Gay marriage in New York

I think the rate at which public opinion has shifted on gay marriage in the last 20 years is nothing short of astonishing. And considering the population of New York state, this vote effectively doubled the number of gays legally eligible to marry in the country.

Very happy for them. Next up, California.

 

DR is right, we've come a long way recently, but the real hurdle is the Conservative States. Do you think a Texas will ever be on board with this?

 

How sensible to eventually enact a legal instrument to solve the (messy) everyday legal and status problems arising for cohabiting gay couples (before such laws there are little instruments available to them beyond contract, and contracts don't address the inevitable status issues). Simply denying them the status primarily because the religious folks detest homosexuality doesn't contribute anything in that regard. It is dogmatic, not constructive. This law will probably will be reduce workload for the courts, and save the taxpayer money. Congrats, if one is to be congratulated for displaying some good sense.

On the other hand, New York is doomed now. Beware, of hurricanes as expressions of God's wrath.

 

@ Blades,

Honestly? Probably not for a long, long time. As progressive as Houston, Dallas and Austin are (major cities tend to be more forward-thinking), Texas as a whole is a giant sea of redneckery. Other states are worse, but if I had to guess I'd say we'll be one of the last states to turn.

 

I think Utah would be last, but yeah, Texas is on the short list.

Don't forget however about the Prop 8 fight still unresolved in California. That's the flood gate. Synopsis - Prop 8 ruled unconstitutional in US District Court. Ruling appealed to the Circuit Court. Circuit Court punts, and hands the case to the California Supreme Court - arguments will be held in September of this year.

EDIT: There is even some question of whether or not the group in favor of upholding the ban - "Protect Marriage" have legal standing in the case. The Circuit Court punted because they stated that since the original defnedant in the case - then-governor Ahh-nold chose not to appeal, that the decision in the District Court stands.[/edit]

Anyway, the key here is that other states that have allowed gay marriage have done so by going after the State Constitutions, which legalizes gay marriage in that state, but has little impact elsewhere. The Prop 8 fight in California, OTOH, goes to the US Constitution. If Prop 8 is overturned, it would effectively become illegal for any state to enact a law banning same-sex marriage - unless the US Supreme Court takes up the case and overturns the CA SC's ruling.

To take it one step further, I'll say the future of gay marriage hinges on this decision. If Prop 8 is upheld, then it logically follows that any state can write into their Constitution a law banning same-sex marriage, and we'll have the decades-long fight DR speaks about. If Prop 8 is overturned, it's going to happen much, much quicker.

 

Allowing Gay Marriage is a big deal, as it crashes into the religion factor for most people. It makes me wonder what a Texas would do if it became illegal to ban Gay Marriage. They have talked about ceding before. I'm not saying that Texas is going anywhere, just saying this is such a big deal to alot of Christians that its impact could be huge and its ripples could affect generations.Looking to the future of our nation, it worries me that we are tackling issues that could cause rifts in our nation, as I want my kids to live and grow-up in a peaceful, war-less place where they don't ahve to worry about such matters(I know, probably wishful thinking!). These issues need tackling, but I hope when they are tackled that cooler heads prevail.

 

He-he, DR. Our mayor could get married. That would really piss off the rest of "the giant sea of redneckery."

 

Reliably delivered: Pat Robertson warns God will destroy America over same sex marriage

 

Pat Robertson... what a quack. I like his attempt to say no nation has turned to complete homosexuality and survived. No crap genius! Since no nation has turned completely that way in history, that one is a no-brainer.

 

Funny how mr Robertson states that homosexuality was "the thing" the people of Sodom practised. They did a lot more than that.
And if countries will be punished for gay marriage, Holland will be first.

Anyway, it's a good thing that gay marriage is legal in NY now. As a christian, I'm not particularly encouraging it, but I'm truly glad gay people can choose to marry if they wish. And it's about time. America is not a theocracy. Religious people shouldn't decide what others can do.
(nor should non-religious people dictate others. Let's not forget that, as well.)

 

It's about time!

The only thing that bugs me is the amount of gay people who get annoyed with Christian churches that won't marry them. It's a bit like two muslims going into a Synagogue and demanding to to get married...(and I'm a half gay Christian!)

 

Those idiots claimed that the Christchurch earthquake was sent by God because of all the evil homosexuals in New Zealand. Why do you give these sorts of religious extremists such airtime in the USA?

 

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Allowing gay marriage ruins the divine institution of marriage, thereby lessening the sanctity of my own marriage. The government continues to erode the basic principle of freedom of religion.

 

Splungfflinger.

 

I believe last time it was Splarff.

 

Half-gay?

 

She's bi, I'd imagine

 

The left side of her body.

 

Duh! For some reason, that went right over my head. I must be half-blonde...