Gay marriage in the U.S. inevitable?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
California is set to start marrying gay couples next month – barring an unexpected legal challenge to the state's recent decision to overturn a ban on same-sex marriages.
This is all well and good for gays who get married in California, but what if they move to a state where gay marriage isn't legal? While there's been a slow and steady march in the direction of gay marriage in some states for years, there remains a question about the recognition of these unions in states where gay marriage remains against the law.
In light of this, New York Governor David Patterson has told state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal. This could affect as many as 1,300 state laws and regulations governing everything from joint filing of income tax returns to transferring fishing licenses between spouses.
Critics insist Paterson is trying to circumvent the legislature and courts, while experts say this would make New York the only state that doesn't allow gay marriage itself but fully recognizes same-sex unions from other states.
But the whole issue remains murky. Different states have different rules. Some states – like Vermont and New Jersey – allow civil unions but no marriage. With California, there will be only two states where gay marriage is legal. The legal rights accorded gay couples will continue to vary widely from one state to another complicating the decision of a gay couple that wants to move.
Nevertheless, the country seems to be developing an increasing tolerance for something that was once considered unthinkable.
Here’s my question to you: Is gay marriage in the U.S. inevitable?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Paul from Texas writes:
My wife and I have been married for 35 years. Gay marriage is as inevitable as the rotation of the earth. Things change. It won't hurt the institution of marriage any more than the 50% failure rate in heterosexual marriage has done.
Pamela from Canada writes:
Of course. Just like interracial marriage and women's right to vote were inevitable, gay marriage is as well. It's already been legalized in several other countries, and it's only a matter of time before the U.S. catches up. Progressive ideas win out in the end, despite conservative attempts to prevent them.
Herb from Texas writes:
Of course it will, Jack. Our judges are sending abused kids back to their parents, destroying the sovereignty of the U.S., putting law enforcement officers in jail and giving drug smugglers immunity. What do YOU think?
Stephen writes:
Yes, it is inevitable! As a gay man, I am glad, too. America accepting it...is America exhibiting its true values and principles: that people are free to do as they please, so long as no one is getting hurt. Gays will not only marry, but will have families and raise kids just as well as heterosexual couples, or even single parents.
Paul writes:
Yes. But as a gay man in his 60s, I don't think I'll live to see it. I wish gay activists had taken on more pressing reforms. When people are being imprisoned, tortured, or executed in many countries just for being gay, marriage rights seem trivial to me.
Jamie from Fort Worth, Texas writes:
Yes and no. I live in Texas and it's never going to be legal here, but I think there will be more and more states that take up New York's policy.
Stephen writes:
It's time we get out of everyone's bedrooms and pay more attention to who has their hands in our pockets!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
yes.
much like any major previous social changes, whether it was giving women the right to vote, the sweeping civil rights changes of the 60s,
gay marriage 50 years from now will probably looked back upon with a similar point of view.
Gay marriage is inevitable in general, but the U.S. often falls behind on progressive issues - though most are not so quick to admit it. I think ignorance in this country has kept gay marriage down for a long time, and it may continue for a great deal longer before that ignorance evaporates.
I think it is Jack. As a 30 year old white atheist male from Chicago I can tell you that the people who are my age or younger have been taught our entire life to view gays as equals, and I do. Also, the idea of marriage amongst my generation and younger is quite different than people who were my age 20 years ago in that marriage is almost seen as an unneccesary formality-if you live together and have children you are basically married. I think that gay marriage is inevitable because I think that marriage as an institution is going to lose its weight within society to a point where anybody getting married is probably seem a little old-fashioned and odd-so it wouldn't matter if gays were doing it too. This might not happen until mid-century, but I think it will happen.
It depends on what you mean by the U.S.
On a national level, there is no way this happens. Remember this was a key issue that got conservatives all hot and bothered and also helped propel his Bushness back into the White House. While I strongly disagree with an amendment that actually takes away rights, gay marriage on a national level won't work.
This is a state issue and a state issue only. Nevada can choose not to recognize California same sex marriages and vice versa. Around the Bible Belt, you won't see much welcome for gay marriage as its viewed as an abomination. Yet the more human, yes liberal, side of society knows that a ban on gay marriage won't abolish the gay culture. So let states do what works for themselves. A big issue on the idea of two gay men or women joining in a government-recognized union are for things such as hospital visitation, taxes, and a number of things these people can't easily take advantage of.
I disagree with the idea that same sex couples can marry in a church, under the eyes of God, but gay people aren't the problem with our society when you look at crime rates, drug abuse, poor personal finance standards, and so on. Let them be unto themselves.
Of course it's inevitable. There should be only one class of citizen in this country. My husband and I have been married 35 years and I can't imagine how a gay couple marrying might tarnish the "sanctity" of our marriage.
Yes, If we finally get an administration that follows the constitution specifically the first amendment. If our country is a free country it should also be free of evangelical Christian dogma in the government.. Everyone should be afforded the same rights. If you feel so strongly about discriminating against someone because of your religious beliefs you belong in a church or cult not in the congress, courts or whitehouse. Separate the church and state.
My guess is it will be a State by State issue.
It's wierd...it's radical...it's against my religious beliefs. I thought marraige was mostly a religious ideal–designed for the procreation of the species.
But in the end...who really gives a crap. Why not. Our constitution doesn't provide a lot of guidance–so the courts will have to decide. I sincerely believe it's a decision for each state however–the federal government should stay out of the conversation entirely–with the exception of federal government and military personnel. In those circumstances–the rules already in place regarding fraternization should prevail.
It is.
Any form of discrimination is anti-American. As we have matured into America's promise and ideals, we have dealt with the things that divide us, one after another. Next, let's hope we show respect for our GLBT citizens. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
States and businesses should recognize "domestic partnerships" as they recognize other legal contracts, and leave definition of marriage to religious organizations. Then everyone has what they say they want.
I think civil unions will be the in thing. Gays make up a very small part of society. Over time, if the gay population grows then perhaps Gay marriage may be forthcoming and excepted by the masses. Currently that is not the case however.
No!!!!!!
Cliff, Ky.
Maybe, but not for me! I am on my second wife (female) and if this dosen't work out I'll either find another female or quit all together.
Yeah, eventually. However, like racial and gender equality it won't be acceptable for many generations from now.
Gay marriage is inevitable in a free and open society. The use of this issue to mobilize social conservatives this fall is inevitable as well, unfortunately.
Yes, but don't hold your breath waiting for it. Just as other forms of discrimintaion this too will eventually fall.
The Government needs to get out of the marriage business and simply treat any long term partership the way marriages are currently treated in considering survivor benefits and such. Let's let the churches marry people according to their religious doctrines and let the state simply deal with the legal consequences.
Right now that's like asking 'is desegration inevitable' in 1954 when Brown v. BofE got handed down from the Supreme Court. I doubt in 1954 you would could tell what was happening over the next 15 years of the Civil Rights Movement. There's been a couple of landmark decisions but the journey to true freedom and equality for homosexulas will be longer and more arduous than Californian marriage licences. Inevitable, sure, but it may take until 2020 or beyond.
Jack: That is a "loaded question" that begs an answer for which their is no answer. Like my mother said, "whatever floats you boat."
Marriage was set up as a religious rite, right? The purpose of marriage, religiously, was to procreate. Yet there are married couples who choose not to have children or cannot. Should they be required to get a divorce? No! People can be drunk and get married in a drive through in Las Vegas, and it is a legal marriage everywhere. Marriage is all about love. Being gay is not a choice, it is who someone is. People need to stop hating so much and for stupid reasons. I say let whoever wants to get married, get married. So long as it is not an adult and a minor. I have been married for 6 years and gay marriage does not inhibit me from anything. I support gay marriage because it's the moral thing to do.
it should be ,but probably won't.every american has the right to pursuit of happiness.unfortunately our government and the religious right,do not tend to agree.
Yes, it is inevitable, but it will have to wait for the usual slow pace that the Church takes to un-misguide itself. The Church was strong in its backing of segregation and equally strong in it's view against women's suffrage. It will take an equally long time for the Church to change it's views on gay issues and the public will not come around until the Church starts to.
Corrected. Jack: That is a “loaded question” that begs an answer for which their is no answer. Like my mother said, “whatever floats your boat.”
My nephew has been in a relationship with his boyfriend that has outlasted almost all the other marriages in our family. To all of us, they already are married. It's nuts for the government to stick their big nose into this stuff. Stick to protecting the country and paving our roads, and let the citizens run their own lives.
Yes. The argument that marriage is only between a man and a woman and that union will be harmed if gays are allowed to marry is a specious, bogus argument. Gays should be allowed to marry, have all the same benefits, and pay the same marriage penalty tax as my husband and I do.
Of course it is Jack. They aren't Gay because they wake up one morning and decide they like the same gender. Lets let them unite and move on to matters that are far more serious then this. All this wasted energy on something that should be left to to each and every gay persons choice in this so called free country. Now thats a subject that needs serious attention. Our freedom!!
Larry in Florida
For all the polictal correctness, if thats a lifestyle that people choose
so be it, but no matter how you slice and dice it, it still takes a
man and a woman to make a child the old fashion way.
Yes, equality is an evolutionary process. It was not that long ago when inter-racial marriages were illegal, but as people got to know and socialize with other races, these laws were seen as rediculous and prejudicial. The same thing will happen to laws that ban gay marriage. I hope I live to see a time when everyone is treated with dignity and respect by his government as well as his neighbor.
Inevitable? You bet. In fact, it's way past due, and is only being held up by the religious right, kind of like they did when it came time to give women the right to vote. The United States of America is "The Land of the Free," not "Land of the Free only if You Are A Religious Conservative." In Canada, we've had legal gay marrage for several years, and all the fear-mongering the religious right tried to scare us with turned out to be garbage. The sky never fell and the horsemen of the apocalypse didn't ride into town. Heterosexuality is as popular as ever and most importantly, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law.
I find it interesting that a lot of our leaders who challenge gay marriage have adultery on their resume. And they want to talk about sanctity of marriage.
Yes. I wonder what the problem is with those against it?
Jack,
I'm gay, and the last thing I need in my life is a spouse. Why would I invite the daily knock-down-drag-out fight over who has possession of the remote control.
Not being gay, it doesn't bother me one way or the other. Besides, why shouldn't gays have the same chance of misery as straights?
Yes, and a lot of people might say it's because misery loves company. What I don't understand is why the churches have had such influence in keeping gay marriage from happening. Let the government make it legal for gays to marry and there can be all kinds of civil ceremonies and let the churches decide wether they will have gay marriages in their churches. Isn't that what separation of church and state is all about?
Unfortunately it will. After it happens, I'm sure that some of the religious people will say that earthquakes, tornadoes, and other disaters happen because we allowed this to happen. I doubt if our forefathers ever thought this was going to be an issue or they would have not allowed it through the constitution but they believed in separation between church and state.
Ask Dick Cheney, this is one question he is qualified to get right.
Of course gay marriage is inevitable. Remember that it wasn't that long ago that interracial marriage was illegal and called evil. It hasn't seemed to destroy getting married,has it?
For the sake of families, I do hope so Jack. Discrimination shouldn't exist in our country.
I think it is time for us to recognize gay people for what they really are, our friends, neighbors, co-workers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. Their level of citizenship should not be diminished by their sexual orientaion. In this country, the Constitution is the highest legal authority. Legal marriage/union for gay people seems consistent with the spirit of the Bill of Rights.
Yes. You can't dictate morality to people – that should be between them and the God they serve. Judge ye not lest ye be judged.
Personally, I don't care one way or the other, I'm not gay.
If equal protection under the law means what I think it means then YES it will inevitable.
Let's get rid of marriage altogether. 50% of married couples eventually get divorced anyway. Alot of couple choose not to get married in the first place. Let's move on.
yes
Jack,
I don't know if gay marriage is inevitable per se, but I do think civil unions are. While I do agree with the sanctity of matrimony, I do feel that those of alternate persuasions should be afforded those same rights, benefits, and protections. To do otherwise is discriminatory. Let's spend less time judging others and honor the constitutional provision of separation of church and state.
Yes
No more than abortion or a number of other issues that drive social conservatives nuts.
Jack
Yes its inevitable, it is what it is and who are we to make any attempt to stop it ? You may not agree with it but you have to respect the wishes of the people who want it.
Happy Gay?
Yes, it is inevitable that conservatives will make it an election issue, along with abortion, flag-burning, and not wearing flag lapel pins. I'm not sure how much more bloodshed our country can afford from these pro-life anti-gay christians.
The fact is people are created equal and all should be entitled to the same rights although the cultures in some societies resist this realization a lot longer than some of the more progressive and modern societies.
How would anyone have a son or daughter that is gay and then tell them they are less of a human being, not entitled to the same privileges or rights as everyone else, just because of their sexual preferences that come about by no fault of their own? I guess it would best to ask Larry Craig or Dick Cheney this question as they will have more insight into the dilema than most of us.
Gay marriage is inevitable Jack. More importantly it will be interesting to see if these marriages last for any real length of time. Bad enough we have better than a 50% divorce rate among heterosexuals, the divorce rate in gay marriages ought to be phenomenal. Something to keep the sociologist busy.
Marriage should be a sacred right held only between a man and a woman.
What are the values we are teaching our youth and is this the kind o culture innocent children should be exposed to?
We need to uphold the law and measure which was voted in my state to keep marriage between a man and a woman only.
The judges overturning the law are renegades and should be disbarred from their posts.
Yes its inevitable!
The US needs to realize that Americans are tired of the Government dictating how we live our lives. Just as abortion, I can't believe we are still having that debate. And to all those Pro-life people, when was the last time you fostered or adopted an abandoned child?
Gay, lesbians, or straight who friggin cares. Thiis is America, aren't we suppose to a "FREE" country, yea right!!
Probably Jack along with legalising marajuana, open borders and the complete collapse of national identity and pride. Welcome to the new world order as Bush Sr. would say.
Jack
Marriage is covenant with God, the government should not sanction any marriages.
Of course gay marriage is inevitable. The only reason people have been up in arms about this issue among so many that relate to civil rights and liberties is because it goes against what is "normal" and against "what should be". There are always exceptions to the rule, and gay marriage is one of those exceptions. Our country is famously known for being a melting pot and many internationally are interested in our diversity. To suppress gay marriage means suppressing the diversity that makes us great and puts a black eye on us as a country because this suppression would go against the tenants of equality that so many admire us for. Socially and culturally the tide is turning and if we as a country want to be ahead of the game, we need to accept these social changes and embrace them, not listen to the bigotry that ends up backfiring in the end.
Pretty much every argument against gay marriage was used as an argument against inter-racial marriage. And just like inter-racial marriage, it will eventually be legal and decades later there will still be groups of people willing to go so far as murder to prevent it from happening.
People seem to be under the misconception that only heterosexual couples can be in love. If people want to commit to each other, file taxes together, have insurance together, I say "great." I can't see any reason why not. It doesn't change my life at all. And it makes theirs a whole lot nicer.
By the way, married couples can transfer fishing licenses back and forth? I didn't know that.
