Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and ...

Gay Couples Who Sued In California Are Married : Photo Gallery

change-links : Message: *? 2 ALL: US TO WEIGH GAY RELATIONSHIPS IN ... change-links : Message: *? 2 ALL: US TO WEIGH GAY RELATIONSHIPS IN ... change-links : Message: *? 2 ALL: US TO WEIGH GAY RELATIONSHIPS IN	Judge Throws Out Binational Couple's DOMA Suit | Advocate. Judge Throws Out Binational Couple's DOMA Suit | Advocate. Judge Throws Out Binational Couple's DOMA Suit | Advocate.	Married gay & lesbian couples sue feds over immigration rights ... Married gay & lesbian couples sue feds over immigration rights ... Married gay & lesbian couples sue feds over immigration rights	Married gay couples sue feds for green cards - CBS News Married gay couples sue feds for green cards - CBS News Married gay couples sue feds for green cards - CBS News
Definition of Marriage Is at Heart of California Case - New York Times Definition of Marriage Is at Heart of California Case - New York Times Definition of Marriage Is at Heart of California Case - New York Times	Judge rules in favor of lesbians suing Hawaii B&B - Yahoo! News Judge rules in favor of lesbians suing Hawaii B&B - Yahoo! News Judge rules in favor of lesbians suing Hawaii B&B - Yahoo! News	Gay marriage incompatible with religious freedom | Fox News Gay marriage incompatible with religious freedom | Fox News Gay marriage incompatible with religious freedom | Fox News	Gay Couple Sues Illinois Bed And Breakfast For Refusing To Host ... Gay Couple Sues Illinois Bed And Breakfast For Refusing To Host ... Gay Couple Sues Illinois Bed And Breakfast For Refusing To Host
Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR	Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in ... Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in ... Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in	Supreme Court gives gay marriage historic boost | www. Supreme Court gives gay marriage historic boost | www. Supreme Court gives gay marriage historic boost | www.	Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story : NPR
Calif. Attorney General, Lawyers Urge Speedy Return to Gay ... Calif. Attorney General, Lawyers Urge Speedy Return to Gay ... Calif. Attorney General, Lawyers Urge Speedy Return to Gay	Vows wait, but gay couples cheer high court moves - Wyoming ... Vows wait, but gay couples cheer high court moves - Wyoming ... Vows wait, but gay couples cheer high court moves - Wyoming	Same-sex couple sues government | News - Home Same-sex couple sues government | News - Home Same-sex couple sues government | News - Home	Gay marriage foes want campaign contributions anonymous, citing ... Gay marriage foes want campaign contributions anonymous, citing ... Gay marriage foes want campaign contributions anonymous, citing
• Clint Eastwood. 2004 Monterey Jazzfest, CA • Clint Eastwood. 2004 Monterey Jazzfest, CA • Clint Eastwood. 2004 Monterey Jazzfest, CA	GAY COUPLES WHO SUED IN CALIFORNIA ARE MARRIED GAY COUPLES WHO SUED IN CALIFORNIA ARE MARRIED LOS ANGELES — The two couples who sued to overturn California's ban on same-sex marriage were married late Friday afternoon, just hours after the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, lifted the stay that had been in ...	Gay Couples Who Sued in California Move to Wed Gay Couples Who Sued in California Move to Wed ... licenses to same-sex couples. Gov. Jerry Brown issued a statement late Friday afternoon saying that he had directed the state's Department of Health to notify all 58 counties in the state that “same-sex marriage is now legal in California and that ...	Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, clears way for gay marriage in California Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, clears way for gay marriage in California Kennedy's majority opinion insisted the decision was limited to legally married same-sex couples. Scalia read aloud in a packed courtroom that included the two couples who sued for the right to marry in California. On the bench, Justice Elena Kagan ...
Plaintiffs in California same-sex marriage case wed as appeals court lifts stay Plaintiffs in California same-sex marriage case wed as appeals court lifts stay The couple sued to overturn the state's voter-approved gay marriage ban along with Jeff Katami and Paul Zarrillo, who married at Los Angeles City Hall 90 minutes later with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presiding. "By joining the case against Proposition ...	Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in California Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in California The California Supreme Court ruled in May 2008 that gay couples had a right to marry. Six months later, Proposition 8 passed with 52 percent of the vote, halting gay marriage in California. Two gay couples then sued in federal court to overturn the ban.	Supreme Court rulings mark bold advance for gay marriage Supreme Court rulings mark bold advance for gay marriage It means California almost certainly will become the 13th state where gay marriage is legal. As Roberts saw it, two gay couples had sued, seeking a right to marriage as a matter of equal rights. In Walker's court, "they had won — and state officials ...	Vows Wait But Gay Couples Cheer High Court Rulings Vows Wait But Gay Couples Cheer High Court Rulings The court sidestepped the larger question of whether banning gay marriage is unconstitutional, and states other than California and the 12 others where gay couples already have the right to wed were left to hash out the issue within their borders. As ...
Lawsuit to compel county to issue marriage license to gay couple will be filed ... Lawsuit to compel county to issue marriage license to gay couple will be filed ... ruled that married same-sex couples were entitled to federal benefits. The court also declined to decide a case from California, meaning that same-sex marriages effectively remain legal in America's most populous state. Given the national developments, ...	2 victories for same-sex marriage 2 victories for same-sex marriage One decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits. LINK: Read the full opinion in DOMA case · LINK: Read the full opinion in Prop 8 case. The ...	Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and ... Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and ... David Boies, a lawyer for the couples behind the lawsuit, said any attempt by opponents to delay gay marriage would be futile because of the ruling involving California and another Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that invalidated the Defense of ...	Supreme Court clears way for gay marriage in Calif . Supreme Court clears way for gay marriage in Calif . In a banner day for supporters of gay marriage, a closely divided U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal provision that denied benefits to legally married same-sex couples and, in a separate case, cleared the way for California to resume offering ...
Gay Marriage: In States, A Hodgepodge Lies Ahead Gay Marriage: In States, A Hodgepodge Lies Ahead The high court, in two 5-4 decisions Wednesday, opened the way for California to become the 13th state to legalize gay marriage, and it directed the federal government to recognize legally married same-sex couples. But the rulings, while hailed by gay ...	Supreme Court lifts some marriage barriers for same-sex couples Supreme Court lifts some marriage barriers for same-sex couples Kennedy's majority opinion insisted the decision was limited to legally married same-sex couples. Scalia read aloud in a packed courtroom that included the two couples who sued for the right to marry in California. On the bench, Justice Elena Kagan ...	Status of the states on same-sex marriage Status of the states on same-sex marriage One ruling opened the way for California to become the 13th state to allow gay marriage; the other struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and directed the government to recognize legally married same-sex couples. In light of the ...	Plaintiffs in Calif. marriage case marry in SF - KWWL Plaintiffs in Calif. marriage case marry in SF - KWWL SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The lead plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned California's same-sex marriage ban tied the knot at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, about an hour after an appeals court cleared the way for same-sex couples to ...
Supreme Court rulings energize both sides of same-sex marriage debate Supreme Court rulings energize both sides of same-sex marriage debate The high court, in two 5-4 decisions Wednesday, opened the way for California to become the 13th state to legalize gay marriage, and it directed the federal government to recognize legally married same-sex couples. But the rulings, while hailed by gay ...

