the next bathroom stall for some "service."

I want the poll to have a follow up question:

First question: Do you support gay marriage?

Second question: Do you support gay and lesbian Americans not having the same rights that all other Americans have?

Make the ignorant people 'think'. I know that hurts many peoples' brains. But make them think about what their answer actually means in GLBT American lives. We have all the responsibilities of all Americans without all the rights.

I say it's time for a Gay and Lesbian Boston-style Tea Party. We won't call it what the republicans called theirs; inappropriate. The stereotype says we'd throw a bang up gala!

It will take Americans opening their eyes to the fact that we, like every other minority, our rights are their rights. We ask for nothing more than to enjoy the same privleges they have. Is that not what eq?

Americans need to realize we can't decide whether each individual in the U.S. can get married or not. If those "people" want to get married let them be DAMNED.

the Bible predicts a falling away before the man of sin is revealed. I'm sure that by the time its time for the Antichrist to rule, gay marriage will be embraced.

We have too many white, male, catholics on the Supreme Court. They are prejudiced against anyone who isn't white, male, catholic. We're in deep doo doo

Jack, your question is flawed. It's not about "what will it take", it's about "how long will it take" for the older generations to die out! It's obvious that as time goes on, the younger, more liberal generations will supersede their elders and the opinion of the majority will be in support of gay marriage.

Man, woman and another species of human. Lets be real. u want same sex, thats ur business....the problem is when u try to make me like, make my kids like it and make me pay for it by claiming I'm prejudice because I and many people like me dont want it in our lives. Just live ur lives and we'll let alone.

Jack, all it will take is TIME!

When more people become enlightened and realize that discrimination of all kinds should be banned.

I think that one thing is required for acceptance of gay marraige: getting used to the idea. That means more portrayals on television, and more gays & lesbians being openly themselves in front of others. Letting others get to know us will help them to love us.

It will take exactly what Harvey Milk suggested: gay people need to come out and talk to their friends and co-workers, because it's easier to hate the unknown homosexual than it is to hate someone you know, someone who is a good person, a loving, caring person who deserves equal protection.

Society needs to wake up and realize we're in the 21st century now. However, as other people might say too, there are more things to focus on such as our economy. Nevertheless we still shouldn't ignore them completely.

Jack,
Here is what is wrong with gay marriage. I do not ever want to take my grandkids to a ball game and subject them to being "forced by proximity" to watch two men kiss. Damnit, I have the right not to have to be subjected to that nonsense.

Jack,

Did anyone ever conduct survey of gay divorce rate? The number should be a reasonable indication whether the gay marriage or union has better chance of surviving rate than the common marriage between man and woman or otherwise. If it's all good then American people should accept the fact that gay marriage does contribute peace in our soceity. So let's do the survery.

Susan
Plano, TX

It will take Americans opening their eyes to the fact that we, like every other minority, our rights are their rights. We ask for nothing more than to enjoy the same privleges they have. Is that not what equality is?

Jack, They wont, not in our lifetime, I find it comical that people expect me to quietly serve to defend their rights, retire 100% disabled defending their rights, demand their rights again and again and again, yet refuse to allow me the simple courtesy of enjoying a simple right they enjoy by marying my partner after gave so much., for so many years

I have given up and doubt I will see this in my lifetime.

How sad it is to be an American.

USMC Retired

What will it take for folks to accept gay marriage? The answer is religion. There is a word for people who discriminate against someone because of the way God made them. That word is bigot.

A bit of leadership from the pulpit can change this.

PS I am a retired white male heterosexual curmudgeon.

A cold day in hell.

I think it will only change when people realize that their brother, sister, son, daughter is gay, only then will they realize that those individuals also deserve to be happy and to have the same rights and treatment as a heterosexual person. The treatment of gays is no different than the treatment in the past of blacks, Jews, Catholics, Women, etc. People who have been treated as lesser beings in the past who now have rights they didn't formerly have need to step up to the plate and fight for gay rights. It used to be that blacks couldn't legally marry whites. What's the difference between that, and not allowing gays to marry?

Jack- As a gay man who has been with another man for 28 years I can answer your query in a few words- a little more time. When I was younger we were referred to as 'perverts' in the media- now, although only 40% support marriage , large numbers support gay couples getting all the benefits that marriage affords heterosexuals. I'd say call it civil unions and be done with it- but it doesn't carry the same weight in emergency situations.
Why not just call all government marriages 'civil marriage' and leave 'religious marriage' to those who want it.

The religious conservatives will need to fully understand that this country was founded upon the separation of church and state. Nobody is trying to alter their personal religious views, yet they are the ones who want to use their personal religious views to discriminate against the LBGT community. Equality for all is based on the Constitution, not their religious books.

Jason
Fresno, CA

I am not gay, but I support gay rights, not because I neccessarily understand or agree same-sex marriage, but because I believe the ideals that America was founded on should encompass the rights of gay and lesbian marriage. I think if Americans would start thinking in humanitarian and accepting terms instead of their own selfish desires, same-sex marriage would be a possibility without the animosity of the modern world.

I will never accept gay marriage because it is a joke! Whoever heard of two women or two men making a marriage????? It is nonsense! Anyone with any sense knows that marriage is a union between one MAN AND ONE WOMAN. Thank you, Jack, for the opportunity to express.

I'm shell from arlington Texas. Jack it should be one word and that's God.

Jack, the minute that most americans realize that #1, it has nothing to do with thier marriage, and #2 divorce is the true enemy of marriage and the decay of the ideal american family, i think all of us as Americans can move on past this issue rather quickly.

Although I myself, a straight teenager, have embraced the idea, I don't think that America as a whole will accept the idea until the older generation, which is too closely bound to the values of bigotry and racism of yesterday finally dies off. Even then, I do not think it will be embraced, as there will always be those who hate those who are different from themselves.

America to embrace the gay lifestyle? I think it would take the end of the world. Let the degenerates form their own country, outside the US.

People in America would have to get over the religious idiocy which is doing nothing but pulling us back in social, scientific and economic advances.

thats easy jack,
america has now a black president so that helps racial tensions.
so to accept gay marriage you need your first gay president.
but really just accept the democratic vote of the american people who dont want it in there society,you know the democratic society americans try to show the rest of the world how good it is to live and be american,but hmmmmm cant abide by your own systems.

If everyone in the US had just one gay or lesbian friend, they would have no reason to buy into hateful stereotypes. I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends and I want them to be happy. (Cranford, New Jersey)

Massachusetts' economy improved significantly after gay marriage was approved. Money, Jack. It speaks volumes. California is in such financial trouble right now, allowing gays to marry would help their economy. "Banning" gay marriage is "banning" human beings' civil rights. Ironically, a gay male can marry a lesbian female in CA, even if they are not in love. But two gay males or two lesbians can't marry. This country has got to move into the 21st century. This anti-gay campaign has got to stop.

it will take someone in their family to announce they are gay. It will take these people, that don't accept homosexuality, to have someone they know and love to want to get married, have children and have all the rights of every American citizen.

Why do we all really, really care who people are sleeping with? why don't we care and measure each other on much more important things?

mother of a 19 year old gay son

One more generation that is old enough to vote. If my neighbors are gay and married, they pose absolutely no problems with me.

Jack:

If the media and supporters of gay rights would start referring to it as same-sex marriage, and promoting the idea that its benefits would affect more people, such as elderly who need to live together to share expenses, I think the idea would have more general appeal. It is the benefits of marriage that should be the focus, not the sexual practices of the couple. It mystifies me why anyone's sexual practices are important to, or affect, anyone else, any more than their dietary practices or other habits do. I don't care if my neighbors are gay, or vegetarians, or football fans, or tea-totalers, or whatever; none of these personal activities should affect anyone's rights in a country founded on the ideals of individual liberty.

Wipe the word "marriage" out of the English language and call them all for what they really are–"civil unions."

If Gay marriage, give us gasoline for a buck fifty a gallon, every state in the union would allow it!

When people dare to peek outside the shell they've been cemented into, and see the God who loves us all, gays will be recognized as equal.

Religious factions would better serve the public if they spent their millions on discovering ways to prevent divorce, the true danger to families, instead of trying to prevent constitutional rights to people they disapprove of.

Christ never said one word against gay marriage and neither do the Ten Commandments.,

I'm afraid Jack, that the only thing that will change Americans' attitudes about gay marriage is when we pay more attention to REAL issues in the world, and get our noses out of other peoples bedrooms. Good luck on that! Real issues are so much more boring!

With a divorce rate for new marriage that is one of the highest in the Western world I have to questions whether Americans have braced hetrosexual marriage.
Rick Greenhough, Sooke, British Columbia, Canada
A happily unmarried ,family man.

