Equal Marriage Supporters

[Mrs.Toad]

It absolutely is.

People don't seem to realize that in most of the country heterosexuals have been given privileges by their home states' constitutions that are not granted to homosexuals. That goes against the 14th Amendment. There are those who say that marriage is not a right listed in the US Constitution, but the Constitution is not there to list every right that we have. There are "inalienable rights", such as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are specifically listed in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution, but the absence of the phrase from the Constitution does not mean that those rights don't exist for all Americans. To deny a homosexual couple access to the legal marriage benefits my husband and I enjoy is to deny them their right to pursue happiness.

This will not be solved by voting in individual states. This needs to go to the Supreme Court like Loving v. Virginia. It is a very similar "basic civil rights" argument.

You are absolutely right. When people say marriage isn't a right because it isn't mentioned in the constitution, I figure they've never read the Bill of Rights, specifically Amendment 9:

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The argument that "Everyone has the same rights. Gays and lesbians can marry the opposite sex just like heterosexuals can." is also ridiculously simplistic.

 

[Cindy F]

Every adult free to marry should be able to marry the partner of their choice.

Too bad the supreme court won't grow a pair and enforce that concept. It's ridiculous that gay marriage is left "up to the states" and even more ludicrous that it's voted on.

The whole thing is just pitiful. Federal ruling-end this mess and end it now. No more arguing, no more waiting for the Archie Bunkers of the world to die off, no more voting on whether or not someone else should be allowed to marry.

It's embarrassing, just stop it already.

 

[Goofyluver]

Too bad the supreme court won't grow a pair and enforce that concept. It's ridiculous that gay marriage is left "up to the states" and even more ludicrous that it's voted on.

The whole thing is just pitiful. Federal ruling-end this mess and end it now. No more arguing, no more waiting for the Archie Bunkers of the world to die off, no more voting on whether or not someone else should be allowed to marry.

It's embarrassing, just stop it already.

I'm gonna give that a hell yea.

 

[tiggger1]

I'll join! I have alot of gay friends and a few of them are already married~

 

[Planogirl]

I think that what two consenting adults do is no one else's business. I respect those who have certain religious beliefs as long as they keep them to themselves and don't interfere in the lives of others. We don't all have to agree with each other but we should respect that we won't agree and allow others to live their lives as they see fit.

In other words, I'm adding my support.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Here's some recent research on the effects of the anti same sex marriage amendments, very disheartening:

“Typically, we tend to think of anti-GLBT policies such as marriage bans and Proposition 8 as affecting only GLBT people. However, our research suggests that others in addition to GLBT people are also impacted by this legislation and sometimes quite negatively. For example, we learned that some family members experienced a form of secondary minority stress. Although many participants displayed resiliency and effective coping with this stress, some experienced strong negative consequences to their mental and physical health,” said Jennifer Arm, M.S.

Brent Mallinckrodt, Ph.D., editor of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, said the three articles provide empirical evidence of the harmful psychological and emotional effects of such measures.

“This information is especially timely, as we see the emotionally charged reactions from GLBT people in the wake of the Proposition 8 passage in California,” he said. “Psychologists serving GLBT clients and their families need to be aware of the real impact of these political forces on the everyday lives of the people most directly affected.”

Article: “Marriage Amendments and Psychological Distress in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) Adults,” Sharon Scales Rostosky, Ph.D., and Ellen D.B. Riggle, Ph.D., University of Kentucky; Sharon G. Horne, Ph.D., University of Memphis; and Angela D. Miller, Ph.D., University of Kansas; Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 56, No. 1.

Article: “Balancing Dangers: GLBT Experience in a Time of Anti-GLBT Legislation,” Heidi M. Levitt, Ph.D., Elin Ovrebo, M.S., Mollie B. Anderson-Cleveland, B.S., Christina Leone, M.S., Jae Y. Jeong, M.S., Jennifer R. Arm, M.S., Beth P. Bonin, B.S., John Cicala, M.B.A., Rachel Coleman, M.S., Anna Laurie, M.S., James M., Vardaman, M.B.A., & Sharon G. Horne, Ph.D., Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 56, No. 1.