Gay Couples Who Sued In California Are Married : Videos

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Gay Couples Who Sued In California Are Married : Latest News, Information, Answers and Websites

Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling | Nation & World ...

David Boies, a lawyer for the couples behind the lawsuit, said any attempt by opponents to delay gay marriage would be futile because of the ruling involving California and another Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday that ...

Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, clears way for gay marriage in ...

2 days ago ... California, where gay marriage was briefly legal in 2008, would be the 13th state ... the two couples who sued for the right to marry in California.

Vows wait, but gay couples cheer high court moves | CNS News

1 day ago ... In the other, the court wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law, ... included two couples who sued for the right to marry in California.

What is this gay marriage about involving the Supreme Court?

I dont really watch the news so can someone fill me in

Answer: There are two cases involving Marriage Equality that came before the Supreme Court earlier this year. Oral arguments were hear in March and decisions on these cases are to be announced this week.

One case centers around the "Defense of Marriage Act" defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. The problem is two fold. First, marriage has traditionally been a state issue and not a federal one. Second, as a result of this laws hundreds of thousands of gay couples are being discriminated against when it comes to federal benefits. This is not a trivial matter as more than 1,100 rights and responsibilities are tied to federal recognition of a marriage. A couple federal courts have already found the law unconstitutional and it's expected the US Supreme Court will also.

The second case involves Proposition 8 from the state of California. This is complicated, but I'll try to summarize the chain of events that occurred in California. People sued the state over denial of access to marriage for gay people. Eventually the California Supreme Court agreed that gay people were being denied this basic right. After the decision gay people were allowed to marry; approximately 100,000 couple in fact did so. Anti-gay forces put Proposition 8 on the ballot of 2008 that called for amending the state constitution to define marriage as being only between one man and one women. The proposition passed by a narrow margin. Gay advocates sued saying the proposition was not constitutional and two federal courts agreed. Basically they ruled you cannot arbitrarily take away a right after it's been granted. Historically the US Supreme Court has said the same. Thus it is expected the Court will either throw Proposition 8 out or simply let the lower court ruling stand, meaning Proposition 8 is thrown out.

Hope this helps.
Category: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered

Gay Marriage Suit Pushes Connecticut Into New Terrain

When the Connecticut legislature approved civil unions three years ago, gay rights advocates viewed it as only a half-victory, a kind of pit stop in their quest for same-sex marriage. On Monday, lawyers representing eight same-sex couples will take up the second half of the fight in oral arguments before the Connecticut Supreme Court, where they - Attorneys for eight same-sex Connecticut couples are ready to argue before State Supreme Court that states civil union law essentially creates separate and unequal status for gay men and lesbians; among couples named in lawsuit, half have rejected civil union option and will wait for decision in hope of being able to marry; one couple, J E Martin and Denise Howard, say wait is matter of principle; across country, advocates and scholars on both sides of battle watch debate over legal language closely; photo (M) - By JENNIFER MEDINA

The fate of same-sex marriage in California after Perry : SCOTUSblog

Now that that is indeed what has happened, what does it mean for the marriage rights of same-sex couples in California? The Supreme Court concluded that the judgment of the Ninth Circuit must be vacated, and remanded ...

High court strikes down federal marriage provision | The News Desk

One decision wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits. The other was a technical ruling that said nothing at all about same-sex marriage, but left in place a trial court's declaration that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. That outcome ... The two same-sex couples who sued for the right to marry also were at the court Wednesday. In New York City's ...

SAN FRANCISCO: Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling ...

2 days ago ... Gay Marriage California Gay Marriage ... that Wednesday's ruling only legalized marriage for the two couples who sued to overturn the ban.

Who is your homosexual hero?

Someone famous or not that has inspired you to feel more confident about own sexuality or just a great story of helping forward diversity...Mine is Oscar Wilde whos yours?

Answer: My wife.. first out gay person in her family and in her college faculty

Brent, the young man who runs his own glbt youth book review site

George Takei -- Captain Sulu!