I think we are already seeing a movement similar to the civil rights and feminism movements. As history has proved in the past, these movements require time and patience. So that is what it will take, time and patience before the majority of the country accepts the fact, once again, that "all men are created equal" and should be treated as such.

If those "people" want to get married let them be DAMNED for all i care.

More atheists. Religion as a cause to feel superior, to feel that you have a right to tell people what they can and can not do, even if it's theoretically legitimized through the use of a ballot box, should be consigned to the history books.

Why do Americans need to embrace Gay Marriage? It seems that in this country today you have to embrace ideas that are politically correct and if you don't, that makes you some sort of bad person. I personally don't care what people do in the privacy of their own bedroom but I don't have to embrace or agree with them. Last I checked, we still have a right to freedom of thought even if those thoughts aren't politically correct. I'm sick of liberal minds declaring anyone who doesn't agree with THEM as being wrong.

When will people understand that ALL marriages are CIVIL marriages ? ALL legal marriages are licensed by the state and ALL legal benefits come from the laws of the land. The only thing the GLBT community wants is EQUAL treatment under the law. This has NOTHING to do with religion or education. It has EVERYTHING to do with EQUALITY under the law . . . . which, by the way, is supposed to be guaranteed by our Constitution. There are 1138 Federal laws which provide benefits, obligations and responsibilities to those who are Married . . . . and the law doesn't care where the marriage took placeor who performed it. It's time to overturn DOMA and 'Don't ask, don't tell'. Equal rights, no more, no less.

Jack,
It's crucial that those who oppose extending rights to gays understand just how many gay Americans actually exist.

To my fellow Gays and Lesbians: If you're not out – now is the time to do it. We are a market, we are a voting bloc, we are a community. Be a part of it. There isn't a single person in this country who doesn't personally know a gay person either within their family, friend-circle or workplace.

The vast majority of Americans who oppose extending gay rights readily admit in polling data that they "don't know any gay people."

Time. As you said, younger Americans are much more likely to support gay marriage; among other gay rights issues. Once those closed-minded older folks, the ones still trapped in the 50's, have gone the way of the dinosaurs, their bigoted beliefs will go with them. And the country will be better for it.

I think the reticence in supporting gay marriage is two fold. One of which is that if it become legal for a man to marry a man.. why not a man to marry two women? I think the core of the issue is understanding by changing the concept of one man/one woman, you may open a pandora's box of other combinations being legitimized.

The other thing that makes people squeamish is what will be taught to their children. Most people accept what adults chose as their lifestyle, but they don't want their kindergarteners to be deal with.. so when you grow up, do you want to marry a boy or a girl?

What will it take to get it legal? probably a bunch of lawyers who specialize in family law, aka divorce attorneys. I'm sure they are champing at the bit for a new business vertical

It will take intelligent pastors in this country to explain that the bible condemns homosexuality in the same way it does eating shellfish. It was jewish law not to lay with a man the same as a women, because they were interested in expanding the jewish population. As the bible also said it was an abomination to eat shell fish, because it was not part of the kosher laws. It is natural, not un-natural, but you only realize that when you either are one or love one, a gay person that is. Until christians understand its not an immoral choice but a fact of nature since the beginning of time.

I'm not sure "embrace" is the word to use...but I think when the public realizes the benefits are not the same as domestic partnerships...most "fair minded" Americans do not want to deny rights to others. I keep hearing that the benefits are exactly the same, and it is confusing for many people.

Jack,

It will take time and action, courage and independence. It will take President Obama becoming a stronger advocate for marriage equality than Ted Olson. It will take another proposition in 2010 repealing Prop 8. But most of all it will take the realization that tolerance is not enough. You point to a seeming paradox: why are Americans supportive of some gay rights (military service equality, hate crimes legislation, employment security) but not of others (same-sex marriage). The answer is simple: the former group of rights are about the individual while the latter is about state recognition of relationships. The former only demands tolerance, but the latter requires acceptance. And so, ultimately, it will take a deeper level of acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and queer communities for same-sex marriage to be achieved.

Steve
New Haven, CT

Plain and simple Jack;Pry it out of your backside and realize that this is a moot point considering the financial and global mess we are in. If two people love each other and want to be married,so be it. Who the hell cares about this? Just another dumb-ass excuse for the right to tout their bass-ackwards policies.

???? "Perhaps" Americans and other countries might think about changing their minds IF ever 2 men or 2 women can actually "create" a baby; if not, then it most likely will always be a hard-sell issue!

I am living in Northampton, Massachusetts. Why not take away the rights of men and women (of all races) to marry each other. Make it legal, binding, and with little wiggle room. Then see how many people get the idea that this is an equal rights issue, not a church and marriage issue. How long ago was it that different races could not marry? Try taking that away now...... The US Constitution states that ALL men are CREATED EQUAL. The founding fathers were way ahead of their time.

Not going to happen friend.. I'm a progressive Black who supports Gay rights for inheritance and legal partnerships.. but I believe marriage is for one man one woman.. and they need to stop using the blacks and civil rights as an argument.. I didn't choose to be black I was born that way... Gays choose to be Gay, so they need to compromise and accept legal partnerships they will not get legalized marriage across this country any time soon... maybe 40 years from now?

Its very simple Jack, we just have to wait for the backwards people in our society to die off. Younger people in our country want to move forward towards a prosperous future with equality but older people with prejedices prevent us from realizing the world that WE will live in. in 30 years or so, those people will die off and we can finally take control of our future.

I think those who oppose gay marriage are misunderstanding exactly what it means. They are really just opposing gayness . . .gay marriage just give gay people the same rights that other married couples enjoy, like visitation rights in the hospitals and receiving property after someone's death without taxes being taken. Why someone would not want two other people to be married to each other is beyond me. If two people want to be married, let them. Not being married does not stop them from having children, raising kids, or being in love . . .it is simply a financial matter. This is the point everyone is missing.

It would take the dramatic coming-out of Oprah Winfrey.

American need to smarten up and wake up and to see the lies, myths and scare tactics used by religions. While I respect everyone's right of freedom of faith, I would be embarrassed to share the faith of hate-mongers that we see in organized religions. It's time that their false rhetoric of gays and lesbians is exposed and that real GLBT Americans – just as plain and hard-working as anyone else – are profiled and celebrated. It's time to hold these religions accountable for their Un-American actions towards hate crimes and discrimination.

J.R. Graff
North Carolina

I think it will take hell freezing over for all of America to accept Gay marriage.

Dear Jack,

I think this whole thing about gay marriage is a distraction from important issues, and something we don't need. If there are gay couples who want to provide for their partners, they could easily do so by setting up a trust... Case Closed. Marriage is a sacred relationship and is the foundation upon which to build a family. Two men cannot procreate, neither can two women. This fact should serve as a guide to enlighten us on this issue. Marriage is between a man and a woman. America should never embrace gay marriage. We do so at our own peril.

Gil

Let gays marry legally. If churches want nothing to do with gay marriage...fine don't marry in a church. However, THE STATE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHURCHES (RELIGION). The state should allow the right of marriage. Whether the church does or not is church business.

well, i believe Americans will accept gay marriage only when it isn't called marriage. maybe when it is called something like friends getting together or civil union.

Americans will have to start expanding their understanding of faith as a set of beliefs, not factual knowledge. Too many people believe with certainty that they are right and others are wrong, based not on science but, on some old scrolls that were translated from numerous languages and dialects. The Bible.

Time! it will take time. When my children are old enough to vote, they will look back and wonder why there was so much opposition to such a trivial issue.

To this date I have never met anyone who could explain to me what exactly is the threat to "Hetero" couples.

Anyone?

The term is "marriage equality" and not "gay marriage," because thats what we are talking about here: equality for a minority group. It shouldn't matter what the majority thinks or feels on this personally, because equal rights and the pursuit of happiness are basic protected rights for all Americans, regardless of whether the majority agrees or not. Thats why we have the courts to protect from the tyranny of the majority over a minority.

Jack:
The simple answer is time. Living here in Iowa, I can tell you that legalizing same-sex marriage hasn't changed much in the past few weeks. Hopefully people around Iowa will realize that before a public vote could take place in 2012.
Tyler
Ames, Iowa

Like anything in a democracy ...the numbers don't lie and unfortunately 51 or 52 % are deciding the fate of the close following minority.

When the numbers get there ...more people actually caring about the issue and voting in favor of it ...it will happen

simple.

More Americans will accept gay marriage when they realize a lot of straight marriages are completely fake. That is one of the partners was not really in love with they other–they just wanted to marry for social acceptance–to somebody who would be just happy to be married–and do their fooling around on the side.

