Posted by AuntieMel on December 14, 2004, at 10:42:17
In reply to Re: Using the Bible » Gabbix2, posted by MKB on December 13, 2004, at 21:43:32
I'm a firm believer that everyone has a right to his own opinion, even if it is a minority opinion.
The problem I have with this issue is that there is a large group insistent on forcing their opinion onto the rest of the population (by constitutional ammendment, no less!)
And there are folks that will distort things to prove their point (not talking about anyone here, mainly the pseudo-conservitive talking heads.) Activist judges in Massachusetts? The way I heard the story (from reading news reports) was that the court there said that current laws banning gay marriage were against the state constitution. And it said that if that were to be changed it would have to be changed by the legislature or state ammendment. It sounds like a simple law decision, but from listening to certain media you would swear they just rewrote law.
I never hear anyone discuss the pros/cons of the issue as it relates to public policy. Again - I'm talking about the media - newspapers, tv, internet, etc. Wouldn't it be nice if babblers could rise above that?
So - taking the term "marriage" out of the equation, what are we really talking about? These are the things I've personally seen that are issues to be resolved (I'm using him/his in the generic sense, like mankind) Most of these have to do with the assumed rights <and responsibilities> that married couples have:
1) Next-of-kinship. If one partner is in intensive care in the hospital it isn't uncommon for his family to barge in, make all the decisions and ban the well parner from even seeing him. This happens often, especially when the sick partner's family hasn't accepted their sexual identity.
2) Insurance - companies offer insurance to 'spouses' but gay couples need not apply (yes, I know some companies have it, but it isn't the norm)
3) Survivorship. Even with a will, there is no guarantee that the deceased partner's wishes will be fulfilled. Burial arrangements can be a real hot spot.
4) Custody rights. Gay couples *do* become parents. Women use artificial insemination and both genders adopt - often older kids that wouldn't otherwise have a home. Because of current laws/norms only one person is listed as the mommy or daddy. If a relationship ends for some reason - 'divorce' or death - the other partner can lose the right to even visit.
5) Court testimony. Law says one spouse can not be forced to testify against another. Not true for gay couples.
I could go on and on, but these are enough to chew on for now.
poster:AuntieMel
thread:427221
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20041129/msgs/429395.html