Originally posted by Psychoblues
Isn't "marriage" a religious term that has somehow sneaked it's way into our legal system that promises no respect for religion? Commitment to one another is enough for me and I've been legally married for 28 years, 34 if you count my first wife. Some states even recognise "common-law" marriages where it is assumed, legally speaking, that a couple is married based on years of cohabitation and/or other factors. Whatever, it's no concern or consequense of mine that gay couples wish to "marry" in order to satisfy arbitrary regulation by private enterprise. Why are some so upset by all this?
The reason this issue is so important to some people - no matter which side of the debate they fall - is because laws do regulate behavior and morality. Those on the side of male/female marriages are sick and tired of people chipping away at the morals of this country. Those on the other side believe that because they aren't "affecting" anyone else, they should have the right to do what they want. I can't speak much for the side of pro gay marriage.
As to why I am against gay marriages, there is nothing about marriage which doesn't affect society. Acceptance of a homosexual life style does impact others through the fact that once it's accepted, I have no choice but to read about it, see it, hear about it, have laws to protect it, etc. My son will be schooled by them, have employers who are them, lawmakers who are them, etc. all parading their sexuality in our faces.
Most of the people who believe that gay marriage should be illegal have no desire to legislate against gays or harm them. They just don't want homosexuality to be defined as a lifestyle and accepted and forced upon them. They aren't the ones who are leading the charge on this legal issue...they are reacting. I would not have stepped into the legal fray if indeed homosexuals weren't out of the bedroom so to speak.
If homosexuality were indeed truly "behind closed doors" and were a matter between two, and only those two individuals, as some have suggested, then this would not be the case. But it is. You only have to look at the court cases involving gay people suing others for the right to their "lifestyle". Once that behavior is out of the bedroom, it's free game. You can't have it both ways...it isn't private when you sue the boy scouts to allow gay leaders. it isn't private when you want a marriage ceremony. it isn't private when you sue to march in a st. patrick's day parade. It isn't private when school teachers sue to teach about it as an alternate life style. It isn't private when it's on the television in the form of accepted gay characters.
Before the debate begins anew about not leglislating morality, let's all please remember that there are few, if any, laws which aren't based in some concept of morality. Why do we have welfare? Becuase it's deemed better for mankind to take care of those who can't take care of themselves...that's a moral decisison. Why do we have seatbelt laws, anti-suidicide and euthanasia laws? Again, society is foisting their morals on someone.
ALL LAWS ARE BASED UPON SOMEONE'S DETERMINATION OF WHAT'S RIGHT FOR SOCIETY.