I would like to think so, because that would mean that we actually believe in the right to pursue happiness. But instead we are a nation of hypocrites with closed minds and selfish motivations. Everyone that thinks gay marriage is wrong should move to Iran where they can live within a society that is more suited to their beliefs.
Jack, I think it is. This an age in the U.S. and Canada of entitlement. Everyone, it seems, feels they can do whatever they want as long as it doesn't impinge on any one else's rights however inane the idea or action. How can the law deal with people who are lured by the siren call of moral relativism? These people, who feel entitled, have created their own values and to them, all ideas are equally right. The cult of entitlement probably won't stop at gay marriage but take a step farther than same sex unions. I am reminded of a Woody Allen movie in which a petty criminal had been convicted of a wide and long range of crimes including marrying a horse. This can't be that far from reality.
-Bob, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
When in Rome.........oh, what happened to the Roman Empire?
Gay marriage is only as inevitable as the continued success of the United States of America. As long as freedom and the honest pursuit of liberty reign supreme, all Americans will eventually have equal access to that dream of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen.
If gay marriage is inevitable then so is gay divorse. Who will decide who gets which underwear?
Most likely. Particularly with the wave of liberal culture in the Nation today as well as in most of the Media. I am indifferent but my Parents are probably turning over.
Yes Jack, it is inevitable and you know what? It is about time!
Marriage is governed by civil law. The objection to gay marriage is a religious issue. The church needs to stay out of legal issues. The constitution provides protection from religion which is being ignored. We recognize marriages which took place in other countries under laws which do not exist in this country; gay marriage is just as valid.
Jack,
Inevitable? Yes. Do I agree with it? No. But who am I to say what is right or wrong? It is what they feel and belive is right, and is not this nation all about the rights of everyone?
What would be next? People marrying their pets? Didn’t some guy try to marry a horse somewhere?
Jack, it's already here. You don't need a piece of paper to be married and and whether or not you are should only matter to your friends. If in you and your friends' eyes, you are married, you are married.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
Is gay marriage in the U.S. inevitable?
Yes.
Frankly I don't see what the big deal is.
My husband and I have been happily married for 28 years. Why shouldn't gay's be allowed the same happiness? The word marriage isn't what keeps our marriage together, it is the work that we put into our marriage that keeps us together.
If everyone is so hung up on the word "marriage" then maybe we should follow the rest of the world and all have "partners" verses "spouses". We don't need a marriage license we need a partnership.
Churches can marry whomever they like..
Jenna
Roseville CA
As a heterosexual, it's about time we stop dividing our Nation into unlikable groups such as any gay who wants to get married. Get over it bigots. An American is an American and deserves equal rights even in marriage and divorce.
Duh Jack! Gays and Lesbians have the right to be as happy or as miserable as everyone else.
Yes, thank God. You cannot choose who to give certain rights to and who to deny. That's known as equal protection under our constitution.
Younger Americans have lived amongst gays and know that they are normal neighbors and friends. What goes on behind closed doors is between God and every human being. The Bible tells us that only HE is to judge us.
I think it will Jack.. we are already in a downward barrel roll.
Yes, now lets talk about legalizing Marijuana.
I don't really care but after the mess hetrosexuals have made in mariage I don't see how gays could hurt it. Half the marriages end up in court and children are torn apart.
yes, I can't believe this fight has gone on for so long. Even if you don't agree with the lifestyle every citizen should be able to enjoy the same rights as everyone other person in this country. Who are we to tell two people that their love is different and unacceptable? Eventually either gays will finally be given this right or we should prepare for another civil rights movement here in America.
The institution of marriage is over. It is out of date and doesn't apply to human behavior. Someday we will be free of the concept of marriage!
Of course it is. The truth is that gays and lesbians already have the human and civil right to be married. The problem is with unconstitutional and unjust laws that are on the books that keep us from exercising those rights.
Just as with the end of slavery, the sufferage of women, the long battle against Jim Crowe, and with Prohibition, marriage equality will become the law of the land. It may not be tomorrow, but it will happen. All of the state-level constitutional amendments will be blown away by the power of the US Constitution. Soon, everyone in every state will be able to protect themselves and their families by having their relationship recognized by the law.
Progress is inevitable. You can stand in its way, but eventually you'll get run over.
No it isn't inevitable, but I'll tell you one thing that it is: immoral.
I hope so. Civil marriages are nothing more than contracts. If gay people can sign a contract to buy a car or a house or to skate in the Ice Capades for a year, then why can't they sign a contract to commit to a relationship that makes two lives as one? cy gardner arlington va
Hi Jack, New Jersey maybe the next state to allow Gay marriage. Many folks who have done civil unions here are poised to fly to California to be married then fly home to New Jersey and ask for reciprocation. We gave New Jersey a chance but the New Jersey Supreme Court punted the issue to the legislature and they have not really done anything to move the issue along. For many of us our parents are older and before they pass we want them to see us and this issue settled.
Gay marriage may be permissable in some liberal states but in more conservative ones, I don't think so. Texas? Naw. Alabama. Can't imagine it going over to well done there either.
It's not my preference, but who am I to tell someone else who to love. Much bigger things going on in this country to worry about. I saw a comment about welcome to the new world order as Bush sr. said. The truth is the New World Order or is crumbling as we speak along with the Project of the New American Century (The Bush Jr. and Cheney agenda). It is amusing that the people who made the agendas are the same people who are going down because of them. It's coming just remember when it does don't panic stay calm and level headed.
As a person of minority, I don't belive it is right to discriminate, but I don't belive this is an issue of discrimination. I have a very hard time with the notion that homosexulaity is on the same plane as being black or a woman. I still unconvinced that this is inherent in a person genetic makeup.
But even putting aside the choice vs nature question, I am really interested to know how would a homosexual person/couple define who should be able to and more importantly who does not deserve "marriage rights"What is the basis of the marriage between anyone but a man and women? Where does the line move to next?
I hate the sanctity of marriage argument against gay marriage. Britney Spears gets married for 55 hours. Sanctified! I've seen a drive-thru wedding chapel in a parking lot in a shopping mall. Sanctified. Elvis impersonators perform marriages. Sanctified. Eliot Spitzer and David Vitters visit prostitutes after vowing to prosecute johns and condemning Bill Clinton. Sanctified. Etc, etc, etc. Give gays a chance, maybe they can improve the sanctity of marriage. cy gardner arlington va
Yes it is. But unfortunately, there will be plenty of people resisting that inevitability, just as plenty of people resisted the end of slavery & segregation. When my children’s children are old enough to marry, gay marriage will be as common then as inter-racial marriage is now.
Yes. We're progressing as a country despite the few conservatives resistant to change. We may very well have a Black president in Jan. '09. Who woulda thunk it?
Jack, Why is government involved with marriage anyway? Marriage is a religious matter, and our religion should be none of government's business. While government can pass laws to define civil relationships between people, should they? We'd all be better off if they just treated each individual as an individual. If loving couples want to combine resources and property they can have civil contracts.
Yes it probably is.. Jack, probably in the future a man and woman could get married and then the man could marry another man and the woman could marry another woman, if the man and woman in the original marriage was bisexual. Jack, we could have all kinds of marriages such as a families that marry thier pets.
I am a resident of the state of Florida. During the Primary our state had a huge property tax initiative on the ballot along with Clinton vs Obama. We were told our votes were not going to count because the state moved its primary up. The million plus voters did not come out for Hillary, she really is not that popular in our state. It was the Tax initiative that drew most of the people to the polls. Obama never got a chance to campaign in our state and was a virtual unknown. Had he capaigned here, the playing field would have been equal, people would have had an opportunity to hear his platform he would have carried the state of Florida
My proposal would be to seat half of the delegations from both states and divide both states equally 50% for Clinton and 50% for Obama. Hillary is unprincipled in how she has crunched the numbers. She has shown no integrity. She does not have the right to rewrite the rules.
