FMA maybe a blessing in disguise.

[varun]

The congress and the media should exploit all the publicity this issue is getting to talk about:

1. ENDA (the need for a Federal non discrimination law)
2. A national civil union (so they dont want to give us full marriage rights - will they give us national civil unions)?

The second point is very real. In 1996, when Hawaii rejected gay marriages, they also approved civil unions for Hawaii residents to remedy some of the inequities that gay people face.

[aquart]

1. So, what do codified civil unions offer?

And what's the difference between marriage and civil union?

Could men and women choose to have civil unions instead of marriage or is male/female only given the choice of marriage or not?

[Old and In the Way]

4. Taxes, insurance, visitation primarilly, I think.

Marriage is a religious act and I think it has no business in our political discourse. Technically, all heterosexuals need to have is a legal liscense to be recognized as a legally bound couple, no religious confirmation necessary. If a religious institution doesn't want to perform gay marriages, I'd say that's their prerogative. And you don't have to belong to that church if you don't agree with its tenets.

[mgarretson]

2. I'm uneasy about civil unions...

As a straight person, this doesn't affect me on the same level as it does others but I still see it as important... I don't know what to think about civil unions. I like the idea that they extend civil and legal rights to GLBT couples and I understand the argument that the word "marriage" is too wrapped up in religion, but I also can't help but think "Seperate but Equal" isn't equal.

What does everyone think?


From Clark Country,
I'm Another Clarkie for Kerry!

[markus]

3. Not to worry - the amendment will ban civil unions as well

and domestic partnership benefits and possibly just about every other legal arrangement currently available today.

[librechik]

5. it's merely a craven distraction so we forget about Bush Crimes

untill after the election. Then the whole thing will be dropped like the hot potato it is.

Obviously gay issues must be addressed. But now we have the news hounds baying "Gay Marriage!" 24 hrs a day. So there's no room for missing WMD, botched Iraq occupation, Watergate-style file burglary, Plame treason, and lying to congress to justify war, hackable voting machines and on and on--the real important stuff thye should be talking about is shelved. They can hardly squeeze in Janet's breast or Laci Peterson!

The media know their imperative: all the investigations against Bushy which are now coming to a boil MUST be camouflaged as much as possible. Gay marriage is unfortunately the dirtiest of wedge issues, (except for abortion, which is also in play) and by pulling this card the Pukkkes have succeeded in making BushCo's crimes disappear up Rove's sleeve.

It's the Ralph Nader of issues. As worthy as it is I wish it would go away until later.

Doesn't everyone know that nothing is really going to happen to help the gay agenda this year? My gay brothers and sisters are being played, and good. Nothing is going to happen in their favor unless Bush is removed. They should respond in that way to all attempts at embroiling them in this wild goose chase.