Billie Jean King - since she made Bobby Riggs eat his words about female weakness.

Ellen DeGeneris

Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank in the US House of Representatives

Harvey Milk

Greg Louganis - the first Olympic champion I know of who came out

All the people in California who married under the shadow of Proposition 8. Every same-sex couple who applies for a marriage license and sues for equal rights.

Every single glbt person has the potential to be a hero. It's great.
Category: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered

Plaintiffs in gay marriage case wed in SF, LA - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa ...

A federal appeals court says it is lifting its freeze on same-sex marriages in California and the state is required to issue licenses to gay couples starting immediately. ... The couple sued to overturn the state's voter-approved gay marriage ban along with Jeff Katami and Paul Zarrillo, who married at Los Angeles City Hall 90 minutes later with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presiding. "By joining the case against Proposition 8, they represented thousands of couples like ...

When it comes to gay marriages?

please tell me what events lead up to to where it such a public issue here in the states now. Now 5 states have made it legal and possibly California now. So my question is why now, and not say 20 years ago? What changed over all public view? Was it talk shows like Jerry Springer? No, hate intended, just wanting simple facts. Please give this answer as a matter of fact without getting personal opinions involved.

Answer: Actually the first legal proceedings regarding same sex marriage was started in Minnesota in 1971, when 2 men sued for the right to marry. In 1996 3 couples sued Hawaii for the right to marry. This isn't a new fight. But it is a fight that has gained momentum as society has started to accept LGBT people on a wider scale, and as small victories in our fight for equality have been won. We have taken our baby steps, now it's time for us to run.



L
Category: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered

If you have felt discrimination shouldnt you be against prop 8?

Answer: I am sick of seeing "No on H8" signs and signs that say "8 means Hate". This is not about stripping away the rights of homosexuals, contrary to popular belief. In California, gays already have the right to have civil unions and are afforded the same legal rights as married heterosexuals. Prop 8 is merely a proposition that defines marriage as being a union between a man and a woman.

Before anyone says that I or anyone else who SUPPORTS Prop 8 is a bigot, let me just say that those labeling us as such are just as much a bigot as they claim us to be. Did it ever occur to anyone that if gays are legally allowed to marry, then because of the legal definition of marriage, teachers will be required to teach homosexuality as an accepted sexual practice and same-sex parenting as a normal and acceptable family unit? My daughter is in 5th grade and she will be learning about human sexuality and reproduction in school. I know for a fact that there are teachers at her school who do not want to be made to teach that in addition to heterosexual sex, there is also sex between people of the same sex. Kids that age need to learn what will keep them protected against STD's and unwanted pregnancies and 10-11 year-olds are awfully young to be learning about sex as it is when they find the notion of sex as disgusting (ask most kids that age and they will agree). Throw homosexual sex into the mix and that is an even more difficult concept for kids so young to have to grasp in terms of sex. Unfortunately, due to kids entering puberty at younger ages and increasing pregnancies among children, it has been necessary to educate kids about sexuality at younger ages than in years past. Teachers who are uncomfortable teaching about homosexual sex and family units due to their own personal beliefs are going to be forced to teach what is required of them or face discipline, up to and including being fired.

What about pastors, ministers and priests who refuse to marry someone due to their religious convictions? The "No on 8" folks would have you believe that no religious persecution would take place and that "Yes on 8" folks are just using scare tactics to influence people. I can tell you that in places in our country and in the world where gay marriage is legal, the clergy has already faced lawsuits and other penalties for not performing gay marriages. A father in the U.S. endured jail time because when he asked his child's school that his child be excused from the human reproduction/sexuality segment due to the homosexual education that would be provided, he was denied his right to excuse his child. When he refused to allow his child to participate in this segment for religious regions, he was sent to jail. There is a Catholic adoption agency which refused to grant adoptions to same-sex couples and that agency was shut down because they were charged with discrimination. As a private, religious-based adoption agency, they have the right to make their own decisions on whom they will allow to adopt children - that is their prerogative as guaranteed by the Constitution's freedom of religion. Their right was denied them.

Folks, Prop 8 is NOT about hating homosexuals or denying them the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. It is about protecting the rights of churches to marry whomever they choose to marry without fear of being sued for not going against their religious beliefs by marrying gay couples. It is about protecting the rights of parents who do not want their child forced to learn about human sexuality that they think their child is not ready to learn about or that goes against their own religious beliefs. It is about protecting teachers who would be forced to teach something that they may have a personal reluctance to teach.

The voters of the state of California voted against gay marriage, yet the California Supreme Court overturned the vote of the people. When attorneys general of many states implored the Supreme Court to wait until the November election to see how Californians would vote on Prop 8, the Supreme Court ignored those who were pleading them to wait. The ramifications of this careless act by the Supreme Court are huge. Because they ignored the vote of the people and overturned what the majority of voters voted upon, and because they refused to heed the advice of legal experts who pleaded with them to wait until AFTER the November election, there is going to be a HUGE legal mess if Prop 8 DOES pass. Why? Because in California, all marriages performed in the state of California are legally binding in all states, contrary to Massachusetts and some other states. Because the Supreme Court said that it is now legal for gay couples to marry, then if Prop 8 does pass, those gay couples who married before the November election may not have legally binding marriages if Prop 8 passes. Then again, because their marriages were legally binding before the election, their marriages might have to be honored. The potential lawsuits and cost of such lawsuits is astounding and could cost taxpayers millions of dollars. The California Supreme Court acted in a very reckless manner because they refused t wait a few months for the election to take place before making such a huge decision that will affect the lives of so many gay couples. These justices should face criminal penalties and be removed from the bench.