Sure it's inevitable. As a progressive thnking individual I can accept it. Now, when someone wants to marry their pet dog thats when I put my foot down.
As a hetrosexual woman, I've never felt threatened by homosexuals or lesbians and think they should have the same rights as everyone else. What I wish for myself I wish for others. It's the 21st Century it's time we acted like it.
Thank God. It is about time that this basic human right is for everyone. Imtired of being left out of this beautiful institution. America needs to catch up! I can't believe that any parent of a gay child wouldn't agree. My mom does because she understands I'm as imprtant as any of her other children who can get married without question.
The common sense answer to you question is No.
The courts have always ruled that the individual states have the right to define marriage. Currently, 26 states have, within their constitution, amendments declaring that marriage can only be between a Man and a Woman. Also, the current tendency is towards more states having such amendments vs. having less, and public polling indicates that a similar amendment will pass in California.
The only option would be a constitutional amendment giving gays/lesbians the right to marriage. That only takes 13 states to block. Unless you're Hillary, the math is obvious.
Harry
Ky.
I think contracts between two individuals, same sex or not, is ok. At the rate folks are denied rights by our government, I think any rights at all are better than none.
Let the folks without sin cast the first stone – he he he he he.
Conservatism slows progress down, but it doesn not stop it. Like all social conservative ideas throughout history, not getting to marry if you're gay will be trampled and left behind by the march of time. Its just plain inevitable.
It won't be, as long as the right wing can use it to distract the american "not so articulate" people from real issues like war and the economy.
It is the right wings job to as Frank Zappa once said "Maintain the fiction"
Who cares? It is just a piece of paper that lets people have stuff, pay stuff and name stuff.
Yes, I believe it is inevitable, although getting it passed will be more difficult in some states than others.
What I want to know is–what, specifically, are homophobes afraid of?
It's not contagious, you know.
I hope so.
It's probably inevitable Jack. Right after it becomes law of the land, expect gay couple to start sueing their churches to force church marraiges.
Gay marriage may be inevitable, but it may be a long time in gaining acceptance by people who are not yet ready to appreciate that the fact that gays can have loving, committed, responsible relationships which are legal and binding through marriage. All people, whether heterosexual or homosexual, deserve the opportunity to learn and grow through committed relationships that are taken seriously enough to be made legal. There are so many heterosexual marriages that are abusive and based on infidelity, because marital vows are not taken seriously. If a gay couple can live-up to the standard of a loving, faithful marriage that nurtures the couple and the children, it is far better than a marriage where abuse and infidelity are the norm.
I should hope so. America is for everyone to have and be a part of, believe it or not that includes the gays.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
It is frankly un-American to deny a citizen the liberty to marry another citizen in their mutual pursuit of happiness.
At one time bi-racial marriages were banned in some states (especially in the South) The Supreme Court struck these laws down in Loving vs. Virgina in the 1960s. I think striking down laws banning gay marriages would be the next logical evolutionary step. Ultimately, people should be allowed to spend their lives with whom ever they choose. I've never understood the argument that the Right frequently makes about gay marriage being a threat to the institution of marriage. I can see how no-fault divorce might be constued to be a threat to the institution of marriage, and I don't hear a drumbeat from the Christian conservatives to ban that. It doesn't make logical sense to say that allowing one group to marry (homosexuals) is going to somehow damage the marriages of another group (heterosexuals). And as to the false analogy presented earlier "What's next people marrying their pets?" – the logic breaks down. A pet is not a consenting individual with the mental and moral reasoning capacity to enter into a marriage contract. Most people are.
Yes it is. In this country there should be no second class citizens. I dont understand what the controversy is all about. I do understand that this seems to be more a religious issue. In my opinion the problem here is that there are remnants of the church left in operations of state. Marriage is a religious ceremony which the state CHOSE to recognize and laws were then built around that idea. Times have changed. I think that marriage for gays may not be the total solution. I think the overall solution may be to better define civil unions. In other words the church can call the ceremony a marriage ceremony but in the end everyone should have a civil union recognized by the state. If gays then want to petition the church to allow marriage ceremonies for gay couples then so be it. Our legal obligation to any citizen is to create a society that is tolerant to all citizens and does not create an air of prejudice. We simply need to complete the seperation of church and state and most of these issues would be null and void.
If religion keeps bending and twisting the bible and beliefs to accommodate themselves, it could be very possible.
Jack, gay marraige and equality is inevitable. However, it may take more time than some of us have left here on Earth. It completely baffles me that any legal opposition to gay marraige is not clearly viewed as a religious based, bias decision..... clearly a violation of our Constitution. REGARDLESS of your personal views, I have the right to love whomever I please. You may think that you are "religious" but hate, descrimination and intolerance are hardly TRUE Christian values.
Jack, it's inevitable. At least it will eliminate the argumentative issue of leaving the toilet seat up or down.
Kevin
Warren, MI
Hell no!!!
Only God knows.
Jack if gay marriage in the U.S. is inevitable then we will catch up with the rest of the world. And maybe we will take back our country from the religious nut case's.
Of course it will, Jack. Our judges are sending abused kids back to their parents, destroying the sovereignty of the US, putting law enforcement officers in jail and giving drug smugglers immunity. What do YOU think?
I see absolutely no reason for the government to even be involved in who gets married in this country. If a church is willing to marry a couple, who is the government, you or I to say it is a sin. That seems to be the reason why the government is involved, I thought there was supposed to be a separation between church and state.
I grew up in the 60's and the cry then was live and let live!!!!It was good back then and it should be good now. You should be married to the person you love, and that Jack is a Fact!!!!
In America? unlikely...we want to build a huge wall... we are increasing sentences for minor drug offences and so on. Not going to happen. what could happen is for states in blue states to deny marriages from other states from straight marriages. That would be my solution... you want to ignore a gay union from California Nevada? Well, Nevada, I'm gonna ignore all of your unions...... Of course this would lead to a civil war... but im pretty sure we can take the red states haha. There's only so much damage a green tractor can do..
Jack
My wife & I have been married for 35 years.
Gay marriage is as inevitable as the rotation of the earth. Things change. It won't hurt the institution of marriage anymore than the 50% failure rate in heterosexual marriage has done. All this blather about the sanctity of marriage is hooey. All marriages are in fact Civil Unions. A form of social contract meant to stabilize society and regularize inheritance and transfers of property rights from one generation to the next.
Besides, in the immortal words of Don Rickles, why should gays not be as miserable as the rest of us?
Paul in Texas
God thinks so, now lets roll a joint.
I guess if us heterosexuals were told we could not marry maybe we would see it differently.
The traditional concept of marriage is based on archaic religious doctrine. For some reason too many people are threatened by the idea of equal rights. I certainly hope that gay marriage will become legal but don't expect it to happen in my lifetime.
Janet Carroll
Dunes City, Oregon
Ultimately, this has already been decided at the very birth of our great country.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
If you choose to deny gay citizens the same rights to marriage as straight citizens, you choose to deny the very foundation that the United States was built on. "all men are created equal..."
Unfortunately, it's inevitable. Look for the forces in favor of this initiative to apply the same tactics of the Roe v. Wade approach where it will be argued that the disparity in recognition of same-sex marriage between states will present a hardship for couples seeking to move to a non-compliance state. The Supreme Court will not always have a conservative leaning and enough moderates or liberals on the bench will eventually see the Roe v. Wade ruling as a precedent.