People will begin to endorse Gay marriage once people begin to think and live in the 21st century and begin to discredit the biblical scriptures of old.

Abolish "marriage" as a legal rite. Establish civil unions. Marriage then becomes ordained by your church if you choose. Much of the change in race relations was forced by laws, not by moral progress as we would hope. Many people are still racist, but cannot lynch and in many cases cannot refuse service or jobs, etc. The same with same-sex marriage. Establish civil unions for all as the law and let people live with it. Marriage optional.

It will simply take time. Just as interracial marriage was finally 'accepted' so too will gay marriage be accepted. Right now it's all about heterosexual prejudice. Americans hide behind religion when speaking out against gay marriage but if people were truly honest about it, they would admit that homosexuality just makes them uncomfortable. Eventually we will get to a point where fighting against gay marriage just won't be worthwhile.

What if gays stopped paying taxes until they have equal rights? I think then what ever right wing groups oppose gay marriage, might just rethink their stance on the issue.

Thom Bate Ft Lauderdale

Gay marriage will be legalized when the stale, bigoted political beliefs of aging conservatives die with them. They are the ones that insist on infusing religion and politics at every opportunity. It is the prerogative of every church to choose whether or not to marry gay couples, but they may not to tell the government whether can do the same. Hurry up and die already so the world can move on without you while dismissively recalling your inappropriate and out of touch beliefs.

Q: What will it take for Americans to embrace the idea of gay marriage?

A: It will take a drastic decline of morals for Americans to accept an immoral lifestyle. Gay Rights Activists/Supporters should not use the principle of "Equal Rights" to support their preferences. The bottom line, Jack, is that as long as you have the "Religious Left", it will never be accepted from the national ticket. Jack, I'm actually glad your not "Gay"!

Well it will take several years to embrace gay marriage in the US. I do not support gay marriage. Why gay marriage? Few years from now we will be discussing voting to embrace Man to Dog (animal) marriage. I still don't understand why this is even a topic to discuss.

If gay and want to marry just become best friends or close partners not the hassle of getting a marriage license. Definition of marriage: It's a union between one man and one woman as husband and wife as a monogamous heterosexual marriage.

It will be embraced when Americans realize we have more pressing issues at hand. The idea of same-sex marriage has problems in the notion of the word marriage. Some would rather have marriage not be used when talking about 'gay' marriage. However, "seperate..but equal is inherently unequal". Also it would be denying gays the right to 'happiness' and 'rights' promised in our Declaration of Independence.

In order for Americans to embrace gay marriage, people will need to renounce their bronze age beliefs, and let go of their idea of American theocracy. Laws that are derived from religious dogma are unconstitutional and should be dismissed as such. Whatever happened to the separation between church and state?

Jack the only America will wake up and realize same sex marraige should take place is if a gay or lesbien goes into a burning school and save atleast 15 children. It's a shame gays and lesbiens would have to do something so extreme just to have rights and prove they are equal to straight people

When The United States of America has the nickname of Sodom and/or Gomorrah and can smile about it they will embrace each other and try to procreate as new gods. This is making some Christians understand the Islam religion easier. We shall destroy ourselves from within. But that is the way it will be. The majority rules in this country.

First of all i want to say i love your segment of the situation room sir.My response is in order for Americans to embrace gay marriage is if our close relatives are gay..But for the record i don't support Gay marriage!

I think it would take a change of vocabulary. Americans would accept "civil unions" but not "gay marriage". "Marriage" is a term that should remain for the union of a man and a woman.

Gay marriage will not be embraced country wide. Civil unions will be possible, but not marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman. That's the way the majority of the country sees it...

It would take a naturally conceived child between two same sex partners before I will accept same-sex marriage. I have no problem accepting same-sex unions.

I'm an older american & have a gay sibling and really the gay marriage to me doesn' matter to me , though I wish we could move on to oh I don't know trying to put this energy into solving our economy and let whom ever wants to do whatever as far as the marriage thing goes. They're not marrying me so someone may as well be happy & what the heck do we really all have to judge other people & by "other" people I mean "gay people" because they want that commitment to each other. Life is too short to make the headlines about men marrying or woman marrying women. Really , it doesn't matter to me maybe because only that I am not married or that I would like to have someone love me enough to fight for that right; Thankyou for letting me state my opinion. Theresa via SC

Jack,

I live in California in the San Francisco Bay Area and I have been watching this battle rage on since I was a little kid and it always ends up being a church or faith that wants to deprive human beings of rights that are supposed to be for everyone!

Until people stop mixing the deadly concoction of politics and religion; The gay community will not be free of this legal persecution.

Adam

Alameda, California

Only a freezing day in hell will change our minds about gay marriage.
Marriage is for a man and a woman only, the rest is just sickness.

Gay marriage is against nature, we need to protect the community from gayness.

Americans need to broaden their definitions of marriage from a singular religious "man-and-wife union" to a more general definition also found in dictionarys like the "union of painting and poetry", or "civil union". Unfortunately, the word "marriage" has become a legal term, wrongfully penalizing people who's only wish is to live their private lives in peace.

It will take every American knowing a gay person or having a gay child. Once they see that love is love, unless they are right wing idiots, the view point usually changes. My best friend of 12 years has been with the same man for 7 years and he should have the same right to marry as I do. I know many gay couples that have been together longer than I've even been with my husband, yet we can get married & divorced in 72 hours? How fair is that? Not much!

Hi Jack

Solution is simple, have the American Society of Neurology expose Christianity for the delusions inducing form of faith based schizophrenia it is. Problem solved. It would also get rid of Homophobia, intellectual stagnation & children mental abuse.

Calpurnpiso. Chandler Arizona

I think it is simply absurd, there is no other name for it. we have neglected the will of God in this country and that is why all these calamity are befalling us. if you are gay, please don't adopt any kid. be proud of the product of your marriage.

Opponents of gay marriage need to stop viewing it as a zero-sum game, where one side stands to lose something if the other side gains. Allowing same-sex couples to marry does nothing to infringe upon the rights of heterosexual couples who enjoy the same freedoms. This idea of "the sanctity of marriage" is nothing more than a bumper sticker slogan that, unfortunately, has been all too effective in trying to apply some logic to what is fundamentally a moral question.

Since marriage is a religious institution and therefore a private institution with its own rights It will be next to impossible to do.
It's seems more reasonable to separate the ideas of "marriage" and Civil union" leave marriage to the churches and civil unions to the government.

What it will take for me Jack , while I don't dislike people who chose to be with the same sex, I have to first see in the Bible where God created Eve and Eve and Adam and Adam and until then, I am not embracing anything of that nature. You just cannot change a tradition just because.

It will take a "Man" and a "Woman".

The key is to remove the word "marraige" as happened in the UK where same sex couples are offered a Civil Partnership which offers the same legal recognition and rights.

The US is a very deeply religious nation and the word marriage has a deep religious meaning to many Americans.

Most gay men like myself simply want the equal rights and recognition, we don't need or even want the word marriage.

Minorities do not need majority approval to gain rights in this country. Minorities have, throughout history, obtain rights granted to them through unique avenues built into the U.S. Constitution. Grant 18,000 people a chance to get really angry that their state sanctioned marriage is not recognized by other states or by the Federal Gov't so they sue for those inequities. Or, even better, give the rest of gay couples in California who want to but cannot get married a chance to sue for that right. Either case that goes to the Supreme Court will legalize gay marriage in all states and at the federal level. Just like what happened among black and white couples from California. Gay rights, including marriage equality, is the right thing to do.

A generation passing on. Hate to say it, but most bigotry will last to the grave. Gay rights will happen if we keep up the fight. Once that fight is won, we'll move on to the next one.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid it will take many years...or until there's another minority group to pick on.

Ban the Morman zealots church and ANY religious organizations from financially backing anti-civil rights propositions intended to promote their ideology on the rest of the people on any election ballot.

OR Exile and deport to a desert island anyone who dares to deprive any American of their civil rights..............we'd be better off without the lunacy. Good Bye to all thieving, lying, bigotted, racist religious zealots republicans.

It will take people understanding that marriage is MONOGAMY that is good! Monogamy is honorable commitment for all people, including gays! Why should anyone object to monogamy for anyone? It is exclusivity – healthy physcally and emotionally.

The right needs to let go of the idea that God hates gays. The fear that allowing gay couples to marry will destroy marriage is crazy. I think the Bakers, the Swaggarts and the Grahams have done an awesome job of this already.