For the record, while I am voting FOR Prop 8, I am NOT against gays and I DO support civil unions which would give the same legal rights to gay couples as to heterosexual couples. I feel extremely bad for those gays who did get married in California after the Supreme Court's decision because IF Prop 8 passes, these people will be faced with the possibility that their marriages are null and void. This is grossly unfair and wrong. I wouldn't blame them one bit if they brought about lawsuits over this injustice. Still, for those out there labeling those in favor of Prop 8 as bigots or hatemongers, it is quite the opposite. It is not about denying gays their rights. They already have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples if they have a civil union. Nobody is taking away those rights. The proposition merely says they can't be married in the same way that a heterosexual couple can. If anyone is being mistreated and denied rights here, it is those who face lawsuits, jailtime, unemployment and closure of their facilities because their religious convictions prohibit them from saying that gay marriage is an acceptable and normal thing. I know many gays whom I admire and respect and I am anything BUT a hateful bigot. I treat everyone the way I would want to be treated and I treat everyone with respect due to every human being. There just comes a point where a line has to be drawn and when it comes to the institution of marriage, it is MY rights and religious freedom that is at stake here and the rights and religious freedom of millions of Americans which is at stake. Once California allows gay marriage, other states will soon follow suit and millions of Americans will be forced to accept, teach, enforce and allow what goes against their very own core religious beliefs and THAT people, is unconstitutional and wrong.
Category: Elections

How many states have legalized gay marriage?

Answer: The United States
In the United States gays and lesbians can legally marry in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont (beginning September 1, 2009) and Maine (beginning mid-September 2009). New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has said he will sign legislation to legalize same-sex marriage there, as long as steps are taken to protect religious institutions.
New York recognizes marriages by same-sex couples legally performed elsewhere.


•With the passage of Prop 8, gay marriage is no longer an option in California.

United States:

•Connecticut: As of October 1, 2005, gays and lesbians are able to enter into Civil Unions in Connecticut. Civil Unions will give gay and lesbian couples many of the same rights and responsibilities of marriage. Civil Unions are only available to same-sex couples.

•In Vermont you can get a Civil Union. In 2000, Vermont legislature passed and Governor Howard Dean signed a law creating civil unions for same-sex couples, giving these couples all the rights and benefits of marriage under Vermont law but not marriage licenses.

•New Jersey: On December 14, 2006 the New jersey legislature approved a bill allowing same-sex civil unions. Civil Unions became available in New Jersey in February 2007.

•California: Gay and lesbian couples can register as domestic partners in California. Couples who register are eligible for many of the same state rights as heterosexual married couples, but only in the state of California. The rights of civil unions do not transfer from state to state like marriage does.

•Hawaii offers reciprocal beneficiary rights to same-sex couples. Some of the rights granted are: inheritance without a will, ability to sue for the wrongful death, hospital visitation and health care decisions.

•Maine instituted a domestic partner registry in 2004. Maine's law mostly benefits couples if one dies: inheritance without a will, the right to make funeral arrangements and the ability to be named guardian if partner becomes incapacitated.

•Washington State offers some of the rights of marriage via domestic partnerships. The law takes effect July 22, 2007.

•New Hampshire offers civil unions to gays and lesbians beginning January 2008.

•Oregon offers a comprehensive domestic partnership law that offers all the state benefits of marriage.
Category: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered

Do states have the right to define marriage?

Massachusetts is suing the federal government over a law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090708/ap_on_re_us/us_gay_marriage)

California recently voted to ban gay marriage.

Are both these states acting within their rights?

Answer: The full faith and credit clause in the US constitution means that a contract, such as a marriage, that is legal under one state's laws is enforceable in other states and the federal government. If two men got married in Massachusetts and then moved to a state that has tried to ban same sex marriage, that state would have to recognize the marriage. Think about it: if that wasn't the case, then all marriages would be up to challenge whenever any straight couple moved from one state to another. Don't know if anyone's challenged the anti-gay marriage bans on these grounds but they should.
Category: Law & Ethics

Relief, Resolve Greets California Marriage Ruling : NPR

2 days ago ... David Boies, a lawyer for the couples behind the lawsuit, said any attempt by opponents to delay gay marriage would be futile because of the ...

Vows wait, but gay couples cheer high court moves - Herald Online

Backed by rainbow flags and confetti, thousands celebrated in California's streets after U.S. Supreme Court rulings brought major advances for gay marriage proponents in the state and across the country. ... Justice Antonin Scalia issued a pungent dissent, predicting that the ruling would be used to upend state restrictions on marriage, reading aloud in a packed courtroom that included two couples who sued for the right to marry in California. "It takes real cheek for ...

Why are there law suits from the gay community in CA about gay "marriage" when they can have the same legal?

rights as a married couple without being called married?
should i sue the government because we have two kinds of restrooms...one for men and one for women...how can we be separate and equal...thats unconstitutional...

Answer: Think of it this way: would you support an amendment to the California Constitution which eliminated marriage for everybody, and allowed only domestic partnerships? If not, then you perceive a difference between marriage and domestic partnerships.

Category: Law & Ethics

Why should i vote yes on prop 8?

I havent notice any change in my life since gay marriages were happening here in california, so how does it affect me? Im not married and i dont believe in marriage as its a product of religion, im not athiest either but i dont believe my life should be guided by a book written by man. Somebody tell me how i benefit in voting either way of the issue? THanks! BTW, i know i might offent people with my views but relax, theyre mine personally and I welcome what you have to think. Peace

Answer: Non-religious reasons I am voting YES on 8:

Prop 8 is not intended to discriminate against homosexuals. It is intended to preserve traditional marriage. Gays are entitled to the same rights as married couples through domestic partnerships. They receive tax breaks, health benefits, etc, just like married couples.