Jack, I hope that the widespread legalization of gay marriage is inevitable. It will extend what ought to be a basic human right, facilitate adoption of children by gay people (which might actually help to reduce abortion), and may reduce levels of sexual promiscuity. Best of all, having that issue resolved will allow the nation to concentrate on the important issues, such as why it took Barack Obama so long to wear an American flag lapel pin.
I think gay marriage should be allowed because if someone can find happiness in one another why should we judge them? It is not fair to the people who are gay, and why is it any of our business?
Gay marriage is definitely inevitable. As more and more closeted gays realize that they can come out, as more and more people see that there's nothing wrong with gay people, and as more and more people cast off their cherry-picked biblical ignorance, gays will eventually be allowed to marry.
Of course it is. The only other option is to say gay people are not actually people and hence do not have the same rights as "ordinary people".
YES, it is inevitable! 🙂
As a gay man, I am glad, too.
America accepting it...is America exhibiting its true values and principles–that people are free to do as they please, so long as no one is getting hurt (essentially the basis for any real law of worth).
Gays will not only marry, but will have families, raising kids just as well as heterosexual couples, or even single parents.
GOD, I hope so, Jack! 😉
I hope so!
Yes, Jack, I'm originally from Canada and our Catholic Prime Minister brought about gay marriage legislation following a supreme court ruling – despite his personal opposition to it. Government recognition of same-sex marriages does not mean that religious institutions need to recognize them as true marriages, nor perform them. It is simply calling the union of two individuals, whatever their sex, a marriage. No one should feel threatened by this.
Yes and No. I live in Texas and it's never going to be legal here, but I think there will be more and more states that take up New York's Policy.
Yes, it is inevitable, though I dislike the word "Inevitable" which implies that there is something wrong with allowing people of all sexual preferences to partake in marriage. I am a "straight" woman who has been married for 12 years and I simply do not find myself or the sanctity of marriage threatened by the participation in marriage by gay couples. I find the high rate of divorce and the lack of consideration for marriage to be more threatening to the sanctity of marriage.
Yes!!!
Jack, I cetainly hope gay marriage is inevitable. After 8 years of this administration running around proclaiming that we need to help other countries achieve freedom and democracy, it's time we start thinking about providing basic freedoms and rights to EVERY American. let's practice what we preach!
Yes. But as a gay man in his 60s, I don't think I'll live to see it. I wish gay activists had taken on more pressing reforms. When people are being imprisoned, tortured, or executed in many countries just for being gay, marriage rights seem trivial to me.
Absolutely. Inevitability suggests the future, and the future adults of this world won't understand the hate as it stands now toward gay citizens. Right now, they only see the gays they know as the ones they get along better with in the classroom than most.
The end result will be that gay marriage will be acceptable my the majority. Matrimony is the affair of the church. Listen to the under 30 crowd. They already are comfortable with it. Just a matter of time.
Ed
For over one hundred and fifty years many thought that women should not be full citizens of this nation. Sooner or later they will feel the same about gay and lesbian Americans.
Outside of politicians and extreme far-right evangelical types, I, frankly don't think anyone cares that much.
It's going to happen, Jack. It's just a matter of whether we're going to welcome marriage equality like mature adults or reject it like petulant children. I've yet to understand how gays' marrying is a threat to American values (among which, I understand, intolerance and bigotry are not included).
What is there that we don't understand about the US Constitution:
Article. IV. – The States
Section 1 – Each State to Honor all others
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section 2 – State citizens, Extradition
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
Isn't marriage a record and or proceeding and a privilege?
Absolutely not. Understanding the justification of something doesn't neccessarily mean accepting it. 2 states now allow gay marriage, and in return more than 20 have constitutionally banned it. Why don't we take THAT into consideration, Lou?
Yes. We shall all suffer together – no exceptions.
Jack,
Yes gay marriage is inevitable. Gay people are people too. Only religious fear and prejudices keep homosexuals from living a normal life that they deserve. Religion strikes again.
Brandon, Atheist, MD
Yes, it's inevitable. What puzzles me though is the right-wing screaming about the definition of marriage, when it's been constantly changing for YEARS!. It used to not even be a government license issue. Instead of keeping government approval of relationships but with their cultural bias included, why not change THAT?
Absolutely! There is a naturally developing telos in this country - across time, we move closer and closer towards complete equality for all. It's a great sign that we are beginning to accept gays as worthy of the tradition of marriage.
Yes, it is and I believe it will happen within the next 2-3 years. Denying adults marriage does seem wrong.
Positive talk about this controversy has been increasing over the last few years and has began to overturn the negatives. Everyone is beginning to see that people are just people. I do believe that gay marriage is inevitable and I cant wait to see the equality.
tyty
Jack, I pray ever day that gay will have the right to get married. If churches do not want to perform religious marriages that is fine, but the government should provide civil marriages for gay couples as they do to straight couples. Sure, it may not be tradition, but didn't integrating the military, schools, and buses go against the tradition of the U.S. at the time?
-Dustin
Athens, GA
Well, my "gay marriage" is not just inevitable... it's a reality. My husband and I got married last year and now have a 10 week old daughter. I really doubt that us "gays" will ruin marriage any more than you straights have (hello Brittany Spears!).
Yes - either same sex marriage, or else civil unions which are effectively equivalent. Purely in terms of setting legal precedent, as go New York, California, and Massachusetts, so goes the nation. Eventually.
"Marriage" vs. "civil union" should be a semantic difference in the eyes of the law. The word you use isn't important to me (I'm gay btw). What matters lot more are the civil rights same-sex partners enjoy - child custody, health-care decision making, employee benefits, inheritance, joint property, and so many other things (1,300 in New York alone!) which are taken for granted.
Each of us can choose a church that defines "marriage" as "two people" or one that defines it as "a man and a woman". But, we all depend on the same government and the same courts to protect our civil rights. These institutions are obliged to represent all Americans, no matter what our individual religious beliefs and choices are.
Yes, gay marriage is inevitable, in the same way that the demise of the grip of religion on society and politics is inevitable. The only question, relevant to both, is when. Old habits die hard.
Yep.
50 years from now we will look back and wonder how the we could have been so ignorant, intolerant, and prejudiced.
Remind you of anything?
What the critics of gay marriage have been overlooking is the fact that "Marriage" is a CIVIL contract issued by the state and has nothing to do with the religious ceremony. Let us gays get married and have all of the civil rights we are entitled to and let those who want to get married in a religious ceremony have it as a SEPERATE function outside of the civil laws.
Yes Jack, The United States is finally realizing that being gay is not taboo like it has been in the past. California should be a national role model for other states to legalize gay marriage.
Same Sex relationships have been part of the human condition for as long as we have known how to talk about them. It is just as inevitable that our law will eventually recognize those relationships as they are to happen.
well, its a free country jack, if enough people want it they will get it, it comes with the territory.
I think that if you look at the PAST presidential elections you will find that this question comes up every time. So, yes let's get over it and find something more important to debate on.. Like should President Bush be Impeached or tried for War Crimes.
If progress is an inevitability, then gay marriage is also.
Gay marriage is inevitable
I do believe gay marriage will happen especially since California is one of the states that allow gay marriages and many states are following that example. I believe gay people have a right to get married and live a life like the rest and to be quite honest their not hurting anybody so what's all the hubbub?
Helen, CA
YES! as we all grow, educate ourselves, and become more tolerant of differences from ourselves lots of good things are inevitable – peace, kindness, G.W. getting out of office, etc....
Simply, Yes!
American states can and will do what they want, but this Canadian woman will not be travelling to a state that doesn't want me and my female partner of 17 years. My family will happily vacation in beautiful Canada where we can feel welcome.