Hello there!
My name is Bence and I'm from Hungary and I'm gay. My opinion is on this question is that, firstly the gay should learn how to live in a relationship, because most of the gay community – and I think I can talk about the world -, 80% of them are only looking for sex. And as I researched this subject I find that most of the people are only looking for just sex, because they're afraid, of the emotions, or either they were hurt badly and that causes them a psychosis which leaded to them to not trust in men and to look just for sex. Now as for myself I think gay marriage should have been accepted, because gays are no different than from other people. They're people, as you, or me, or anyone else on this planet, and I think they should been treated as they are. And not like something diseased person who has leprosy. And here is that the trouble begins. Because most of the people think about gays as a disease that spreads by touching and sort of like these. The religion is against it. My question is why? What is wrong with gay people? Because I think nothing. Think of it, most of the heterosexual men watch lesbian porn, because they like the thought of two women together. BUT when it comes to men they hate it? Is it normal?
So back to the main line.
I think gay marriage should have been legalized in everywhere in the world.
Thank you

Jack, It's in Gods Word in the Bible:

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cleve to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"

God did not create dam and steve, or eve and eve.He created adam and eve!

Hey Jack,

I am from California and most of us here believe that gays should have rights and they should be treated fairly as any human being, but "marriage" is an issue about traditional values. I believe that if they are willing to call it a "civil union" instead of "marriage, it would be less of an issue. Most cultures and religion do not accept gays in a marriage. Let them have their "Civil Union" but leave marriage alone!!

-Itus One

Take this as no offense to two of my best television icons on my favorite program, The Situation Room. But, perhaps, if you want to know when, then the answer will be that they will embrace the idea of gay marriage when you, Jack marry Wolf. Your marriage will serve as a paragon for the concept of gay marriage. By the way, you two would make an excellent couple, right Jack, Wolf?

When we have the wisdom to distinguish between a civil contract and a religious doctrine. Marriage as recognized by the state should be ONLY a civil contract. Religious beliefs should have no role in state recognized contracts.

Perhaps if we stopped calling it "gay" marriage, but referred to it as equal marriage much of the drama would be eliminated. The New Mexico Democratic Party Platform contains that language and it was accepted by the LGBT community.

The anwser is nothing. No way. The people that are against it will stay against it, just like with the abortion issue people are not just going to change sides. I do not support gay marrige in any way. Let them have their civil unions but leave marrige alone. I support our troops in their decision that if we have an openly gay policy in the military that they will not reenlist.

Jack, oh the possibilities:

1) The civil right to marry must be recognized by all Americans or at least the courts.

2) The word "marriage" must be dropped by those fighting for the right.

3) All Americans must recognize the separation of Church and State, which was a cornerstone of the founding of this country.

4) The religious types will have to admit that marriage is not owned by the Church. In fact, marriages were performed in medieval France way before the Church decided to sanction the practice itself.

5) The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as privacy will have to be recognized by all Americans.

It will take about 20 years,
at such time all those who are opposed today will be too old to really care anymore

We would need to treat this as a legal and civil rights issue rather than a religious one, which is why the religious right makes this argument with scripture rather than precedent.

Americans could recognize God and the Easter Bunny are cousins. (Perhaps that comment should be attributed to Andy Rooney – I forget who said it first.)
If adults could shed their religious fervor, youngsters would not hate
people who are different.

Younger people are in favor of same sex marriage, therefore, all it will take is time. California voted for prop 8 because of all the immigrants. If conservatives want to slow or stop the advance of same sex marriage, then they need to import more Hispanics and Muslims. Similarly, if liberals wish to speed up acceptance of same sex marriage, they will need to restrict immigration of these people. The conundrum for both sides is quite ironic.
Martins Ferry, Ohio

Jack,

It would take a miracle for most Americans to except gay marriage. I have had the privilege to grow-up in Texas and attend college in Massachusetts. My family is rather conservative and finally realized that Massachusetts wasn't growing to crumble into the Atlantic after passing gay marriage. After a while, they warmed-up to the idea of gay marriage. As for the rest of the U.S., I suspect that Nevada is going to have to legalize gay marriage so that gays and lesbians can join in the precious, divinely blessed, heart-felt marriages performed by Elvis on the Vegas strip. Only then will most American's realize that gays and lesbians are people too, especially if Elvis and Kentucky whiskey bless their union. Besides, gays and lesbians will contribute to the growing demand for a "good divorce lawyer". That's bound to help the economy, right?

I would take the changing of the meaning of marriage. Marriage is the union of a Man and a Woman. These two different species shall become one. For this reason, and this reason only. It takes AC and DC!

What it will take for same gender marriage to be recognized is for all Americans to finally realize exactly what our constitution states........ALL are created equal.

I am canadian and here in canada gay marrage is legal i am also straight and have absoloutly no problem with gays getting married I believe that dening gays the right to marry is a violation of human rights it wouldn,t be ok to deny people marrriage if they were of ethnic backgrounds so why is it ok to discriminate against gays. thats just the way I feel . its time to accept homosexuality because its not going anywhere.. Danny toronto ont.,

First, it will take people realizing that gay marriage is a civil equality issue and that civil law and religious law can be separate. Secondly, it would take people setting aside their bigotry long enough to realize that gay marriage doesn't hurt anyone. Third, it would take people using thier brains and realizing that discriminating against gay people is not going to lead to fewer gay people. Listening to some of the ridiculous comments we hear from the "moral majority," we shouldn't hold our breath.

Many Americans fear that they will start seeing gay marriages at their churches. Churches will retain the right of refusing to have marriage ceremonies for homosexual couples. Granting the legal right of gay marriage simply lets them pay the same taxes as heterosexual couples. Already some churches carry out "union ceremonies" that are the spiritual side of a marriage, the side most conservatives are afraid of.

Recognition that sexual orientation is not a choice, that there is a difference between civil and religious marriages (Massachusetts Puritans banned religious marriages), that a lot of heterosexual marriages produce violence, wife beatings, child molestation, etc., and that same-sex marriages can't be any worse than current marriages.

Jack, I think it time that America realizes that the Gay Society is a factor in the economy and its not going away, unless the End of World comes. Other than that, it times to accept it, keeping the religious factor out. Those who are Religious great for us all, but for those who are not, Judge not, for you shall be judge as well.

What will it take for Americans to embrace idea of gay marriage?
Well in orde to understand it well you must try it ,or equivalent. The problem is that most people are not willing to try it.Douing things like this a man having sex with another is against all we are told as we went to church as kids to now.Most of us are religious of one kind of denomination or another,and gay type of activity is something you just don't do, it is not accepted, that is why in short form,Accepting gay to marry is to accept the behaviour.As you see most will not we are way too religious to do so.
Dennis Toronto Canada

Jack, It will take the same thing it always takes: Way too much time! Americans are like rabbits. Anything about someone else that is "different" scares the hell out of them. Land of the Free? Home of the Brave? Forget about it! If you differ one iota from the "norm", you are a target.
Gay marriage deprives straights of nothing. Straights' prejudice deprives gays of the opportunity to live what for them is a normal life. The straights who oppose gay marriage need to get over themselves. With their 50% divorce rate, they aren't doing such a great job of living up to their commitments. Why not let others join the crowd?

Acceptance won't come until people understand that the Church has a right to deny religious marriages if they so choose but the state does not have a right to deny civil marriages. So-called christian heteros can marry whomever and as many times as they wish but Gays can't. This is called defense of marriage. If they really wanted to defend marriage they would be fighting to outlaw divorce. Selfish I say.

Mary in Tn

As a youth, I've come to terms that those who are gay are not going to be persuaded to obtain any other type of sexual orientation just because someone disaggrees with them. However, the states should respect the rights of our religious institiutions and not let the term "marriage" become another coloquialism. This term originally and still should represent a union between a man and a women, but the union between same sex couples should aquire a different term for their union. If the states played this name-game with this policy, there would be a higher chance of independent and moderately conservative voters to support this legislation.

I believe this is just pure stupidity and that people should mind their own buisness!!!
Sexual affairs should be private and you shouldn't be flaunting around your sexual orientation no matter what it is! Its no ones buisness but the individuals involved!

Marriage is a civil contract between two adults to share their lives, and the society recognises and validates that civil contract. It is not a religious contract, but a civil one.
What difference does it make that both people entering in to the contract belong to the same gender?
Don't allow them a religious marriage, but they are entitled to a civil marriage.

The overall issue here is fear. Some people, it seems, see homosexuality as a disease or something that is "catchable." With more and more gay people seeking marriage, the traditional idea of marriage [between man and woman] will ultimately suffer, right? Wrong. No matter how many same-sex couples get married, there will still be those who naturally prefer the opposite gender. It's absurd to think that "opposite marriage" deserves some sort of preference, when it come to legal rights and benefits. After all, it's just a religious ceremony right? So if we are granted the right to freedom of religion, does that also include the freedom FROM religion? In THIS country, I would think so.