Legalized gay marriage means pastors and clergy who refuse to marry same sex couples can and will be sued under the law. This has already occurred many times in Massachusetts and Connecticut where gay marriage is legal.

Also, schools and teachers will be forced to teach same sex marriage as moral and legal. This is occurring right now in Massachusetts where elementary school children are given books like “King & King”, a fairy tale about 2 princes falling in love and “Who’s in a Family”, a book that shows same sex parents along with other types of families.

Just like our children should not be taught to accept Jesus in school, they should not be taught gay marriage as moral at school. These discussions should only happen within the home between parent and child, or between student and student, NOT teacher to student.

There you have it. NON-RELIGIOUS reasons to support prop 8!!!

Category: Elections

Supreme Court strikes down DOMA, clears way for gay marriage in ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a historic day for gay rights, the Supreme Court gave the nation's legally married gay couples equal federal footing with all other. ... Kennedy's majority opinion insisted the decision was limited to legally married same-sex couples. Scalia read aloud in a packed courtroom that included the two couples who sued for the right to marry in California. On the bench, Justice Elena Kagan, who voted to strike down DOMA, watched Scalia impassively ...

What will you be voting on Prop 8?

I will be voting NO on prop 8 because I believe that everyone should have the right to commit themselves to their partners regardless of race, sexual orientation etc. Marriage should be based on LOVE between two human beings.
So whether your vote is Yes or No Id like to know why you have chosen to vote that way.

Answer: I am not even 18, but I feel that I am much more educated about this subject then many of my elders.

First off this amendment to the state constitution only constitutes of 14 words which states, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This is taking away civil rights of gays and lesbians because the rights received in a domestic partnership are not the same as the rights in a marriage. For example a domestic partnership is not recognized by our federal government, meaning that gays and lesbians with domestic partnerships have to pay certain taxes that spouses do not.

Another reason that this amendment is considered unequal is based on a Supreme court case called Brown vs. Board of Education which decided that separation is inherently unequal. Keeping homosexual couples separate from heterosexual couples is unequal and has already been proven, in cases like Brown vs. Board of Education, unjust.

As far as church, there absolutely has to be a separation of church and state. Gay marriage can not be opposed based on religion because it is a state amendment. I have also heard arguments that if this prop does not pass then priests might be sued for not marrying a gay couple. My argument to that is find me a homosexual couple that wants to be marriage by a person who opposes gay marriage and then I'll believe you.

The last argument against prop 8 is that gay marriage is going to be taught to the children of out country. I personally believe that society has to come to the realization that homosexuals are just like everyone else. Society must come to accept homosexuals equal just as we have strived to make women and people of different color equal. Until we can teach our children that gay marriage is ok, homosexuals will not be accepted in our society. The textual evidence I have for this argument is that the prop has nothing to do with children or schools, and these campaigns are instilling fear into obviously ignorant citizens of California just as they did in the 60's to get citizens to support the Vietnam War. As a student in school, I never remember being taught anything about traditional marriage and what is socially acceptable. This argument is completely illegitimate. Prop 8 is not going to change school curriculum.

Before you make your decision...
ASK YOUR SELF THIS:
In the past 4 months that gay marriage has been legal have:

Your church been effected by the gay marriages occurring throughout our state?

Your children been taught that gay marriage is acceptable?

Your marriage been violated because of homosexuals getting married?



NO ON PROP 8
Category: Politics

Iowa Permits Same-Sex Marriage, for 4 Hours, Anyway

From towns around the state, places like Cedar Falls, Ames and Cedar Rapids, same-sex couples converged on this city as early as dawn on Friday as word spread that a judge had overturned a state law banning gay marriage. Imagine this -- right here in Iowa, Amanda Duncan said as she and her partner of three years, Aleece Ramirez, filled out - Iowa Judge Robert B Hanson, who had deemed ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional, delays further granting of licenses until State Supreme Court decides whether to consider appeal; photos (M) - By MONICA DAVEY; Patrick Healy and Michael Cooper contributed reporting from New York.

Same-sex weddings in California underway - CBS News ...

SAN FRANCISCO The lead plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned California's same-sex marriage ban tied the knot at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, about an hour after an appeals court cleared the way for ...Same-sex marriages resume in Calif.USA TODAYTo cheers, same-sex marriages resume in CaliforniaLos Angeles TimesGay Couples Who Sued In California Move to WedNew York TimesWall Street Journal -ABC Newsall 694 news articles »...

Federal Appeals Court Lifts Stay On California Same Sex Marriages

Gov. Jerry Brown said, “This means that same-sex marriage is again legal in California.” State Attorney General Kamala Harris and lawyers for two couples who sued to challenge Proposition 8 agreed that same-sex marriage ...

Why is domestic partnership not good enough?

Did passing proposition 8 really take away gay rights? Help me to understand, because I thought that California Family code 297 allows domestic partnership which is the term given to acknowledge legal rights granted to gay couples. This family code allows gay couples to enter contracts involving property ownership, support obligation, and similar issues common to marriage of opposite sex couples. This looks to me like a victory because the rights alloted under this code have not been taken away just because proposition 8 passed right?

