Okay, I may end up getting hate mail from some of my gay and lesbian friends. Last night, the Democratic candidates for President were put on the hot seat regarding issues that concern the gay and lesbian community. One of the big topics of discussion was gay marriage. Other than Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich, none of the other candidates support same-sex marriage, but a number of them support civil unions. I'm not sure they are entirely incorrect on this subject. My personal feelings are that marriage is a "religious" concept and that civil unions are a "legal" concept. Gays and lesbians should be trying to get same equal rights as straights have regardless on what it's called.
Most American do not support same-sex marriage, but do support civil unions. It's odd because they are both ultimately the same concept. Marriage has become equivalent to a religious ceremony and I believe that is where the fear factor come into it. Most organized religions still have the antiquated notion that gays are an abomination, therefore anything that comes close to blessing these partnerships by religious means is an anathema.
How can we solve this problem
Here is what I suggest: All couples (regardless of sexual identity) should have to have a civil ceremony to bind them legally. Then if so desired, go to your religious organization and have another "marriage" ceremony. But the civil unions are what should be recognized by law, thereby giving the same benefits to all couples regardless of their sexual identity. Harvard law professor, Alan Dershowitz wrote that: "such an arrangement would 'strengthen the wall of separation between church and state by placing a sacred institution entirely in the hands of the church while placing a secular institution under state control'." In my humble opinion, anything that strengthens the wall between church and state is a good thing. The less blurring of that line, the better it is for all of us. Okay, feel free to send your hate mail. :-)
Most American do not support same-sex marriage, but do support civil unions. It's odd because they are both ultimately the same concept. Marriage has become equivalent to a religious ceremony and I believe that is where the fear factor come into it. Most organized religions still have the antiquated notion that gays are an abomination, therefore anything that comes close to blessing these partnerships by religious means is an anathema.
How can we solve this problem
Here is what I suggest: All couples (regardless of sexual identity) should have to have a civil ceremony to bind them legally. Then if so desired, go to your religious organization and have another "marriage" ceremony. But the civil unions are what should be recognized by law, thereby giving the same benefits to all couples regardless of their sexual identity. Harvard law professor, Alan Dershowitz wrote that: "such an arrangement would 'strengthen the wall of separation between church and state by placing a sacred institution entirely in the hands of the church while placing a secular institution under state control'." In my humble opinion, anything that strengthens the wall between church and state is a good thing. The less blurring of that line, the better it is for all of us. Okay, feel free to send your hate mail. :-)
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