It seems obvious it's the WORD alone that's the problem. Would gays be willing to bend a little and call their marriages "parriages",
short for gay partners' marriages, and I think everyone would be happy. No more protesting, everyone could relax, men and women who marry could be married, and gays who marry could be "parried" and everyone will live happily ever after.

Joan from Garden Valley, Idaho

What will it take? Thinning the herd to rid the country of intolerant nitwits. Alternatively, let's revisit the idea of splitting into two countries: The Blue States, and The Others. Let's see how long The Others could survive without the tax money that comes from The Blue States.

Worried about gay-bashing??? Let something like this pass and we're in muddled waters deciding what is straight-bashing. In the end, everybody loses. Leave the argument alone.....if one makes a choice one way or another, live w/ it. Don't try to make everyone feel guilty because of one's (for lack of a better term) gay guilt.

When the Lord Jesus say it OKAY. I know some vdon't want to hear this, but the bible say it a sin, and not the will of God for a man to marry a man. read for yourself "Romans 1: 18 – 32"

The true separation of church and state.I always laugh at these high moral Sunday attitudes that have no problems with their daughters who may be pregnant or have had several marriages proudly walking down the isle in Virgin White and beautiful gowns hiding their dirty knees. What about the Austrailian girl who was molested by her priest and commited suicide. She's going to hell or purgatory, according to the church when their brothers caused it.Barefoot and pregnant..Blacks are property to be traded and kept like cattle. Women can't vote...they can't possilbly have an opinion on complicated subjects. Mind your husband and if you beat your wife or children that is a man's duty. Do you remember when this was the way Jack.I'm not gay and I don't care, oh and I've never been asked by a gay couple to witness OR participate! Just a matter of time Jack

NEVER. Bobby C. rapped me when I was six and I didn't understand it all back then. Today, I am almost seventy and I can never forget what that gay did. NEVER!

I'm not sure about others, but as far as I'm concerned, "Misery Loves Company"... Before we were married, my wife loved to cook, cleaned the house and was a thrifty shopper. Since the wedding, she doesn't cook, or clean and the bank balance has a distinctly red tinge..... I can only say, "Be careful what you wish for, You might get it."

Jack–

We need to stop calling it "marriage". Marriage is an institution created by religion. We should leave marriage in the religious realm. The problem with this is separation of church and state. This issues and its label joins the two at the hip. However, the rights that we are looking for are contractual and civil agreements between persons. The sooner we get past putting a religious label on this the quicker we will get past the psychological barriers preventing some from supporting it. I am a gay American. I find it sad that after being in a committed relationship for over five years I still have to involve my parents in legal and medical issues to ensure that my partner has a say. Land of the free? Not quite for everyone.

As a gay man, I obviously embrace the concept of gay marriage. But I wonder if we need to be realisitic in our expectations, and pursue a legal connection, or civil union, rather than the religious term of marriage. Let's tackle the legal battle with the govermnent, and we can tackle the religious matter with the church later.

does it make some people feel better to offer insurance, inheritance, etc. but not married? is this based on a biblical stand point? it amazes me how many small minded people there are in the world, you'd think they would be focused on something more threatening like peddifilers in all of our neighborhoods with our children and trying to find an island big enough to put them all on.

For Americans to embrace the idea i think their eyes would have to be opened. They would have to realy see that gay people are just like them, and are people they interact with in everday life, and not circus freaks. They will also have to learn to separate religion from social issues.

It will take two things: one is for more and more gay people, like myself, to come out. Secondly, people need to understand that this marriage issue is a basic issue of fairness. I am a small business owner here in Charlotte and pay a huge amount of taxes...never once have our local , state, and federal governments refused my money because it was "lesbian money". I have no children, yet willingly pay my property taxes to help our schools. On the the other hand I have no ability to have my social security payment go to my partner of 20 years if it is higher should I die before her or have her receive inheritance of our joint property without her having to pay higher taxes. There are over a thousand reasons that we want to be legally married. In our hearts we are married, but need the legal protections that would be offered if it were recognized by our state and federal government.

It seems to me that a very simple solution exists. Let's separate church and state. Both hetero- and homosexuals couples should be allowed to unite in civil unions, which would cover all legal issues. Marriage should be a religious rite. Churchs/synagogs/mosques could choose whether or not to extend the religious rite of marriage to homosexuals. Homosexuals wanting a marriage ceremony could seek a religious institution that would extend that to them.

Life is short, Time marches on, so lets all move on. More important things to do, than worry about who sleeps with who.

Bj
Elkhart, Indiana

this is crazy jack it's people like you in the media that has made this gay thing an issue how many are this people
a very very little minority, where will this stop people that ordinarily should be incorporated to seek rehabilitation are now given muscle by the media because those controlling the world media that are involved
tomorrow it will be the heroin user
marijuana smoker has started and it's only a matter of time
I think if you love this planet and want it's future preserved you shouldn't be phrasing the question the way you have
the truth is my children should grow up to know marriage is between a man and woman i know you will not read my opinion on air but i must make then

Jack, all it's going to take is about 30 years for the old folks to die off. I'm in college now, and I'd say support for gay (legal, not catholic) marriage is about 5 to 1 at my CATHOLIC college. Just give the younger much more accepting America the time it needs.

Maybe it would help if people just started to believe in freedom of religion and equal rights for all and stopped living in the dark ages.

Burton, from Texas

LOGIC
Nobody has been able to ever explain,backed with facts, how exactly gay marriage affects straight marriage negatively.The reason is simple,it doesn't.It's just blind hatered.

Jack:
For ignorance, bigotry and the so called "Christians" to know and understand who gays and lesbians really are. My wife and I have many gay friends, and I can honestly say we would not trade them for any of our straight friends. And where do these Bible quoting "Christians" get off condeming them? ONLY God has the right to judge any of us for our actions!!!! I feel sorry for these homophobic "Christians", but I do not judge them. However, God just might judge them adversely for NOT loving all His children.
Gary,
Lexington,KY

It has been my position that I really don't care what people do in their personal lives. As long as they don't rewrite The Bible, what difference does it make? That is what the separation of Church and State is for...correct? If they were forcing religious institutions to sanction or marry gays...that would be a different story. I won't necessarily vote for it but I probably won't vote against it either. I just believe all people have the right to be respected if they give respect. It will be weird to hear gay men and women telling me that they are married but if that is the law of the land, I will respect that.

it will take time to change views, just like any other class of people looking for equalities. biut find it very interesting the attitude of black majority trying to block equalities. have they forgotten?

To make sure that Congress makes no law respecting an establishment of religion and to maintain some simulance to the seperation of church and state, government should only register "civil unions".
Churches should handle the issue of registering "marriges" as their beliefs allow.

Equal rights for all...

When they have the same amount of divorces as everyone else, people will realize we are all the same.

It will require people to open up and accept the fact that homosexuals are people too. Someday we'll look back on this with the same disgust at our own ignorance as we look back on the times before minorities could vote. If the churches feel they don't want to perform gay marriages then that's the choice of the church, but there needs to be a legal way for two people to openly love each other through marriage without having to move to a new state.

It will take those 60% of Americans to realize that people who have been re-married are committing adultery according to the bible. Once they truly understand that, they'll stop the bigotry and give everyone the rights the constitution entitles them to. Seems everyone needs to look down on someone and these 60% are no different.

Hi Jack -

My answer to your question is – when 57% of Americans realize that gay marriage is not about children or preserving "straight" marriage. Gay marriage is about being able to visit your spouse in a hospital without question, it is about being able to will your spouse your estate without having to spend a fortune in legals fees, it is about being recognized in foreign countries as a couple the same way "straight" couples are, it is about the other 500 or so automatic civil rights marriage gives a male/female couple.

Time is all that's needed – let the younger generation finally move America past the fears of the dated, ignorant generation

past fears of women's rights
past fears of bi racial marriage
past fears of anyone not speaking English
and finally past fears same sex marriage

We don't live in North Korea or Iran... this is America. Land of the Free

Time, Time, Time. I remember sitting at Julius, a bar around the corner from the Stonewall now 40 years ago. NEVER could I have imagined then what I hear and watch today. The Children and Grandchildren we enjoy will show us how our lives should have been lived, and will show me a world I never knew could have existed then.

When those riots first happened on June 29, 1969 we were on our way to the moon, but gay rights were so much further out of reach than Mankinds most glorious accomplishment.

I live in a much better world, now a member of the established generation. If it takes another to teach us, so be it. Again, in answer to your question, just Time.