And then there is the argument of discrimination. In personal and social issues, choices need to be made. When one side is chosen, it is true that a form of discrimination is illustrated. When I choose to have a boyfriend and not a fiance, or husband, I chose to not label him a certain way in order to illustrate what my relationship is to the person I am involved with. So yes I have discriminated in how I have termed my involvement in this relationship. We place labels on objects, subjects, situation, etc. in order to give some kind of organized way to illustrate what we are attempting to communicate to the persons who hear us. Various types of marriages have various terms such as domestic partnership, same sex marriage, civil unions, common law marriage, marriage, polygamy, bigamy, the list goes on...So what would actually changed if the definition of marriage is to include male to male and female to female within its definition? Why not be satisfied that these unions invoked its own legal terminology that is used to describe its unique situation? Wouldnt the Honda company feel discriminated against if Toyota was trying force Honda to change its name to be Toyota too, and the companies have not merged in an agreement? If I described something as being orange in color would you envision it to be blue? Labels, names, terminologies, descriptions are all just means to convey a picture, and yes these labels do discriminate because you are not going to include in the description of one thing to be linked to a picture of something different. In doing so, there would be confusion right? In conclusion, I believe that the term domestic partnership is the same as the term marriage; it is just a way to illustrate the parties involved (ie male to male, and female to female marriages). So what would actually changed if the definition of marriage is to include male to male and female to female within its definition? Why not be satisfied that gay unions invoked its own legal terminology that is used to describe its unique situation?

One last thing, in a sue happy society such as American why give more reasons to sue? A pastor, bishop, priest, rabbi, etc. could possibly be sued or arrested for simply standing up for what they believe, which is to refuse to perform this type of ceremony. Would this be fair?

Answer: "The Good Doctor" obviously needs to read more. Under the 14 Amendment citizens are guaranteed equal protection under the law. If Prop 8 HAD passed in California and a gay couple wanted to be married in the Catholic Church or a Baptist Church or an LDS church and the local refused, they would then be in violation of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution since they had denied one of their members "equal protection under the law" and they absolutely COULD be sued. Civil Rights lawsuits exactly like this clog the courts every hour of every day. Therefore "The Good Doctor" doesn't have a clue what he/she is talking about. This would be the next step in the gay agenda. First change the traditional, legal definition of marriage, and then start forcing everyone to follow their demands at the threat of lawsuit.

What would be the result? exactly the OPPOSITE of what the good doctor falsely claimed. It would be direct violation of freedom of religion for those faiths that do not accept homosexual unions as marriages. An LDS Bishop would be forced to perform a gay wedding in his building even though their religious beliefs do not acknowledge such a union.

So the threat is VERY real. If the legal definition of marriage is ever changed to include homosexual unions moral society will have taken a giant step backward NOT forward as gays deceivingly claim.
Category: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered

The Other Mother

Parmesan refuses to go for a walk. The chubby yellow lab and her owner, K., used to go on long rambles through the California hills. But for the past year, Parmesan has planted her rump as soon as she hits the driveway. It has gotten so bad that on a spring Saturday morning, K. brings her dog to the Humane Society for a consultation with a team of - Peggy Orenstein article on plight of woman called K who is appealing court decision refusing her petition to be recognized as parent of twin girls she raised with her lesbian partner until they broke up; K provided eggs, her lover the womb, and couple parented together for six years; Ks former partner claims girls havejust one mother, while K insists they have two; for gay parents, who do not have same legal protections as heterosexuals, defining parenthood has become dizzyingly complex; photos (L) - Peggy Orenstein, a contributing writer for the magazine, writes frequently about women and family. - By Peggy Orenstein

A New Challenge to Same-Sex Marriages

More than a year after gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts, Gov. Mitt Romney said Thursday that he would support a newly proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would overturn that right. My view is that marriage should be defined as a relationship between a man and a woman, Mr. Romney said at a news conference, adding, I - By PAM BELLUCK

Where exactly in the California Constitution does it talk about marriage?

Im researching in order to make a decision about Prop 8

Answer: The constitution wouldn't have to be amended if 4 activist judges hadn't overturned 61% of the vote when we passed prop 22 in year 2000 that defined marriage as between a man and a woman only. This process was undemocratic. One reason I am voting Yes on 8. I believe in democracy.

Other reasons I am voting YES:

Gays are already entitled to the same rights as married couples through domestic partnerships. They receive tax breaks, health benefits, etc, just like married couples.

Legalized gay marriage means pastors and clergy who refuse to marry same sex couples can and will be sued under the law. This has already occurred many times in Massachusetts and Connecticut where gay marriage is legal.

Also, schools and teachers will be forced to teach same sex marriage as moral and legal. This is occurring right now in Massachusetts where elementary school children are given books like “King & King”, a fairy tale about 2 princes falling in love and “Who’s in a Family”, a book that shows same sex parents along with other types of families.

Just like our children should not be taught to accept Jesus in school, they should not be taught gay marriage as moral at school. These discussions should only happen within the home between parent and child, or between student and student, NOT teacher to student.
Category: Law & Ethics

Now that gay marriage is legal in the United State of California, are churches bound by law to perform them?

Just curious.

In other words, can a gay couple sue a church for discrimination if they refuse to render them this service?
If not, why not?
T-Bone (below) Whazzzup T-Bone?

Answer: No! A church does not have to marry any individual unless they choose to perform the ceremony. Separation of Church and State. A Justice of the Peace or other government agency may be governerned by the ruling in California but not an individual church.
Category: Politics

Californians, what is your vote on prop 8?

When Gay Rights and Religious Liberties Clash
by Barbara Bradley Hagerty

NPR.org, June 13, 2008 · In recent years, some states have passed laws giving residents the right to same-sex unions in various forms. Gay couples may marry in Massachusetts and California. There are civil unions and domestic partnerships in Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Oregon. Other states give more limited rights.