Article: “Negotiating connection to GLBT experience: Family members' experience of anti-GLBT movements and policies,” Jennifer R. Arm, M.S., Sharon G. Horne, Ph.D., and Heidi M. Levitt, Ph.D., The University of Memphis; Journal of Counseling Psychology, Vol. 56, No. 1. Full text of the articles is available from the APA Public Affairs Office.

Links

 

[freckles and boo]

I support the right for two consenting adults to commit in marriage. I hope the people of Illlinois (and the US) see the light so people like my sister-in-law and her wonderful partner can enjoy the benefits of marriage. They are as committed to one another as any two people could be.

 

[Uncle Remus]

You are absolutely right. When people say marriage isn't a right because it isn't mentioned in the constitution, I figure they've never read the Bill of Rights, specifically Amendment 9:

The argument that "Everyone has the same rights. Gays and lesbians can marry the opposite sex just like heterosexuals can." is also ridiculously simplistic.

I also include the equal protection clause, the 14th amendment states:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

 

[ChrizJen]

So who has a gay friendly church near them?
www.joymcc.com

MCC is a good one.
We've actually got LOTs of churches to choose from. The MCC and United Church of Christ (the "comma" churches) are the most welcoming, but we have many of the other denominations as well. We have Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist and Catholic just to name a few. I drive past 2 of them just on my way to drop DD off at daycare.

Here's a link to a great website that lists gay friendly churches all over the WORLD!!

ETA...Follow Bicker's link below. I can't figure out why mine's broken...LOL

 

[bicker]

Fixed your link:

Find a Church

 

[Uncle Remus]

MCC is a good one.
We've actually got LOTs of shurches to choose from. The MCC and United Church of Christ (the "comma" churches) are the most welcoming, but we have many of the other denominations as well. We have Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist and Catholic just to name a few. I drive past 2 of them just on my way to drop DD off at daycare.

Here's a link to a great website that lists gay friendly churches all over the WORLD!!

I forget how long MCC has been around, decades now, but here's a few links for those folks in North TX:

North Texas Metropolitan Community Churches-Our Sister Churches

Arlington– Trinity MCC
Denton - Harvest MCC
Fort Worth – Agape MCC
Oak Cliff – Promise MCC
Wichita Falls – Wichita Falls MCC
Other Texas MCC’s


What MCC Believes About Homosexuality
Read some of the insights offered by MCC clergy on Homosexuality and decide for yourself what God has to say about you, love and life.

The Bible And Homosexuality by Rev. Mona West

Coming Out As Sacrament By Rev. Mona West

Our Story Too...Reading The Bible With New Eyes Part 1 By Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

Our Story Too...Part 2 The GLBT Family in the Bible…Founding and Following the Work of Jesus By Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

Our Story Too...Part 3 Same Sex Relationships in the Bible By Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

Power Of The Bible By Rev. Mona West

Queer Spirituality By Rev. Mona West

Homosexuality: Not A Sin...Not A Sickness Part 1 By Rev. Elder Don West

Homosexuality: Not A Sin...Not A Sickness What The Bible Does And Does Not Say Part 2 By Rev. Elder Don West

Links

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

Can I just offer my support from across the pond? Thankfully here in the UK we have civil partnerships for same-sex partners and I am proud of my country for making this law. Guess what though - the sky hasn't fallen, no churches have been 'made' to marry anyone they don't want to and children aren't being 'indoctrinated' into 'gayness' on a daily basis. But then I've been told previously that the UK's less religious stance means most of my country are going to burn in hell anyway! Ah well, I'd rather be there than the 'other' place with the holy-rollers any day. Just imagine the parties if every gay person on the planet was there...whooo-hooo!

 

[ChrizJen]

Fixed your link:

Find a Church

thanks!

 

[ChrizJen]

Can I just offer my support from across the pond? Thankfully here in the UK we have civil partnerships for same-sex partners and I am proud of my country for making this law. Guess what though - the sky hasn't fallen, no churches have been 'made' to marry anyone they don't want to and children aren't being 'indoctrinated' into 'gayness' on a daily basis. But then I've been told previously that the UK's less religious stance means most of my country are going to burn in hell anyway! Ah well, I'd rather be there than the 'other' place with the holy-rollers any day. Just imagine the parties if every gay person on the planet was there...whooo-hooo!

Even though I know those other folks are wrong, that's just funny right there...

 

[Uncle Remus]

Let's not leave the Mormons out.

A documentary film about same-sex marriage and theology leads to friendship, admiration and new understanding.

Who could have foreseen what would happen between the Mormon filmmaker and the lesbian priest?

Not Douglas Hunter, even after he took a leap of faith and trained his camera on the Rev. Susan Russell.

And maybe not even Russell, who had undergone a remarkable transformation from onetime suburban soccer mom to priest and outspoken champion of gay rights.

But the friendship that took root when Hunter asked Russell to play the central role in his documentary about same-sex marriage and theology would lead two people from different worlds to a new understanding of themselves and their faiths.
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"As a Mormon, I have a responsibility and commitment to listen to my church leaders," he said. "At the same time, listening to my church leaders does not absolve me of the ethical responsibility to listen to the voice of the other."

Hunter said he hoped the film would spark a thoughtful conversation about acceptance. "There are some things that Mormons are going to find challenging in the film, such as a lesbian priest saying that God is working through her," he said. "I think that is a good point of discussion."

And so he stayed his course, but not without turmoil, as tensions grew over Mormon support for the same-sex marriage ban.

Just days before the Nov. 4 election, Hunter joined Russell for an interfaith service in the ornate sanctuary of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral near USC. One by one, speakers took the stage to reflect on the proposed ban.

Finally, Hunter stepped forward. He spoke about compassion and about the universality of love.

"If as a straight man I find the tools for strengthening my marriage in the relationships of same-sex couples and of a dear friend, can I deny them a fundamental right that I benefit from and cherish?" he asked. "The answer is no."

More at the Link: Faith forms a bond for a lesbian priest and a Mormon father of three

 

[Uncle Remus]

Can I just offer my support from across the pond? Thankfully here in the UK we have civil partnerships for same-sex partners and I am proud of my country for making this law. Guess what though - the sky hasn't fallen, no churches have been 'made' to marry anyone they don't want to and children aren't being 'indoctrinated' into 'gayness' on a daily basis. But then I've been told previously that the UK's less religious stance means most of my country are going to burn in hell anyway! Ah well, I'd rather be there than the 'other' place with the holy-rollers any day. Just imagine the parties if every gay person on the planet was there...whooo-hooo!

Don't forget the parades too.

arty:

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Uncle, you post the best threads and the most informative links. Thanks. I'm definitely in. Kim is Michelle's wife, just ask Bella. Now if the government was as wise as my 10 year old.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Uncle Remus takes this entire issue very seriously. Posting this thread is one way to share that concern and the positive aspects of trying to educate away the fears that are held by so many.

So! I add my thanks too!

 

[Goofyluver]

Absolutely. Kudos to all of those that are willing to participate in an open discussion about civil rights for the LGBTQ community and those issues that are important to discuss in order to educate others.

Thanks, Unc!

 

[Uncle Remus]

Uncle, you post the best threads and the most informative links. Thanks. I'm definitely in. Kim is Michelle's wife, just ask Bella. Now if the government was as wise as my 10 year old.

Uncle Remus takes this entire issue very seriously. Posting this thread is one way to share that concern and the positive aspects of trying to educate away the fears that are held by so many.

So! I add my thanks too!

Hey, we're all in this together.

Even these folks:

The Gay Christian Network

The Gay Christian Network (GCN) is a nonprofit ministry supporting Christians worldwide who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Our mission, "sharing Christ's light and love for all," is carried out in 5 primary directions, to impact individuals, families, communities, churches, and the world.

GayChristian.net


Here's a really informative youtube where Pat Robertson agrees with this gay minister about Sodom 'n Gibeah, yeah, I said Gibeah!

Were Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed for being gay?


And BIG THANKS to all of y'all for helpin' in the success of this support thread!