What do you think about gay marriage?

Question

Which level of government should make the law on a controversial issue like "gay marriage"? Should it be legal?
What difference would it make which level of government decided? Whats your opinion on the issue of whether there should be "gay marriage" or "civil unions"?

Answer 1

Let them get married.

Answer 2

Well, as a gay man, I would like to see the law protect choice and allow freedom for all adults who are not related and are capable of entering into a legal contract to be allowed the right of marriage.However, I also understand the religious stand that marriage, as defined by most religious beliefs, is between a man and a woman.But, and this is a big but, in order for religion to have a say in how we define marriage in the free western society, we must end the structure of freedom and religious freedom in-particular.
Now, with that said, a church does not have to marry gay and lesbian couples.They have the right to discriminate based on their own belief system.And it is this that I have no problem with.But when such a belief system is converted into a law then either the belief system has become a part of government and is a system that can be voted upon and/or taxed or it has become a system that goes against the nature of a free society of all faiths.
I am however, willing to accept civil unions.And also I have thought that if gays wanted to get married, why not call it egairram, which is marriage backward.
One more thought,
When a society feels the need to ban marriage from a group it should first be able to show that it has perfect marriage within itself.Given that divorce rates have climbed over the past 30 years to record highs I would think that this society is in no position to lecture or make laws pertaining to limitations of marriage rights.

Answer 3

I think that marriage is the problem, not gay marriage.

More than 50% of marriages end up in divorce... so what exactly is the point of marriage???

However, since marriage is not going to end anytime soon, then YES, gay marriage should be legal in the states. The only reason it's not is becuase US citizens allow their government to be controlled by a religious statute. (not to mention that they elected Bush.... again!!??!!??!!)

The only problem with civil unions in the states is that they do not give the same legal benefits of marriage, so civil unions in my opinion are a disgrace to gay couples.

Government should not decide, the people of the world should.

(on the side note: I would think that people would be all for gay marriages... since most couples complain all the time about being married... shouldn't they want us to "suffer" like they do too.. LOL )

Answer 4

All citizens of a country need to be governed by the same laws. Defining marriage as between a man and a woman deliberately excludes a section of the community from benefits bestowed on others.

In the US, the federal marriage law provides over 1000 protections, tax advantages and other benefits to a married couple the minute they are married. A gay couple will spend thousands of dollars on special power of attorney, wills, statements of intent, house registration and other measures, and will still not get those benefits.

The federal government in the US should remove any restrictions on gay marriage and recognize those that are allowed under state laws to benefit from any federal regulation. However, the states must be encouraged individually to change their laws and repeal constitutional amendments that have been passed on this issue.

It is still important under our constitution to leave the control of local marriage laws to the states.

To the God people.... NO-ONE has asked that churches be required to marry gays and lesbians. That is a religious issue and needs to be left to the churches. What is required is that our secular laws cover all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. I know Christians believe a gay marriage is sinful; they are entitled to that view and shouldn't give a religious marriage to a gay/lesbian couple; but it is NOT the business of churches to meddle in how our secular federal government deals with the laws that affect our hindu, budhist, jewish, atheist, humanist, agnostic or any other 'ist citizens.

Answer 5

I think it should be allowed, and here's why (read through):
1. Being gay is not "natural." Real Americans always reject unnatural things- like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.
2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, just like hangin out with tall people will make you tall.
3 Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all sorts of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets, because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.
4. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.
5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage is allowed; the sanctity of Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.
6. Staight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.
7. Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, just like straight parents only raise straight children.
8. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.
9. Children can never succeed without a male and female role model at home. That's why we, as a society, forbid single parents to raise children.
10. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never accept new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life-spans.

Answer 6

There should be federal legislation forcing states to recognize gay marriage.

If it's at the state level, other states may not honor the marriage.

A civil union is marriage but with a name change. The name change is insulting, because it implies homosexuals aren't good enough for marriage. Also, civil unions will only complicate law and corporate bureaucracy (insurance, etc).

Answer 7

Marriage rights are given by and administered by the state. Therefore religion should have no say in this matter, and all citizens should have equal rights, since this country values the separation of church and state. Supporting anything else is hypocritical for those who supposedly espouse "peace and justice."

Marriage is a perfectly good term to use for a ceremony or legal rights given by the state to all. However, I'm not that hung up on terminology. The state can call it whatever it wants - and must use the same term for everyone - when it finally grants everyone the same rights.

Answer 8

i'm for it. Both union or marriage must be possible. Marriage is not an order of god, it's a totally social happening which has been invented by mankind...So religion's got nothing to say about gay marriage..Neverthless homosexuality is not a sin at all, u don't hurt anyone, and it's the common approval of two conscient people, so is marriage..

Answer 9

Yes, it should be legal. Everyone else gets to decide on another adult, even if their family or community disapproves. Why the hell can't we?

And I'm not just saying this because I'm married, or would be had Massachussetts' and New York's courts not invalidated the legal aspects of our marriage.

Answer 10

I have no problem with gay marriage with one little exception.
I am a Christian, and I think there needs to be a provision that protects ministers from NOT performing gay marriages. I would hate to see a minister get sued by the ACLU for not performing a marriage that he doesn't believe is morally right for him to perform. gay marriage can still be done at city hall/courthouse, etc.

Answer 11

It's already legal here in Canada and the world didn't end so let them be.

Note to forjj, your statement is legitimate and in fact is the law here in Canada. Marriage for gays can be religious if the church approves or civil, in which case the J.P. cannot refuse re: agent of the state.