Armed with those legal protections, same-sex couples are beginning to challenge policies of religious organizations that exclude them, claiming that a religious groups view that homosexual marriage is a sin cannot be used to violate their right to equal treatment. Now parochial schools, "parachurch" organizations such as Catholic Charities and businesses that refuse to serve gay couples are being sued — and so far, the religious groups are losing. Here are a few cases:

Adoption services: Catholic Charities in Massachusetts refused to place children with same-sex couples as required by Massachusetts law. After a legislative struggle — during which the Senate president said he could not support a bill "condoning discrimination" — Catholic Charities pulled out of the adoption business in 2006.

Housing: In New York City, Yeshiva Universitys Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a school under Orthodox Jewish auspices, banned same-sex couples from its married dormitory. New York does not recognize same-sex marriage, but in 2001, the states highest court ruled Yeshiva violated New York Citys ban on sexual orientation discrimination. Yeshiva now allows all couples in the dorm.

Parochial schools: California Lutheran High School, a Protestant school in Wildomar, holds that homosexuality is a sin. After the school suspended two girls who were allegedly in a lesbian relationship, the girls parents sued, saying the school was violating the states civil rights act protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination. The case is before a state judge.

Medical services: A Christian gynecologist at North Coast Womens Care Medical Group in Vista, Calif., refused to give his patient in vitro fertilization treatment because she is in a lesbian relationship, and he claimed that doing so would violate his religious beliefs. (The doctor referred the patient to his partner, who agreed to do the treatment.) The woman sued under the states civil rights act. The California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May 2008, and legal experts believe that the womans right to medical treatment will trump the doctors religious beliefs. One justice suggested that the doctors take up a different line of business.

Psychological services: A mental health counselor at North Mississippi Health Services refused therapy for a woman who wanted help in improving her lesbian relationship. The counselor said doing so would violate her religious beliefs. The counselor was fired. In March 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with the employer, ruling that the employees religious beliefs could not be accommodated without causing undue hardship to the company.

Civil servants: A clerk in Vermont refused to perform a civil union ceremony after the state legalized them. In 2001, in a decision that side-stepped the religious liberties issue, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that he did not need to perform the ceremony because there were other civil servants who would. However, the court did indicate that religious beliefs do not allow employees to discriminate against same-sex couples.

Adoption services: A same-sex couple in California applied to Adoption Profiles, an Internet service in Arizona that matches adoptive parents with newborns. The couples application was denied based on the religious beliefs of the companys owners. The couple sued in federal district court in San Francisco. The two sides settled after the adoption company said it will no longer do business in California.

Wedding services: A same sex couple in Albuquerque asked a photographer, Elaine Huguenin, to shoot their commitment ceremony. The photographer declined, saying her Christian beliefs prevented her from sanctioning same-sex unions. The couple sued, and the New Mexico Human Rights Commission found the photographer guilty of discrimination. It ordered her to pay the lesbian couples legal fees ($6,600). The photographer is appealing.

Wedding facilities: Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of New Jersey, a Methodist organization, refused to rent its boardwalk pavilion to a lesbian couple for their civil union ceremony. The couple filed a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. The division ruled that the boardwalk property was open for public use, therefore the Methodist group could not discriminate against gay couples using it. In the interim, the states Department of Environmental Protection revoked a portion of the associations tax benefits. The case is ongoing.

Youth

Answer: I pray to God that it passes.
We must protect one of the Church's Sacraments.

This does not mean that we are against homosexuals. People just think that Prop 8 hates homosexuals. NOT TRUE!
Please read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say on Homosexuality:

Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms throughout the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on sacred Scripture, which present homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity [Gen. 19:1-29, Rom. 1:24-27, 1 Cor. 6:10, 1Tim. 1:10], tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered [Persona Humana 8]. They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.


Category: Civic Participation

Lawsuit to compel county to issue marriage license to gay couple ...

1 day ago ... ruled that married same-sex couples were entitled to federal benefits. The court also declined to decide a case from California, meaning that ...

If there is a separation of Church and state then why are religious people opposing gay marriage?

Answer: because this law would actually blend church and state. the state then is telling those how they have to act legally regardless of moral opposition. it has happened in Mass.

churches, religious based private schools and adoption agencies can all be sued or lose tax exempt status if they refuse to marry, adopt to, or provide housing for same sex couples. The reason the law can interfere is because it would no longer be a moral issue. in the eyes of the law their union would be no different than any other marriage, and would have no legal grounds for rejection regardless of moral opposition by the organization.

also in the schools, if the school is one of the 96% of california schools that are required to teach about marriage, the parents of those children have no legal standing to opt for other methods of teaching, alternative curriculum for their child, or notification before it is taught. it's a direct violation of parental rights on such a moral issue. it is because the fact that same sex marriage will be recognized as exactly the same as traditional marriage that this blend will happen. there is no legal standing to separate the two in teaching or in other organizations. sex ed is required to have parental approval, but because legally same sex marriage will be the same as traditional, homosexual relationships will not be required to have parental approval to be taught in the public schools.

it's a legal loop hole that will put the state directly in the churches laps.


Category: Religion & Spirituality

Same-sex marriage in California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The status of same-sex marriage in California is unique among the 50 U.S. ... suggested that out-of-state same-sex couples would marry in California prior to the .... individuals sued the state of California seeking to overturn Proposition 22, the ...