I suppose once the right is given, it will be a lot harder to take away, so maybe it is. So far, the nature of gay marraige and family is quite different from the nature of heterosexual marraige and family as reflected in lifestyles and divorce rates, so it seems they will always mean different things.
It is inevitable...however not just yet, American society and government is still decades away from complete tolerance of " difference" ...The day when there will be no racism in America, will be the day when gay marriage will become legal in all 50 states and be accepted by the general public. Until then, its all talk of one state accepting this but not that, but so what if there is no nationwide consensus on the issue?
I'm a gay man that lives in California. I would like to believe that the recognition of gay marriages in the U.S. is inevitable, but we live in a country where half of its citizens don't even believe in evolution. I hope that like the Civil Rights movement for African Americans, the Civil Rights movement for homosexuals eventually becomes a non-issue for most Americans. Religions were against rights for African-Americans back then and they're against rights for gays today. Eventually I believe Americans will wake up to the reality that Gay marriage is no threat to them and that it is heinous to deny that right to 2 consenting adults. Let's just hope it doesn't take another 50 years.
Daniel in Atascadero
We claim to be a free nation where all men are created equal. It is about time all men/women be treated equally. It doesn't matter what we call it, marriage, civil union, etc. all couples deserve the same legal protections! It will happen eventually, who would have ever thought we had the possiblity of a black president or a female president, it is all a matter of time and a lot of hard work!
Marty
Minneapolis, MN
I certainly hope so. I really think this is a non-issue. Why shouldn't gays have the same rights? Are they less than people? Just because someone may be insulted by it is no reason to deny a right. I'm insulted by what all of these televangelists are saying, but they have the right to say whatever they want, it seems. I'm not gay, and I'm not threatened by their possible rights either. Land of the free indeed...
Jack,
Not only is gay marriage in the U.S. inevitable, but it's the right thing to do. Forget the social morality talking points, the government should be in the business of granting contracts that guarantee benefits between people who choose to make the commitment to living together and sharing their lives, whether heterosexual or homosexual. Leave the question of "marriage" and its sanctity to the church and individuals of faith; the question of contracting benefits between individuals should be taken care of by the government and the insidious discrimination against homosexuals on the federal and state level should be abolished.
Andrew
Indianapolis, Indiana
Cerainly,and more importantly, why not? I work with an elder care attorney and same-sex unmarried couples are not a rarety anymore.
Protecting ones assets from probate is just another benefit of same
sex marriage.
Now, try and sell that reasoning to the General Assembly in this very
Presbyterian Indiana.
Indianapolis
Of course. Just like interracial marriages and women's right to vote were inevitable, gay marriage is as well. It's already been legalized in several other countries, and it's only a matter of time before the US catches up. Progressive ideas win out in the end, despite conservative attempts to prevent them.
I have been in a committed relationship for the past 8 years. Problem is, my sig. other lives in another country making it impossible for us to live here together. We manage a lot of time together but since we actually respect the law of rule, we have chosen to do things by the book. No marrying a female United States citizen to get a green card, no illegal immigration, just good old long distance. It seems heart-breakingly unfair that a hetero couple can unite with their love through marriage, but because we are two men that love each other we can not live together in his land or mine. Too bad we aren't spanish, or canadian, or Dutch, because all of those countries would make room for us if one of us were a citizen. But alas, I am a citizen of the USA, where all men are created equal, with equal rights for all. Right? I don't think so.
Is gay marriage inevitable? I most certainly hope so! It is quite disconcerting that anyone in this day and age still wants to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation. Anyone who is so inclines: shame on you! Move to Saudi Arabia..
Yes, it is inevitable and a good harbinger of further human rights sensitivity in our changing culture.
Well, Jack. I'm not exactly sure why American government at any level is in the "marriage" business at all. The way I see it, marriage is primarily a religious, spiritual, or at least personal relationship between two people and sanctioned by their particular community. Why don't we just have civil relationships–legal, recognized, binding contracts between to people for the long haul. Maybe this would help with the whole divorce epidemic in the U.S., and maybe it would help people realize that government doesn't belong in anybody's bedroom.
It's time we get out of everyone's bedroom and pay more attention to who has their hands in our pockets!
Absolutely.
Anyone who likes to delude themselves that this is not true does not really beleieve in the precepts on which the United States was establshed. I know the "moral" "majority" will rail on about it but most Americans understand that it is the only real way not to continue to make gays the next underprivileged class.
Just like voting was inevitable for women and African Americans because people believed in it and fought for it, marriage is a basic human and american right that can not continue to be controlled for long. The more the gay culture continues to be accepted by more and more people, the more likely it is that state by state gay marriage will be legalized, as it should have been a long time ago.
Sorry, forgot my location. Yes, gay marriage is inevitable, in the same way that the demise of the grip of religion on society and politics is inevitable. The only question, relevant to both, is when. Old habits die hard.
"Not that there's anything wrong with that ..."
yes. gay couples in my experince are the most responsible people ive meet in my life, ... they cant let straight people do all the divorcing right.
Sadly it is inevitable. As America continues its policy of the majority pandering to the minority; our once solid ethical and moral base is eroding more each day. I wonder what our founding fathers would think? I think I'll take my wife and 6 year old son off to New Zealand or someplace and raise him as a hermit! God knows I can't explain the state of things in America to him anymore!
I hope so. I don't understand how some people can think it's alright to deny equal rights to a whole group of citizens. It wasn't long ago when different races weren't allowed to marry. And for some to object to gay marriage by comparing it to marriage with animals is ridiculous!
As an "out" law professor, my experience is that, even in a very "conservative" university, the students do not care about this issue. In 14 years, not one student has reacted in any way at all to my family pictures, prominently displayed in my office, except to ask for my partner's name so that she can be invited, with me, to their weddings. Yes, I think gay marriage is inevitable, because the younger generation has been exposed to many gay people - the good, bad, and ugly - and know we are just like them, and there is nothing to fear.
Gay marriage will be legal because there is nothing in the constitution to make it illegal. As long as it's not mandatory no one should have anything to complain about.
Of course it's inevitable. The U.S. is waking up to the rest of the world in that it can't continue denying sects of it's population rights. The "righies" say it will ruin the institution of marriage. Well, I think marriage is alive and well in Massachusetts.
Absolutely! It's about time!
Jack, I don't think its inevitable. I think people as a whole will not allow it. But then again, since when does what the people want as a whole matter. Hey I have an idea... Lets see what all the deligates and super deligates think. Seems lately that thier opinions matter more that the peoples.
Yes, I think gay marriage is envitable. We may be gay but are still human beings and derserve the same rights as everyone else. I can't wait to marry my partner in June. I am proud of California on making such a progressive decision.
Gay marriage is becomning inevitable, first its was massachusetts
then carlifornia and now newyork , the reality is other states are going to try and fight for their right just like the previous states that accepted gay marriage. Before you know all the states will accept gay marriage.
Yes, I think Gay marrage is inevetable, as it should be. I know there are those who don't think this is in God's plan. But at one time inter-racial marrage was not acceptable.
I don't understand why this question is even being asked. As long as homosexual people exist they will find lovers and want to marry them, just like heterosexual people.
Let's allow for a national mandate to declare gay marriage legal and let's move on.
Dear Jack,
There used to be a saying in this country. I don't remember who said it first but it goes: "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." What about "I may disagree with whom you marry but I will defend to the death your right to marry him/her." Come on folks this is America. Will gay marriage ever be universally legal here, you ask? Only if we continue to believe in the constitution.
