Watching the news tonight, I think I had a new insight into same sex marriage.

[hedgehog]

If you grew up not knowing anybody who was openly gay, the notion of same sex marriage just wouldn't occur. Five years ago, it was a new concept for me. I had to think about it, and realized that it made absolute sense. It's taught me a lot about what's important in MY marriage!


Anyways, the news story repeated the line about how married couples have umpteen privileges that unmarried couples don't. That may be true, but that's not why we need to legalize same sex marriage.

Thirty some years ago, the mantra for straight couples was "I don't need a piece of paper to prove my love." True, but at a wedding, two people stand up in front of witnesses, profess their love for each other and make certain promises to each other. There is a difference between being married, making that public commitment and just living together. The right to make that commitment in front of the community belongs to all couples, gay or straight.

[madeline_con]

1. I grew up knowing people who were gay, and it didn't matter.

I never thought twice about it. The idea that heteros are somehow "threatened" and all that "sanctity" crap is just that, crap. It's a lot of unfounded fear from ignorant people.

[JDPriestly]

2. You got it!!!

It's the social statement that is made.

Also, the First Amendment protects the right of churches to deny religious rites to anyone as they wish. Some churches used to deny religious rites to divorced people. Civil marriage and the religious rite of marriage are two different things.

[readmoreoften]

3. It's nice to hear that gay people getting married taught you about your own marriage.

In the long run this is going to be a positive for everyone I think. Well, except the hateful assholes.

[ccharles000]

4. Lovely.

:hug: