A lot of people don't have gay friends or family - they aren't around them and don't take the idea of homo relationships seriously because they think of being gay as a recreational sexual activity.

 

I think a lot of religious people feel that it undermines the Christian mystique. That it somehow bastardizes their religion even though their own people already did in that sense.

 

To be honest, I have a hard time understanding why a lot of gays are so adament about using the term "marriage" when civil unions are practically inevitable at this point. I know it's more about what it symbolizes - that we're equal, but even as a straight person, I'd rather not be "married", especially by a priest. Of course it's easy for me to say that because I'm already granted the right to marriage so it's easy to for me to take it for granted. If I wrote the laws, I think I would have the term coined according to one's proven religion affiliation. Outside of that, it would be a legal contract with a nice neutral name that has a positive connotation.

A lot of people don't have gay friends or family - they aren't around them and don't take the idea of homo relationships seriously because they think of being gay as a recreational sexual activity.

 

I think a lot of religious people feel that it undermines the Christian mystique. That it somehow bastardizes their religion even though their own people already did in that sense.

 

To be honest, I have a hard time understanding why a lot of gays are so adament about using the term "marriage" when civil unions are practically inevitable at this point. I know it's more about what it symbolizes - that we're equal, but even as a straight person, I'd rather not be "married", especially by a priest. Of course it's easy for me to say that because I'm already granted the right to marriage so it's easy to for me to take it for granted. If I wrote the laws, I think I would have the term coined according to one's proven religion affiliation. Outside of that, it would be a legal contract with a nice neutral name that has a positive connotation.

 

As an understanding and compassionate straight man, I don't feel you can understand.

 

Now, since you state, "...I'd rather not be "married"....", you are also affected.

 

I'm using people from UO as examples.  God forbid, If MayDay became ill and had to go to the hospital (without his hair products), without having a "civil union" or "marriage" his partner could be denied in making a life saving medical decision or even just to see him since he is not technically "family". 

 

As a single person living with another person in a long-term relationship, you could also be denied the right to see your partner.

 

I'm not going to go on as my personal feelings on this would take this waaaayy of topic.

^More to the point, there have been cases where one member of a gay couple has been in the hospital; a distant cousin with whom they've never had contact, or their estranged abusive parents could legally have more control of their welfare than their partner of many years. Now, some couples have taken the steps to secure powers of attorney for each other but is that something you carry in your wallet? Speaking of - remember that issue that Ken "Bigot" Blackwell championed? Well, he was hoping to render those powers of attorney invalid - you know, that whole part about "anything resembling marriage"?

^

excellent.  I & my partner have those powers, but the amendment language leaves it wide open for a hostile court to void them.

 

when civil unions are practically inevitable at this point.

 

Nothing is inevitable, and they certainly are not in in Ohio, as they are unconsitutional in this state per the state constitution as amended.

 

 

A lot of people don't have gay friends or family - they aren't around them and don't take the idea of homo relationships seriously because they think of being gay as a recreational sexual activity.

 

I think a lot of religious people feel that it undermines the Christian mystique. That it somehow bastardizes their religion even though their own people already did in that sense.

 

To be honest, I have a hard time understanding why a lot of gays are so adament about using the term "marriage" when civil unions are practically inevitable at this point. I know it's more about what it symbolizes - that we're equal, but even as a straight person, I'd rather not be "married", especially by a priest. Of course it's easy for me to say that because I'm already granted the right to marriage so it's easy to for me to take it for granted. If I wrote the laws, I think I would have the term coined according to one's proven religion affiliation. Outside of that, it would be a legal contract with a nice neutral name that has a positive connotation.

 

As an understanding and compassionate straight man, I don't feel you can understand.

 

Now, since you state, "...I'd rather not be "married"....", you are also affected.

 

I'm using people from UO as examples. God forbid, If MayDay became ill and had to go to the hospital (without his hair products), without having a "civil union" or "marriage" his partner could be denied in making a life saving medical decision or even just to see him since he is not technically "family".

 

As a single person living with another person in a long-term relationship, you could also be denied the right to see your partner.

 

I'm not going to go on as my personal feelings on this would take this waaaayy of topic.

 

I'm already aware of all that and I agree. I was talking about terminology - the fact that a lot of politicians support civil unions but not "marriage".

I want the right to have a pre-nup and get a divorce just like straight folks!

I want the right to have a pre-nup and get a divorce just like straight folks!

 

Worthy of being added here: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7454.450.html

 

I'm cranky...DO NOT go there with me today. 

 

What the fuck does his sexual history and your fantasies have to do with gay marriage?? Leave that EXTRA BS out of this thread! 

 

Don't turn this thread into another "good thread gone bad".

I really don't care about his motivations - the fact that he marries off gay men and woman is enough for me to support him

Unfortunately, I've long since left the issue of gay marriage on the back-burner. I canvassed for gay equality and a big problem is that not enough gay people really want this right nor do many care. There are a handful of passionate, great people who do, but they are a tiny minority against an apathetic majority. If the ratio of gay people who take action on this issue were equivalent to the number who go to the bars or to pride we'd at least keep this issue visible.

tell me about it.  Yet our state and many of our cities are not truely "gay" or "gay friendly" therefore feeding the perception, that our lives account for less than those our hetero counterparts.

Obama opposes Prop 8, McCain in favor

By 365gay Newscenter Staff

11.03.2008 11:52am EST

 

(San Francisco, California) They both oppose same-sex marriage, but Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain differ over Proposition 8, the ballot measure that would ban gay marriage in California.

 

"McCain also opposes amending the U.S.Constitution, but for different reasons. McCain says it is a state issue. He is on record supporting constitutional bans on gay marriage in both California and his home state of Arizona where a similar measure is on Tuesday’s ballot".

 

I am SO gonna ENJOY watching the SOB lose tomorrow! Call me crazy, but I thought the Consitution was suppose to grant and protect our rights as tax paying citizens, not take them away!   

Once again, stupid sh!t gets put on the ballot because anything can, as long as you get enough signatures. Nothing should be put on the ballot that is religiously charged.

 

I'm wondering how many people voted YES and are still laughing their ass off when they tune into the Ellen show.

Cleveland weighs domestic partner registry

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081111/NEWS01/311110015/1055/NEWS

 

A proposal in the city council would make Cleveland the third Ohio community to let gay or other unmarried couples register their domestic partnerships.

 

Councilman Joe Cimperman says a registry would show Cleveland is serious about tolerance as it tries to woo the 2014 Gay Games, an international sports competition. Cimperman says the measure he's sponsoring also would collect registration fees to help the city's budget.

 

Cleveland Heights and Toledo already allow couples to declare their domestic partnerships at City Hall as a way to prove eligibility for benefits such as health care.

 

A spokeswoman says Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson supports the registry concept. But press secretary Andrea Taylor adds that the proposal needs to be reviewed thoroughly.

YES!

 

Here is the Cleveland.com article

 

One thing people fail to realize is this is not a gay issues is a domestic partner ship issue and it protects all  - straight or gay - who live together without the benefit of being married.

 

---

Cleveland Council may create domestic partner registry

Posted by rrutti November 10, 2008 17:36PM

CLEVELAND -- Several Cleveland City Council members want to create a domestic partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples who seek privileges reserved for the married.

The registry would cultivate a gay-friendly image for Cleveland and boost revenue.

 

The registry would be nonbinding, meaning employers and other organizations would not be forced to extend health care benefits to unwed couples or allow visits with a hospitalized partner. But supporters of the plan hope it might encourage groups and businesses to allow such rights.

 

Councilman Joe Cimperman, a sponsor of the idea, said a registry would help Cleveland as it bids to host the 2014 Gay Games, a sporting event with a global audience. In addition, fees paid by those who register could pour some much-needed cash into city coffers.

 

"We are trying to show that we are a serious city when it comes to tolerance," said Cimperman, who with other colleagues is expected to introduce legislation next week.

 

Cleveland Heights voters adopted a similar law in 2003. The registry sparked controversy when Councilman Jimmie Hicks Jr., backed by a national Christian group that opposed gay marriage, sued to overturn the vote. Hicks lost his court battle and, ultimately, his seat.

 

...

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/11/cleveland_city_council_may_cre.html

Wow, thats really cool! Good for Cleveland!

Lets hope all the cities of Cuyahoga County join in.