Brian

Jack. The concept of marriage being between a man and a woman is as old as human civilization. Almost every ancient civilization created the ritual of marriage to mimic the marriage in nature between the Divine feminine and the Divine masculine, it was a ceremony that celebrated the creation of life, which required a male and a female. I don't recall ever reading about a divine homosexual marriage. I do however, support civil unions.

Good Question Jack, especially since all of those other polls say that we can fight wars, pay higher taxes- due to higher income, and do all those other things except marry. I
I mean, what happened to seperation between church and state? If the point is about church, religion and marriage, I think that all the straight couples should have to return to the church for divorce. That might just change some minds, as the divorce rate is what 60%?

10-20 years.

Empathy is a word that is being bandied about now with the nomination of Judge Sotamayor, however that is what it's going to take to change Americans minds about same-sex equality. If all Americans would put themselves into the shoes of a gay or lesbian person, then there would be no argument at all concerning this. Equality would be the law of the land for all, and there would be no question as to calling it marriage – or whatever else mainstream calls it. So, it's either empathy, or waiting until younger and more open minds come of age, to change how Americans can justify bigotry.

Time Jack, time will eventually deteriorate the personal prejudice that has permeated our American society for many decades. Whether race, sex or religion, we had been taught as a group what to think instead of how to think, only time will get us back to thinking as individuals.

Jack, Americans need to know that gays people had been living on earch before the birth of Jesus Christ, and the church, government or nothing can prevent gay relationships. So why rob these people of their constitutional right, which stated " all people are create equal "

Once my fellow Americans wake up and realize that the marriage issue is more about the legal certificate than the religious ceremony, we will have real equality in this country. Freedom of religion dictates that we allow people to remove God from their wedding days, instead getting married in City Hall. Yet, no one has blasted straight couples from doing so.

Why should Americans embrace gay marriage? Most middle of the road Americans do not believe in extending these privileges to gays.

Having two same sex people enter into a legal arrangement that allows state, federal, tax and other legal benefits (health, pension, property) was and is not the intent of marriage.

Gays can have a "blessing" or recognition by their church of choice, if the church agrees, but it should not emcompass the legal rights of a spouse.

There is nothing wrong with being gay, but a legal marriage should not be permitted.

For men to support it there must be images of really hot lesbians on TV together. For women to support it they must see hot gay men on TV together. Tap into people's primal intincts, not their moral ones.

John
Gainesville, VA

It seems that gays hav a nack for putting a happy face on a serious problem.....but they and those agreeable to 'gayism' have to wake up and see it for what it really is: a serious problem. Its bad enough that gays hav to face their difficulty, but thats a choice they make. How is it a choice for me and my kids if I don't want it in our lives???

time...........
the voting demographic is changing by the day. i think this will no longer be an issue very soon maybe within five yeras or so. a younger jeneration is climbing the latter and poll's show that they are in favor of same sex marrage.
i personaly am in favor because no one should be disciminated against and legalizing same sex unions will generate a ton of state revenue.
george
chester,ct.

As you have very succinctly point out, most Americans, myself included, believe that gay couple should be afforded many of the same legal rights as heterosexual couples such as healthcare rights, inheritance rights and joint ownerships. I truly believe that an adult must be free to conduct their life within any lift style they see fit and makes them happy. Marriage brings with it different level of union. To me it incorporates one man and one woman, raising a family and pledging to raise that family in the light of god. When it comes to raising children, that child should be raised within the complete family unit and grow to understand the original and customary family unit. Gay life is not for children. I know this is a tremendous controversy but our society has fallen into such deep and disturbing disarray. We need to raise our children more traditionally, not just within the Gay issue but in so many other ways as well.

It will take Americans realizing that a marriage license is a government document, not a religious one. Younger folks and the more enlightened realize that already. Same-sex partners aren't asking for religious recognitions, they just want to be able to live their legal lives the same as straight couples and not as second class citizens.

Jack,
A quick follow-up to my last. Are there REALLY so many homosexuals in this country that the MAJORITY of Americans have to even have this question put out there. My stomach tightens at the thought that this country has fallen so far morally that we have allowed not the American people, but their elected officials, to constantly put this "in our faces." Are there really that many out there to bother with this now, of all times? This question can wait until we determine that we have stabilized our economy, taken back our manufacturing jobs to guarantee our future, forced our elected officials to one term servants, and, get out of All wars WE started.

I think Americans need to stop thinking of marriage as a religious issue. I see marriage as a legal contract between two people and as such I see no legal reason to ban same sex marriage.

Americans will embrace the idea of gay marriage when the church changes the very definition of mariage and the perception we usually have of family. Americans will embrace this idea when politicians in Washington agree on amending the Constitution to make marriage the union of two males or two females. Finally, Americans will embrace the idea of gay marriage when the deluge begins.

gay people want only the same rights as others already have.......no more, no less.............most people can and do understand that......... this is an equal rights issue........that's what this country is supposed to be all about...........equality for all.........i think that most people can see that now, and will vote accordingly when the time comes..........but the role that the mormon church played in california's prop 8 should be brought to the attention of all the citizens of the us.........

Blacks and women were denied rights for years, until people woke up and realized that its just wrong. Gays are still being denied rights that everyone else has based on their sexual orientation. Eventually equality and freedom for all prevails.....I fear this is more of a radical religious argument then a social one. Until we truly separate church and state, this will be an ongoing problem.

Sorry Jack. Your question has some elements of cultural/evolutional discrimination. The question should be: what it takes to eliminate the human race in one generation? Answer: it takes gay marriage to stop regeneration. Got brain or sex???

i dont think america will or should consider gay marriage as legal, just as long as we keep our common sense and realize that the law of marriage wasnt created by men but by god and in order to change a law like this is to simply go against god. gays should understand that their situation should not be considered as a civil rights issue but a tragedy. only ethnic and minority groups fall under civil right. if no one likes a person because he/she is gay they can just simply stop acting gay. but if i cant get a job because of my color, there's nothing i can do about that. the last thing we need are gays running america.

There will be nothing that will make me accept Gay marriage. I think that it should have all stayed in the closet where it belongs. I think that they are sick but not genetically as everyone is trying to make it sound. I feel this is a perverted choice they make. And this behavior should not be either recognized as acceptable nor should they be given rights to keep pushing this perverted lifestyle on the rest of us. This has nothing to do with a religious belief just I feel it is a disgusting lifestyle. I think the decent people in this country should fight back and if a prop 8 against it was passed then it should stand.

When Americans stop conflating the Right to Marry with the Rites of Marriage. The first is an issue concerning the state, the latter is religious. The two components are separate and distinct.

All marriages in CA concern state law... some may also involve an optional religious component. All religious marriages require a state marriage license. While marriages can be performed by an official of the state without any religious components.

Therein lies the confusion. It's apple and oranges...

I hav e no problem with Domestic partner contracts trhe results & benefits are the same- However- marriage is a sacred Religious rite between a man and a woman and that is the ONLY MARRIAGE that should be recognized as a marriage.

the word MARRIAGE to me describes the union between a man and a woman. The gay community needs to find another word to describe a union between a man and a man or a woman with a woman. ANOTHER WORD. Marriage belongs to the relationship between a man and a woman.

I've been with my partner for 19 years and I never thought a marriage license was necessary. It would certainly be nice to have equal civil and legal rights in my relationship, and now, with so many people coming out against gay marriage, which affects me personally of course, I and my partner have decided to make the trip to one of the state where they recognize gay relationships and tie the knot...not because I believe in the "sanctity of marriage" (with its straight couple 65% divorce rate), but because I feel it is necessary to add to the statistics of how many people these ridiculous anti-gay attitudes are affecting. Just like "bi-racial" couples had to go through to legalize that, gay and lesbian couples are just going to have to keep fighting for equal rights until we get them. (And for all you conservatives that call them "special" rights, they can only be "special" rights if YOU don't have them). To all of you straight folks who are voting against this to keep us from "getting married", I am now getting married BECAUSE you voted against it!
Because there is supposed to be Separation of Church and State in this country, what SHOULD be happening here is that "marriage" should be taken out of government, and kept in the church. Everyone, straight of gay, should be allowed a "civil union" with its protections and all through the government, and then if a couple wishes to have the "marriage ceremony" performed in their church, that should be a completely separate issue.

First, people will support gay marriage when the religious right and conservative population actually follow the Bible and decide not to judge one another and leave that up to the God they believe in to make judgment. Second, these same groups will need to understand that men wrote the BIBLE. God doesn't have hands! And third, do some research about how same sex relationships began; it was once considered natural! Get over your homophobia and support the rights of all people b/c it's actually the moral thing to do!

Sara
Native Chicagoan, living in Dallas, TX

If Loving v. The Commonwealth of Virginia had not resulted in a victory for a minority group of couples as recently as 1967, your question today might be "What will it take for Americans to embrace bi-racial marriage?" Apparently it takes a Supreme Court decision for the rights of any minority sector of society to be embraced and protected.