Dan NY
from Worcester, Mass
Ofcourse it inevitable. It is the right thing to do and right always prevails wrong. Why should all the high tax paying, law abiding, community contributing, patriotic gays in America be denied this right? It's absurd. Heterosexuals have the divorce rate at or near 50%, gays aren't going to make it any worse. This debate is petty and myopic exposing ignorance and disguised hatred for those in opposition. Only in America can you get a badge of honor for killing another man, yet a discharge for loving another one!
I hope God isn't watching!
If two human beings want to enter into a marital union, why should any nation of free people want to stop it. If people want to believe in their own minds that God does not recognize their union, that is fine. The problem that exists is that in regards to government, this is a legal contract not a religious act. Critics need to worry about the infidelity in their marriages and stop worrying about gay marriage.
Jay in Alabama
Jack,
Being a gay man in a 19 year relationship , We have no desire to marry . We have estate planning which basically does the same things as marriage.
I think Gay Marriage will only benefit divorce lawyers
Thanks, David
Yes, legal Gay marriage in the US is inevitable. The history of this country is punctuated by intervals in which our government sanctioned discrimination against one group or another. Each of these groups have eventually been granted their civil rights and 50 years later, the populace cannot believe how backward people had been to discrimiate against that group in the past. So many groups have been given their rights over the history of the US: the native Americans, African Americans, women, etc. Is it unrealistic to believe that gay Americans will be the next group to receive full civil rights here?
The Government needs to stay out of this. Let the Churches decide depending upon their religion. If a "real" Church agrees to marry a couple, they should be able to get a license and then be treated like a married couple.
Some states will say yes, some no, but I still say keep it out of government.
I believe the sticking point is not "gay marriage", it's the word marriage. That word has a long standing meaning (a very special meaning to me) and should not be changed Many people like myself would come on board if a phrase such as "civil union" was used and was given the same legal status as marriage.
Yes, gay marriage is inevitable. The only difference between a gay and straight couple is the act of sex; gay people share the exact same love and essential values as straight people. It's time America join the other progressive nations of the modern world like many in Europe and in neighboring Canada. Stop the ignorance, the discrimination and the hatred. Do you think only straight people contribute to the social, political, economic, religious and cultural wealth of the world? Think about it.
Probably, in 20 years or so. It's one of the few minority rights issues that is in large part, being decided by voters. Most people were opposed to interracial marriage when it was made legal by the courts. I wish Americans would pay more attention to the part of the constitution that talks of the majority protecting the rights of the minority and less to flag pins or statements by someone's preacher.
How many times have we pledged allegiance to a flag that stands for liberty and justice for all? Or was it liberty and justice for all except a few...?
Marriage between any two consenting adults should be permitted in all states of the U.S. Further, until reproduction rights are removed from all individuals marrying who may have genetically "impaired" children, first cousins should also be allowed to marry.
Sick, sick,sick. This why this country is in bad shape. Lets bend to another group. We don't need another law!
I am amazed, and gladdened, to see that the vast majority of your responses have been favorable towards the question of America eventually accepting gay marriage - and that the few negative replies that you have received appear knee-jerk and almost childish compared to the reasoned and compassionate responses in support of gay marriage. Looks like America is back on an upswing after a long night of hate and fear!
Because politicians want to WIN at any cost, they will continue to pander to the many self-professed conservatives in our nation. It's much easier to bash the gays than it is to build a new oil refinery or come up with alternative fuels or a coherent energy policy.
Jack, it's all just a bunch of propaganda for another form of brainwashing in America. End of story.
Are you kidding me? Gay Marriage is Wrong Wrong Wrong!
There is NO DOUBT that it will be legal in all states some day. If fifty years our children will look back and say, "I can't believe that the government didn't allow people to marry who they wanted back in the old days!" It will be a source of shame for our nation, just as slavery has always been.
Heather in San Diego
Yes. Young people do not have the same prejudices as prior generations. The clear trend is for acceptance. LIve and let live.
Finally, someone asked the right question. Yes, gay marriage is inevitable!
Guess what. Gay people get married ANYWAY; their marriage just isn't recognized by the govenment - yet - which makes it a civil rights issue.
People who think they can stand in the way of gay marriage are delusional. When has a law ever stood in the face of the full force of love?
I'd like to know when the Full Faith and Credit clause of the U.S. Constitution became optional?
How is it that a 15 year old female can marry in the state of Mississippi and then, if she and her husband move to any other state in the Union, their marriage is legitimate, while two women in their 30's marry in Massachusetts and it doesn't have to be recognized anywhere else in the country?
Yes, it is inevitable. I live in one of the Redest states imaginable (Utah) and even here, younger generations just don't see this as a critical issue. They see this issue for what it is- that is – that it is nothing to worry about. Whether my gay neighbors get married (or even divorced) is no more my business than my marriage is to them. Who cares? Of course gay Americans should be afforded the same rights and be allowed to marry. In a few years (or at the most a decade) I'm confident they will be.
If it does happen, you can bet God will turn his back on this country!!
Will kings be relegated to history?
Will slavery be abolished?
Will women get the right to vote?
Will women get the right to own property?
Will equal protection be enforced?
Will interracial marriage be recognized?
Will women get the right to control their own bodies?
Will gay marriage be recognized?
The liberal agenda may work slowly, but it presses on, much to the chagrin of the conservatives who are always among us.
Yes, and it should. Any LEGAL RIGHT given to one person must be given to all. That is the basis of our constitution. Just as any LEGAL RIGHT taken from one person must be taken from all. This is the process the law uses to provide equality.
no marriage should be "legal."
the government has no business in a very personal agreement. the only reason it appears that government is involved in marriage to begin with is to determine and enforce accountability for the care of children and sort out the property and health care issues surrounding the children and spouses.
This will probably be a state by state decision for the time being. Someone should do a statistcal examination of the revenue
brought in by stable couples versus the tax base provided
by single and struggling individuals.
Hopefully, Jack. Our constitution dictates that people be afforded equal rights and protections, as is stated in the fourteenth amendment and as was the intention of our nations founders. To deny gays equal rights would be to go against the principles this nation was founded on and our society is made better when people are treated equally and not disinfranchised.
No. Unlike in the case of rights for women or blacks, here we have people choosing to not participate in heterosexual relationships, much less marriage.
Any of these people could get married already, if they wanted to. Our laws simply restrict the person you can marry (i.e. don't pick your sister or someone from the same sex or someone under the age of 15). The laws on these restrictions will continue to vary by state.
Of Course, It's silly that anyone would feel threatened by this. If you have a strong heterosexual marraige I salute you and promise my stong homosexual marriage will do nothing to minimize or threaten your happiness. Signed Productive Tax Paying Citizen
Yes, it is inevitable because it is a foolish issue to spend so much time on. Our nation has so many critical topics to discuss and debate....marriage between two committed adults is just not one we need to worry about.
Sure, why not? We're already well down the path of the Roman Empire anyway.
thank you for your support in this blog-the only way we will ever win this fight is if we gain the support of the straight community.
your support gives me hope.
we dont want any special rights, we just want to be equal.
thanks,
ren scheuerman
louisville, kentucky
If divorce is legal, why not gay marriage?
Jack...
My wife and I, have been in the “same sex marriage” relation for 27 years and going. I love her to death. I believed that people have found another way to love each other, and Jack, you know, you can’t stop love. Yes it's inevitable.
My Fiance (female) is currently writing her thesis on the subject of gay marriage and the law here in Nebraska. After listening to her for the last two years I can tell you that it is an inevitability but it will not come about without a fight against the ignorance that makes this whole thing an issue to begin with.
It's just too bad we have waste time dealing with nonsense like this when there are so many real problems facing our society these days.