That Olberman piece was something else.  I usually can't stand the guy - the whole 'worst person in the world' and bill o' reilly feud is poor journalism at its worst - but he is truly passionate about this issue and it shows.

 

What is wrong with these anti gay marriage people?  How can they be so blind

That Olberman piece was something else.  I usually can't stand the guy - the whole 'worst person in the world' and bill o' reilly feud is poor journalism at its worst - but he is truly passionate about this issue and it shows.

 

What is wrong with these anti gay marriage people?  How can they be so blind

 

Because all they see is the word "gay"!  They do not realize they are actively campaigning to deny all people the right to register as domestic partners.

Excuse my ignorance, but I still don't understand the purpose of this "registry".  Can someone tell me me what benefit or protections this would provide.  As of now, I just see this as being a list of people whom society has deemed has second-class citizen status....and they paid to have their name listed as such.

You as a straight married couple have certain right.  As a gay couple in a long term relationship, even if living together, the partners have no rights in the event something should to the other.

 

Example:  The HBIC and the HNIC are a couple (now ain't that a match made in hell?  >:D ) living without a domestic partnership in the US.  The HBIC had an accident and was admitted to a hospital.  The Hospital has the choice to deny the HNIC access to the HBIC or knowledge of the HBIC condition.  Also, say the HNIC wants the HBIC to be taken to a particular hospital, he would have no choice since they are not related.

 

Domestic partnerships give couples (straight or gay) protections under the law.

 

Theses are some things a domestic partnership give in other states/cities: 

• Making health care decisions for each other in certain circumstances
  
• Hospital and jail visitation rights that were previously reserved for family members related by blood, adoption or marriage to the sick, injured or incarcerated person.
  
• Access to family health insurance plans
  
• Spousal insurance policy informationSick care and similar family leave
  
• Stepparent adoption procedures
  
• Presumption that both members of the partnership are the parents of a child born into the partnership
  
• Suing for wrongful death of a domestic partner
  
• Rights involving wills, intestate succession, conservatorships and trusts
  
• The same property tax provisions otherwise available only to married couples
  
• Access to some survivor pension benefits
  
• The obligation to file taxes as couple
  
• The right for either partner to take the other partner's surname after registration
  
• Community property rights and responsibilities previously only available to married spouses
  
• The right to request partner support (alimony) upon dissolution of the partnership (divorce)
  
• The same parental rights and responsibilities granted to and imposed upon spouses in a marriage
  

MTS, I guess I asked the wrong question.  Watch out who you are calling STR8 by the way...me not a couple, and me not STR8!  LOL

 

Anyway, I don't see where a "registry" has legal teeth in relation to the issues you so listed.  I was formerly in a ten yr relationship, and yes, those were all of the issues we would talk about.  How does a "registry" address them specifically beyond being merely a list?

MTS, I guess I asked the wrong question.  Watch out who you are calling STR8 by the way...me not a couple, and me not STR8!  LOL

 

Anyway, I don't see where a "registry" has legal teeth in relation to the issues you so listed.  I was formerly in a ten yr relationship, and yes, those were all of the issues we would talk about.  How does a "registry" address them specifically beyond being merely a list?

 

Lo Siento!    Sugar, how old are you?  You gays are coming out of the woodwork here on UO.

:clap:

 

You register and it become a legal document.  If the domestic partnership bill passes, it a law.  You get a card to carry with you (dont leave home without it  lol ) to prove you and your partner are registered.

I think I was issued my card when I was born 42 years ago.  I even got the free toaster with my membership!

I think I was issues my card when I was born 42 years ago.  I even got the free toaster with my membership!

 

Yeah...back then in '66 that would have been an appropriate premium gift to give away!  Ahhhhh....that was a good year!

Gay activists rally outside Mormon temple in NYC

By The Associated Press

11.13.2008 7:45am EST

 

(New York) Carrying signs reading “Love not H8″ and “Did you cast a ballot or a stone?”, a large crowd of gay-marriage supporters gathered outside a Mormon temple to protest the church’s endorsement of a same-sex marriage ban in California.

 

---

Since this has to do with the marriage issue, I posted this article here. If I was wrong to post it here, sorry

There are quite a few churches uptown they have been actively picketing.  The Washington Hts/Inwood area has a large mormon population.

 

The LDS church has also been taking a beating on this.

They (the LDS/Mormon church) deserves everything they are getting right now. The amount of money that the church donated to the Yes on 8 campaign is ridiculous. I think that they should lose their tax-except status. Besides, who are they to comment on the "sanctity" of marriage?

They (the LDS/Mormon church) deserves everything they are getting right now. The amount of money that the church donated to the Yes on 8 campaign is ridiculous. I think that they should lose their tax-except status. Besides, who are they to comment on the "sanctity" of marriage?

Let the congregation rise and say........

Then Son of my  uncle wrote this letter to me  :

 

“ dear Cinci …

After seeing my girlfriend for one year now, we decided to get married next month. The sister of my finance is amazing (and also very very  incredibly attractive beautiful girl ) and has offered to help with all the wedding plan: Ceremony, Church, photographer, dinner, flowers etc.  .. so I like this ..

 

Yesterday she called and asked me to come by to have another look at the invitation list in order to take some names off because we were thinking about inviting too many people. I went over to her , house,  she was looking great , so beautiful , and we went through the list. Finally we settled on 150 people.

 

Then suddenly I lost it, when she out of the blue told me that I am a very attractive man and as I will get married in one month and then nothing would be possible any more between she and her sister and therefore she has a huge desire to sleep with me right now.

She got up and went towards her bed-room door in a very suggesting way. As she passed me she kissed me and whispered into my ear that of course I would now where the door is, to the bedroom and outside , should I want to leave.

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t move for a full 3 minutes.

Then I knew which course to take.

 

I ran towards the door and went outside to my car and found my smiling future father in law standing in front of my car with a gun.

 

I was shocked.

 

I think he said something like:

 

“we wanted to test you to be really sure that our daughter marries a trustworthy and honorary man. You passed the test”.

 

He  gave me a kiss without me being able to utter a word and congratulated me.

 

I tell you folks, it really was my luck that my condoms were in my car and not in my pocket……..

Condoms can safe lives!

 

 

 

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd!  LMAO!!

^^wait, what did I just read??

Cross posted in the events thread

 

 

Tomorrow at 1:30pm, in cities across the U.S., peaceful protests will be held against the passage of Proposition 8 in California. In Ohio, protests will be held in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Bowling Green, Dayton, Youngstown, and Athens. For more info visit Join the Impact - Ohio.

 

Sorry for the short notice.

Over 500 people joined in the Cincinnati protest outside of City Hall including comedian Maraget Cho who was in town for a show.

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081115/NEWS01/311150047/1055/NEWS

Margaret Cho is hilarious.

Gay rights rallies nationwide over Calif. ban

By The Associated Press

11.15.2008 5:58pm EST

 

Gay rights supporters waving rainbow colors marched, chanted and danced in cities coast to coast Saturday to protest the California vote that banned gay marriage there and urge supporters not to quit the fight for the right to wed.

...

In San Francisco demonstrators took shots at some religious groups that supported the ban, including a sign aimed at the Mormon church and its abandoned practice of polygamy that read: “You have three wives; I want one husband.”

...

 

I love the bigotry exhibited by the same people claiming that it's bigotry that decided prop 8.  There's as much bigotry and intolerance on one side of this issue as the other.

^^So, someone pointing out the fact that some Mormons believe in polygamy and that we (the gay community) would just love for the opportunity to have just one, legally recognized spouse is somehow bigotry? Are you also claiming that the millions of dollars donated to the Yes on 8 campaign by the Mormon church was not motivated by bigotry? Is it not bigotry to deny a group of people the rights that they deserve as fellow humans as well as fellow tax payers?

 

 

Not all Mormons have several wives or even approve of Polygamy. From my understanding that is only a few really weird sects. Keep in mind, if they supported proposition 8, then they supported legislation that keeps marriage between one man and one woman. There's really no reason to single out blacks or mormons the way they did - people of different religions (or no religion), ethnicies, races, gender, etc voted for proposition 8 in large numbers. (Btw - I realize the hypocrisy in marginalized people discriminating against marginalized people - I'm just saying you can't single out one group).

There, I edited to read as "some" Mormons, I am sorry that I made a generalization of the Mormon church.

 

But you can't deny the influence that the Mormon church as a whole had on the Yes on 8 campaign. I haven't really seen any sort of attack on the black community, just a question on how a minority group could deny another minority group the rights that they deserve (as fellow humans and taxpayers).

I haven't really seen any sort of attack on the black community, just a question on how a minority group could deny another minority group the rights that they deserve (as fellow humans and taxpayers).

 

I've seen it on various political blogs. Just saying, expect minorities to be just as religiously influenced even though I'm almost positive southerners used to bible at one point to justify slavery.

 

I remember watching BET one time and a black aethiest comedian was debating religion with Kirk Franklin in a Barbershop about interpretation of the bible. What was it he said? Something like "Be nice to your slaves, don't beat 'em so much" lol!

Yes, slave holders did justify slavery by using the Bible. For example, Leviticus 25:44 says, "Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids,” which slave holders would translate as a God approving of slavery. Ephesians and Colossians would also be used to explain keeping Christian slaves (in those books Paul says that slaves can be believers in Christ). The Bible also says that slaves should obey their masters in everything they say, not out of fear of their master, but out of fear of God (Colossians 3:22). Colossians 4:1 tells masters to be good to their slaves because they (the slave holders) have a master in heaven (so in essence, treat your slaves as fellow, yet, unequal Christians).

 

It is so sad that the Bible is being used by some minority people to justify the mistreatment of gays when not to long ago the same book was used to keep them from the rights that they have now.

There was a great scene in the West Wing (maybe season 1), where Martin Sheen chastises a religous wacko's views on homosexuality and lists a number of idiotic Biblical provisions that are clearly not followed by even the most religious zealots.

 

Not to mention, but does the bible even talk specificlaly about gay marriage?  I'm not talking about gay acts or being gay, but just the marriage

No, the Bible does not mention anything about gay marriage. Not that the Bible should even be a valid argument against gay marriage. Last time I checked, the U.S. was a secular government.

Speedy Prop 8 hearing sought at Calif. Supreme Court

By The Associated Press

11.18.2008 9:04am EST

 

(San Francisco, California) The state attorney general and sponsors of the ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage in California urged its Supreme Court to hear a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn the ban, saying the matter is too urgent to be unsettled.

 

Calif. lawmakers voice support for gay marriage

By 365gay Newscenter Staff

12.03.2008 3:10pm EST

 

(Sacramento, California) A resolution has been introduced in both the California Assembly and Senate to reaffirm support for same-sex marriage.

 

 

I had to curse out (in a nice way) my councilman for voting against this. Those who live in the wards where you council person voted against the vote, I would strongly look at them going forward.  People wonder why Cleveland seems so unwelcoming and not progressive.

 

---

Cleveland council votes to enact domestic partner registry

 

Posted by dsims December 08, 2008 21:18PM

 

 

Cleveland City Council voted Monday to create a domestic partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples, ending weeks of emotional, behind-the-scenes lobbying on both sides of the controversial issue.

 

The registry, though nonbinding, could prompt employers, hospitals and other organizations to grant privileges typically reserved for married couples, advocates say. The registry also is a revenue booster and a symbolic gesture that Cleveland is gay-friendly.

 

But several council members reported intense pressure from local pastors, who oppose domestic partner benefits on religious grounds. At one point Monday afternoon, a rattled Kevin Conwell, a co-sponsor of the legislation, seemed ready to change his position.

 

...

 

Plain Dealer reporter Gabriel Baird contributed to this story.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/12/cleveland_council_votes_to_ena.html

 

 

At a committee hearing, Coats cited biblical passages that he said denounce homosexuality. "Many of you may disagree," he said.

 

"That's fine. These aren't my words. These words are in the Bible."

 

 

What does that have to do with public policy? I am sick and tired of the Bible governing the lives of U.S. citizens. I am not a Christian, so why should YOUR personal beliefs determine what goes on in MY private life?

 

At a committee hearing, Coats cited biblical passages that he said denounce homosexuality. "Many of you may disagree," he said.

 

"That's fine. These aren't my words. These words are in the Bible."

 

 

What does that have to do with public policy? I am sick and tired of the Bible governing the lives of U.S. citizens. I am not a Christian, so why should YOUR personal beliefs determine what goes on in MY private life?

 

I agree, you Heathen!