Hi Jack,

It will take the elimination of trillions of americans who prayed and keep praying the will of GOD. Whenever you pray the will of God, and keep praying, it comes to past. Soon this will not even be a topic of discussion. Traditional Family will rule in the end. Marriage was created by God as one man and one women, that was the way it was in the Beginning.

Yes there will always be sinners, but God's perfect design will prevail in the end.

I dont if someone is gay unless they tell me. Now this being the given, let me hav a problem w/ someone who is on the loosing end of an situation: suddenly they come out of the closet and say theyre gay and I bashed them. They benefit and then resort to their normal straight life.

Nothing, they will never embrace it. The states that do have it will soon eliminate it. They will be forced to.

When it is not a sin

Marriage is a union between a husband and wife in the eyes of God. To fit that description a couple of the same sex must decide who is the husband and who is the wife. Call the union between same sex partners or any nonbelievers a "civil union" or anything else that seems appropriate, but don't refer to it as a marriage sanctioned by God. That concept is already taken, and it only refers to a man and a woman.

What will it take for Americans to embrace idea of gay marriage?
You need to change th laws.The way it is now man and woman is type specific, it does say otherwise period.Change the law federal law,Only than it would be applied equally to all citizens.Obama administration is ready to touch the issue, since it may explode, and President Obama may not get the next four years.
Dennis Toronto Canada

When religious nut jobs let go of their 'holier than thou' attitudes and archaic traditions that just do not have a place in modern society. If we really believed in the freedoms that this nation was founded upon, we would realize that denying marriage rights to gays is blatant discrimination. Wake up, America.

Pat from Chicago...

Cafferty, of course as Americans we support inheritance rights, anti-crime protection, health coverage, benefits, education, housing, etc. for Homosexual couples...Why? Because those are CIVIL RIGHTS that all men, women, boys and girls regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual oriention are equally endowed and entitled to possess as "unalienable rights."

But, MARRIAGE... again, marriage is NOT a CIVIL RIGHT, it is a PERSONAL CHOICE, a PRIVILEGE, a BLESSING and when you get to the heart of it, marriage though acknowledged and recognized by the government and Civil laws (i.e., Caesar) really stems from Religious custom. Marriage belongs more to God's order than Caesar's order. And, that is what MOST Americans recognize.

The governments did not create marriage (albeit they recognize it and condone it, but probably more for TAX PURPOSES than sentimental purposes), religious customs, religious orders, religious texts and places of worship are responsible for the creation of marriage.

That is why most Americans are diametrically opposed to Gay marriage, because they recognize that marriage in of itself is inherently tied to religious law and not civil law.

Which is why most people who reject Gay Marriage, also reject Adultery and some even Pre-marital Sex (Fornication), because these things are out of the "order" of the true tenets and "law" of marriage.

Additionally, if you notice, MOST AMERICANS do support CIVIL UNIONS, why? Because that gives Gay couples all the CIVIL benefits that Married couples receive sans the more "religious" connotation of the word "marriage."

What will it take? Nothing! Because marriage was never meant to be that way. A family is an entity with father, mother and child. Not mother and mother or father and father. It just doesn't fit!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sir,
Gay and Lesbian behavior has to be treated as a medical malfunction due to variations of body harmons.This has to be medically treated,instead of accepting it.

Jack,
The majority will never embrace it. Most still don’t embrace inter-racial marriages; they simply accept the right to do it. Acceptance will come when folks recognize their rights could be next on the list. to be erased:
I was officially erased yesterday.
When I woke up on election day I had civil and constitutional rights. But, apparently, my existence ticked off enough people that they went to the polls and erased me from the CA constitution.
So, be careful: hush up, keep your head down, be grateful for whatever “rights” folks aren’t after and just do your best to stay invisible. Maybe, just maybe, you can avoid being erased too.
Good Luck,
Laura
Sacramento

Jack, it will just take time. We've abolished slavery, given women the right to vote, and integrated our schools. Can you believe these discriminations were part of our history? We need to keep pushing.

Tolerance?

Stop calling it marriage but civil union. Marriage is a religious ceremony and its up to that religion to decide is they want to perform gay marriages, marriage license is a civil recognition of a union and therefore certain legal rights are associated with it. Consenting adults should have the right to have their union recognized legally. What's next stop recognizing heterosexual domestic partnerships?

Somewhere around 49% of marriages end in divorce here in the U.S., so where do we as homosexuals get the gall to preach to homosexuals. Then, if at first you don't succeed, you can keep trying until you get it right. My ex married twice after our divorce and a letter arrived at my home on March 5, 1998 informing me that my former husband wanted an annulment. Three days later on March 8, 1998, he and his third wife were tragically killed in an automobile accident in Florida. I firmly believe that no one has the right to pass judment on anyone else because one day we will all have to answer to a Higher Authority. There is a very simple way to solve the whole matter. If the word marriage is the problem, then call it something else but let's live and let live.

Jack , If only they would be willing to understand that if you think marriage is between a man and a woman you don't automatically hate all gay people . If they soften thier tone and slow down on the hate speech toward anyone how doesn't share thier view . Then maybe people would be less intrenched in thier possitions and feel less threatened . I believe they should enjoy every right afforded anyone else in your country and mine . However they will never be married in my eye's . While they may sway the children they share you'll find if you ask most young people and frame the question fairly , something the media never does, you would find that most children would prefer to have a mother and a father . Chris Victoria B.C.

Wedlock is Padlock, If the government ,the Church , or big business can make money from gay marriage they will support it.

What will it take? A successful completion of the Second American Civil War which is currently being fought without bullets.

In our Civil society for the sake of civil rights, civil marriage makes sense for heterosexual and homosexual couples. Religious marriage is more just than a civil question and should be addressed within the church and offered only to those who are active participants in a church community.

Findlay, Ohio

It may be the term "marriage" that many Americans refuse to embrace. Granted, polls show that a majority of Americans favor equal rights... however, 57% of Americans disfavor legalizing gay marriage.

Perhaps a move away from the marriage business would be a smart move for the government.

Would same-sex couples oppose civil unions? I feel this would be an acceptable compromise that everyone would embrace.

What it will take are years of TV stereotypes that will make Americans laugh and feel non-threaten of the idea of two men or women getting married. The media's influence on the opinions of Americans is unquestionable. After all, how do you think we have Obama? The idea of a black president was a joke personified in the sketches of Richard Pryor and recently Dave Chapelle that cracked the sides of millions of Americans. So rerun those episodes of Will & Grace and throw in a laugh track in Broke Back Mountain and maybe we can see some change.

Americans will never support gay marriage because Americans fancy themselves as a nation under God.
Gay marriage is anti God and so will continue to lose support as more people separate gay marriage from human rights and affirmative actions.

John Okiyi Kalu, Port Harcourt Nigeria

People need to stop worrying about what their neighbor, in the privacy of his or her home in this great and free nation, is doing. We will always be approximately 10% of the population. Turning straight people gay is not as easy as it seems. We will never be a growing voting black. We will get our rights when straight citizens give them to us.

I used to be stubborn minded and immaturely ideological at one time. It takes time for some people to come around to the idea. Never been attracted to the same sex, but I see it happening around me all the time. I don't like to see it, but I accept it. I see too many of my family and friends that are happy dating the same sex. If it makes -them- happy, we straight folk should stay out of their "business."

It will happen when Americans realize that the proclivities of people have always been, and will always be. I think it will happen when the next generation takes over.
Those who are teens now, have a more open minded approach to life than the pseudo religous of the older generation/ my generation!
Of those who protest against the rights of all to share their lives with the person of their choice, it would be interesting to pick up the rocks they hide their own secrets under!!
Who among us is really qualified to cast the first stone at anyone else.
This is a Civil Rights issue!! God is big enough to determine if it is a moral issue, and does not need help from those who turn these things into hate mongering!!!

Nothing!!!! I wish the TV personnel will get enough guts to stand up to their bully gay bosses and stop trying to promote gay activity. Gays have the same rights as everyone else when it comes to marriage. Their rights are no different. Two people of the same sex can't be married unless the term is redefined. The problem is some of them want to marry a women today and a man tomorrow. Many have doubled dipped back and forth.
The problem with gays in the military is as a female, I would be uncomfortable living in close quarters with someone who now say they want to live as a woman today and maybe a man again tomorrow and has an ex-wife and several children. The same applies to another female who wants to live as a man.
I don't care if someone is gay or not, but first we need to define marriage. Either the term marriage keeps its same meaning or we redefine the term marriage. If the term is redefined, why should favor only be shown to gay people. How about Woman and Dog; Man and child; Sister and brother and so forth.