Yes it is inevitable, simply because it is illegal (and, may I add, immoral) to deny individual rights because of discrimination.
Hello Jack, I think so. The issue of same-sex marriage has been around for so many years (actually thousands of years) and only recently have we seen real progress in terms of recognizing their lifestyle. Just like interracial marriages I think it'll be a slow and steady process but nonetheless it will inevitablly happen.
I think every american should have the same rights... and getting married its one of them!
I am a married, straight female. And when conservatives say that gay marriage "threatens" the sanctity or my marriage... well, I just laugh. It's preposterous.
Finally - for those on this thread who say the the purpose of marriage is religious and to propegate the species... please allow me to correct you. Marriage was around LONG before Christianity. And it is a societal measure put in for transferrence of wealth and property between families because women were not allowed to own land or have wealth.
Let's keep it real, folks...
Yes it is, because, thank goodness, progress moves FORWARD and people are sick of letting religious homophobes run the country.
Marriage sacred? Cut me a break, the divorce rate is 50%!
Jefferson and the founding fathers made it quite clear that they believed citizens of this country are all equal and hold certain rights. If this is their life and getting married makes them happy who has the right to tell them they can't?
If gay marriage is accepted, then what does this mean in terms of children and adoption into gay families? If we don't allow single people to adopt (unless youre a movie star) then isnt that the same as a gay couple? How can two men teach a girl how to be a woman? This is the slippery slope, I fear. . . not so much the two people being together (which is fine by me) but the legalities of children, then.
I think it's 100% inevitable, it may take awhile-but eventually standards and customs and unions and overall feelings towards the issue will evolve and it will be as common as pie. I'm a religious man, Jack, born and raised and still very much active in the church, and I'm 100% for gay marriage. While many of my other Christian counterparts may disagree, there are bigger things to worry about... Everyone has a right to happiness and recognition.
I aggree with President Bush that gay s should be aloud to marry
lesbians.
Marriage is supposed tp be between a Man and a woman. Two people of the same sex, regardless how some people might accept them are still, abnormal in thier behavior. Same sex marriage should never be condoned.
Yes, it is inevitable. The U.S. needs to be more progressive and stop being discriminatory towards gays. It seems this always comes up during election days to thwart the important issues facing this country today. I am happy they can marry it is just another reason for the religious right to put another Republican in office though. The Republicans will use this issue to try and get elected. The religious right says they are protecting the sanctity of marriage, when in reality what really threatens the santity of marriage is alcohol abuse, drug abuse, promiscuity and money issues. Too many people do what they want in marriages then use the excuse they 'BACK SLID' and then all is forgiven. I am from McAllen Texas. Congratulations California for protecting people's rights.
No way! Jesus would never let that happen!
Yes, sadly, I do feel it is inevitable. Our moral compass is increasingly becoming so skewed that we have no clear standard. I'm sure I'm going to be labelled a homophobe but once we clear the "politically corrective" smoke, the facts are the facts. PROCREATION – the human race could not continue if monogomous homosexual partnerships were how we were created to be. What next, the pedophile says he/she loves the children they develope relationships with – is that o.k.?, the polygomist loves all his wives, is that o.k.? I'm not speaking out of anger, or ignorance but love for those who are being dupped. Homosexuality is against human nature and God's plan for mankind. Simple truth.
It should be Jack. Unless of course, Americans do not fundamentally believe in equal rights for all. I can't even believe it is an issue in a country that claims ot be the greatest, most free nation in the world. It's basic human decency.
Of course – liberty and justice for ALL – unless for some strange reason we get another Bush type human being as our leader – nah – there can't possibly be another one like that around – ya think
Only death and taxes are inevitable. All it takes for bad things to happen is for decent people to do nothing (sorry Burke).
gay marriage is wrong !!!!!!!! we supposedly have a higher intelligence than animal and reptile species and yet they mate male and female . what has happened to our sense of morality? thankfully i won`t be around in the next 40 years to see the complete break down of what we now know as family life. GOD bless you all that will have to live through it.
Yes Jack,
It will take years for a majority of states to recognize gay marriage. Nevertheless, one day it WILL happen. This arguement that marriage between a man and a woman is so sacred in the eyes of God may be true, but if it is, BAN DIVORCE!
Jim S.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Marriage is a choice. You either marry or you dont. Gays should have the same choices as everyone else.
And for those who aks...."Well, what about the values of our children....blah blah blah." Here is the answer to that: TEACH THEM THE VALUE OF EQUALITY.
My little 4 year old neice is already well adjusted to the fact she has a gay uncle and she already says......"YOU ARE NOT DIFFERENT. NO ONE IS DIFFERENT."
it'll be horrible...the crappy gifts we are able to pass off at hetero weddings will no longer be accepted at gay weddings...our personal disposable income will be crippled as we move from gleaning registries at Pottery Barn to being broken by registries at Armani and Tiffany's
Yes, Jack it is inevitable! It is time to give equal protection under the law – including the hundreds (or is it thousands?) of legal rights that flow from being a "spouse." The word "spouse" is critical in being able to claim all manner of federal rights – something that "domestic partnerships" does not do!
I am proud to be a Californian!
My conservative sister says that marriage is for the sole purpose of pro-creation. She's on her third marriage and in her mid fifties. She didn't have an answer when I asked her if we should void her current marriage since she is unable to physically have any more children. Maybe she should she live the rest of her life alone...or just have a "life partner" without any tax or social benefits that come along with marriage! That idea didn't go over well, but I made my point!
Not only is it inevitable, it is long overdue. Why is it that heterosexuals can marry as many times as they want, case in point the Manhattan socialite Tommy Manville with 13 wives to his credit and Elizabeth Taylor with eight marriages to date and who knows, maybe she "ain't done yet." With the divorce rate as high as it is, where do heterosexuals have any room to criticize same sex couples for wanting to marry.
As an American in Western Europe this issue, like too many others, is a bit of a shocker to me when it turns up and I realize my native country has so much catching up to do with the modern world. If we had real leadership, instead of the lowest common denominator constantly rising to the top (aka 8 years of Bush) the common sense solution of a nationwide "civil union" law would've been an easy compromise to move us past this inane topic. Everybody could've claimed a little bit of a victory in their arguing over semantics and this state to state, country to country mess wouldn't be happening. Oh, how we could've used an Obama in 2000!
We recently lost Mildred Loving – whose desire to be married to the person she loved brought about a change in the law of the land. (She and her husband were of different "races" and their marriage was still illegal in many states.) It is only a matter of time until gay marriage is as legal as interracial marriage.
I feel it is inevitable, but not for a while. While the United States was the forerunner for the gay rights movement, they seem to have done an about-face on the issue, lagging far behind many other countries like Spain and South Africa.
What difference does it make for two states to allow same-sex marriages if those couples are then restricted in their "pursuit of happiness" to those states alone? Shouldn't rights apply to all or none?
Last year here in Indiana, when the state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages was being debated, the state's largest companies rose up in protest. They claimed that Indiana is already seen as a "backwards" state and limiting the rights of their prospective employees would diminish their recruiting and force them to leave the state. Needless to say, money talks... and the ban was not passed. My thought is this: if a "backwards" state like Indiana can yield to the common-sense arguments of its largest producers, would the nation as a whole be wise to do the same?
Finally, divorce rates are higher than they've ever been. Why not give monogamous same-sex couples the chance to enjoy the benefits of their commitment? It isn't as if heterosexuals have been doing a bang-up job of upholding the institution of marriage.
I have been married for 4 years now. I welcome all, straight or gay, to join me in this hell. All I can say about it is be careful what you wish for, cause you just might get it.