With NJ getting on board, I don't think the country gives a shit about gay marriage

[Stinky The Clown]

Today the New Jersey House passed a civil union bill. The Sentae will take it up in a month or three.

Good for New Jersey. A step forward. My state of Maryland has similar legislation currently in the courts (I'm thinking it looks favorable).

But ya see, here's the thing ....... I don't think the average person gives a shit one way or another about this issue. To be MORE than sure, the haters care a whole lot. And they're very vocal about it. But how many people are there in this group, really? The majority of the country? I think not.

Now ..... I'm not gay and this is not a hot button issue to me personally. But I DO care about it and I favor total and completely transparent equality. In other words, I favor gay marriage. Civil unions, it seems to me, are an interim step in the road to that goal.

Please tell me if I'm wrong in my assessment of the national mood on this. I know I recall seeing polls showing something on the order of 60% or more favor *at least* civil unions.

This issue is a'national issue' only because of the fundy asshole 'values' voters ..... who obviously had other priorities this last election cycle!

[dsc]

1. In this specific case it is at best a side step

NJ was told to either let gays marry or create an equal institution for them. They chose the second option, and that is assuming the institution is actually equal. I do agree that nationally civil unions seem to be gaining some steam.

[Hekate]

2. Well done, New Joizy!

Polls have shown that the average American really does believe in fairness and considers civil unions to be fair.

For some reason a lot of people balk at the word "marriage," but I think if we separate the notion of "justice of the peace" weddings from "church" weddings we can start to get some place. It makes a lot of sense to do as other countries have done and require that ALL couples go to City Hall to register their unions, and then have whatever religious ceremony they want. As it is, we're half-way there with having to show up to get your marriage license.

Then the issue of whether your priest, rabbi, imam, preacher, or whoever will or won't consent to perform religious rites will remain an issue of religious freedom, to be worked out in that context.

Hekate

[election_2004]

3. I definitely agree with you...

With NJ becoming the third state to recognize civil unions, can Hawaii, California, New York, Oregon, Washington state, Rhode Island, Maine, and Illinois be far behind?

Hell, I think there's even hope (for civil unions, at least) in some of the more libertarian-leaning states such as Montana, Arizona, and New Hampshire.