There is no need for hate or hate crimes and the law should address these issues. Gays should also be reminded of this.

Hi Jack,

Thanks for raising the issue. As more Americans realize that gay marriage has absolutely no effect whatsoever on anyone other than the 2 people getting married, the fear & hysteria will fade away.

Gay marriage will have zero impact on churches, families, children, society, goverment, etc. None, nada, nothing!

If you don't approve of gay marriage, then don't marry someone of the same gender. It is none of your business to tell others whom they can or cannot marry,

Please consider these points:
1. How would you feel if your marriage was put up to a public vote?
2. How would you feel if fellow citizens told you & your fiance that you cannot marry?
3. Wouldn't you want to yell: "Mind your own business!"

I honestly don't know why Americans have a problem with gay marriage. This is supposed to be a country based on freedoms and equality. Freedom of choice. Freedom of speech and freedom to practice your religion of choice. I served this country for 6 years to ensure that those freedoms are kept intact. But here is where the problem comes into play. RELIGION!!! Once we start allowing the religious sects to run our country and our minds, we loose some freedom of choice. Just as they are free to choose religion we should be free to not choose it. It's the religious agendas that halt progress and forward thinking. It's religion and the belief in god that takes over when religions push their religious beliefs off on us. Just because you believe that gay marriage is wrong in the eyes of the lord, does not mean that I have to have the same belief. I respect your beliefs in god, and you are free to to practice in your own way. Please respect my non-beliefs and allow me to make choices that are good for me.
We must stop the invisible man from controlling our lives!

Why do we continue to fight over this issue, Jack? One side favors the term marriage when a civil union would provide the same legal rights and protections. The other side believes marriage, a Sacrament in the Catholic Church for example, is a union between one man and one woman before God, a position that will not change. This side would eagerly accept the concept of civil unions between same sex partners. Why is this so difficult?

It's time for those in favor to join in a civil union and call it a marriage and quit filling the bank accounts of lawyers over this issue.

Do we really have to be subjected to Bill and his accusation that Jack is murdering innocent babies. That's just a little over the top. Hell, I get deleted time and again for lesser crimes.

Give it time. Everything we thought was absurd 50 years ago we're now doing without a second thought. . Laugh, but 25 years from now things we consider absurd such as marriage of relatives or polygamy will be a question for the Cafferty of a different generation.

I'm suprised that more people don't support gay marriage
on the boom it will do for the economy.
Think of the money to be made for the
wedding industry and later divorce lawyers.
I've done my part with being twice married and
divorced-it's somebody elses turn because I'm
done with the whole "institution".

LOGIC
Nobody has been able to ever explain,backed with facts, how exactly gay marriage affects straight marriage negatively.The reason is simple,it doesn’t.

In a civil society for the sake of civil rights, civil union makes sense for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Marriage is a religious ceremony and should be addressed within the church and offered to those who are active participants in a church community.

Findlay, Ohio

Shen enough bottom feeding lawyers make it ugly and more visible by leveraging the children of broken gay homes-they will pour gas on an ugly fire and people will see the light!

The constitution grants all Americans their right to privacy. The republicans sing the old "small government" refrain when it comes to money, but what about people? The whole concept is backwards: keep government out of maintaining the financial structure of our country, but make sure they keep a close eye on who is marrying who! You don't want freedom to begin to spred like Swine Flu! Makes sense, doesn't it Jack?

It would take for folk to realize that religion doesn't belong in poltics. The GOP in 1980 partnering with the Christian Right to win an election was accident waiting to happen. They gave them an inch, but yet they took a mile. Now we've have to deal with the fruits of that mess with one being non-equality for all. So much for the land of the free and the brave. Let them marry and get over it.

It was not that many years ago that it was a crime for a Black and a White to be married in many states. And a marriage between a Hispanic and a white was not encouraged at all. So, it will simply take time, as so many have suggested, for our society to move forward in its acceptance of gay marriage. And, like others, I think we will one day look back wondering what all the fuss was about. Why we would want to prevent joy and equal rights for others is the question. Here's hoping that California will soon reverse the Prop 8 decision. Maybe this next round, voters will see that the out of state money from Mormans and Catholics in Ohio paid for the bulk of the propaganda. Also, maybe this round, California Blacks will become more enlightened in their vote.

this is crazy jack, it’s people like you in the media that has made this gay thing an issue how many are these people
a very very little minority, where will this stop, people that ordinarily should be incoraged to seek rehabilitation are now given muscle by the media, because those controlling the world media that are involved.
tomorrow it will be the heroin users,
marijuana smokers has started already and it’s only a matter of time before cocaine users and every morally twisted sect will start trying to use the media to twist the view off the world.
I think if you love this planet and want it’s future preserved you shouldn’t be phrasing the question the way you have
the truth is my children should grow up to know that marriage is between a man and woman. I know you will not read my opinion on air but i must make then

off topic ...but just came to me...Bush Cheney still had """""'5 months"""" left in office when Economy Crises and Bank crashed, hit, in early start of Sept....and did nothing but make sure tarp money was there to refill banks...that is it...Bush cheney had still 5 months Sept -till Jan 20th and did nothing nothing on crises...Pres Obama only now 4 months in office and look at all he has done plus starting with not a full cabinet.....

The complete obliteration of the Holier Than Thou Christian wing nuts. It is time to live and let live. If you don't like it, no one is making you do it. Same can be said about abortion. I am sick of zealot right-wing whackos waving the bible and demanding that I go by their "rules."

It’s people like you (JACK) in the media that has made this gay thing an issue how many are these people
a very very little minority, where will this stop, people that ordinarily should be incoraged to seek rehabilitation are now given muscle by the media, because those controlling the world media that are involved.
tomorrow it will be the heroin users,
marijuana smokers has started already and it’s only a matter of time before cocaine users and every morally twisted sect will start trying to use the media to twist the view off the world.
I think if you love this planet and want it’s future preserved you shouldn’t be phrasing the question the way you have
the truth is my children should grow up to know that marriage is between a man and woman. I know you will not read my opinion on air but i must make then

As soon as the Mental Health community adds Homophobia to the DSM-IV (List of Mental Illnesses) where it belongs. Then homophobes will realize that they are the ones with the problem.

Here is my personal definition of Homophobia:
The irrational, destructive, self-loathing, paranoid thoughts and/or behavior, induced by guilt and/or shame over one's own unresolved or repressed homosexual thoughts, desires, fantasies, inclinations, curiosities, and/or prior activities or experiences.

(Roland/St George, UT)

Jack, it will start with open discussions between all Americans...which will lead to understanding and to tolerance. I believe that "ignorance" on the subject is what breeds fear and intolerance. If we can all just openly discuss gay marriage (i.e. what it will mean for all Americans, who it will and will not affect by get rid of the "myths" and "rumors", etc.) Americans will come to understand that the gay population is not out to hurt anyone or take rights away from anyone...they just want life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – inalienable rights, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.

After 7 decades of living I have observed life for a long time. I have been married for the same man to nigh on 50 years. I have 2 wonderful children. I cannot deny to any gay individual the chance for a happy life with someone they love. They are hurting nobody and deserve the chance to be happy. If a church cannot bring itself to sanction marriage between same sex people – fine. But they should be allowed a civil union under law. I think we still have separation of church and state. Instead of hurting individuals needlessly we should be out helping and improving the lives of all our people. Good people come in many guises.

What will it take for Americans to embrace the idea of gay marriage?

A fundamental change in interpersonal values and the devotion to a stifling otherworldliness...unfortunately America is an inherently puritanical society, moral intolerence is one of its stultifying hallmarks...political leadership can mitigate progressive change, but it will take many years...moreover America has the distinction of being the only western industrialized country that is polarized to the extent that it is by moral concerns and what is often refered to as socially immoral behaviours...

This is an issue where people do not change. I once had a best friend that I grew up with and cared about. After I finally discovered that he was gay, I dissowned him. I agree that he has the right to do what he wants, but keep it away from me.

Brian Paul Rinker May 27th, 2009 6:23 pm ET
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Time, Time, Time. I remember sitting at Julius, a bar around the corner from the Stonewall now 40 years ago. NEVER could I have imagined then what I hear and watch today. The Children and Grandchildren we enjoy will show us how our lives should have been lived, and will show me a world I never knew could have existed then.

When those riots first happened on June 29, 1969 we were on our way to the moon, but gay rights were so much further out of reach than Mankinds most glorious accomplishment.

I live in a much better world, now a member of the established generation. If it takes another to teach us, so be it. Again, in answer to your question, just Time.

Brian