Growing Up With Mom & Mom

Ry Russo-Young, a 22-year-old filmmaker and performer, has a lot to explain, starting with her name. Its Ry, just Ry, not short for Ryan, or a misspelling of Ray, or a nickname someone gave her as a child or a pretension she took on in her teens. Ry is simply a name that her mothers liked the sound of when they named her, an act of creativity as - Susan Dominus article profiles Ry Russo-Young, 22-year-old daughter of trailblazing lesbians, and her family; mothers Robin Young and Sandy Russo describe their history together and how Russo inseminated herself using mimeographed instructions and sperm donated by gay friend; it was during time when no one gay was having children and peers did not know what to make of their decision, so they walked tightrope between gay and straight world; Ry is straight and her younger sister Cade is gay; research on children of gay parents discussed; photos (L) - Susan Dominus, a contributing writer, last wrote for the magazine about the widows of firefighters who died on Sept. 11. - By Susan Dominus

CALIFORNIA COURT RULES GAY UNIONS HAVE NO STANDING

The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a blitz of same-sex weddings here in February and March had no standing under state law and declared the marriages void and of no legal effect from their inception. In a unanimous ruling, the justices said that Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco had exceeded his authority in allowing the - California Supreme Court rules that more than 4,000 same-sex marriages performed in Feb and Mar are void because they have no standing under state law; in unanimous ruling, justices say Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco exceeded his authority in allowing marriages; in 5-to-2 vote, court orders city officials to remove any record of them from books and to offer refunds of marriage license fees; decision is narrow legally, applying only to issue of executive authority and not to constitutionality of state law limiting marriage to unions between man and woman; in practical terms, decision is biggest and most definitive reversal of gay weddings anywhere in country because of nullification of the marriages; photo (M) - By DEAN MURPHY; Carolyn Marshall contributed reporting for this article.

San Francisco Sues State Over Same-Sex Weddings

Officials here moved on Thursday to force a constitutional showdown with opponents of same-sex marriage by suing the State of California over state laws that define marriage as between a man and a woman. The lawsuit backs the core assertion by Mayor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, that marriage definitions in the states family code violate the State - San Francisco officials sue state of California over laws defining marriage as between man and woman, supporting Mayor Gavin Newsoms contention that definition violates state constitution; City Atty Dennis Herrera explains stand; photo (M) - By DEAN E. MURPHY

Do you wonder when...?

...a gay couple will sue a "gay hating" church to marry them?
...the California constitution will get an amendment allowing someone to marry his dog, cat, snake or alligator?
...polygamy will be made legal?

Answer: ... Sure, a gay couple might sue. Churches are under no obligation to marry anyone, and the lawsuit would fail. Separation of Church and State means the State leaves churches alone too.
... That is unlikely to say the least.
... Polygamy should be legal already. What consenting adults choose to do and which agreements they enter ain't nobody else's business.


EDIT: Your wording apparently sets up bestiality as less evil than polygamy (further up in the slippery slope). Care to elaborate?
Category: Religion & Spirituality

Lawyers Argue Legal Status Of Gay Unions

Connecticuts highest court became the first in the nation on Monday to hear arguments over whether the establishment of civil unions created a fundamentally inferior status for gays and lesbians. But in pondering a new appeal for same-sex marriage, the State Supreme Courts seven justices also focused on another fundamental question: whether laws - Connecticut State Supreme Court becomes first in nation to hear arguments over whether establishment of civil unions created fundamentally inferior status for gays and lesbians; Connecticut allows civil unions for same-sex couples; court will decide whether civil unions fulfill states constitutional obligation to treat couples equally; case stems from suit brought by eight same-sex couples; photos (M) - By JENNIFER MEDINA

Now that California has legalized gay marriage,do orthodox shuls have to preform ceremonies?

or risk being sued? As a Lesbian convert to Judaism, Id like to know.

Answer: No, it simply means that the state has to grant marriage licenses and to extend all the legal rights and privileges of marriage to those couples who do marry. The state cannot force any religion to perform the marriages.
Category: Religion & Spirituality

Court in California Hears Gay Marriage Arguments

Still reeling from the passage last month of constitutional bans on same-sex marriage in 11 states, gay rights advocates moved on Wednesday to undo Californias prohibition, arguing in a court here that gays and lesbians have a fundamental right to marry. Lawyers for the City and County of San Francisco and more than a dozen same-sex couples - Gay rights advocates argue in San Francisco court for fundamental right to marry; case is first step in lengthy legal process that will determine constitutionality of state laws that define marriage as being between man and woman; defenders of state ban, which is based on 1977 law and statewide initiative by voters in 2000, argue that there is nothing discriminatory about law defining marriage in manner consistent with tradition and desire of most Californians; challenge is beginning in same way as one in Massachusetts that led to legalization of same-sex marriages there and rulings in that case are cited in California case; hearing comes less than two weeks before new state law on domestic partnerships takes effect; photo (M) - By DEAN E. MURPHY

Prop 8 ruling explained: Why gay marriage will resume in California ...

2 days ago ... Six months later, Proposition 8 passed with 52 percent of the vote, halting gay marriage in California. Two gay couples then sued in federal ...

NOTICED; Need a Minister? How About Your Brother?

LAST August in the Southern California desert, Blithe Smith, a lawyer, and David Bock, a childrens television writer, exchanged wedding vows. Isnt this excellent? said Steven Amsterdam, the man marrying them. Two years ago, when I first suggested they meet each other, they approached the blind date with disdain and a lot of sarcasm. The - Article on growing number of couples who are choosing to be married by friends or relatives rather than traditional religious or civil authorities; photos (M) - By RACHEL LEHMANN-HAUPT

Relief, resolve greets California marriage ruling - Centre Daily Times

2 days ago ... Supreme Court-Gay Marriage-California ... that Wednesday's ruling only legalized marriage for the two couples who sued to overturn the ban.