Should government regulate marriage??

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by pelathais

And I think you're falling into the "If-by-whiskey" trap. Your definitions aren't consistent. The "man and wife" currently enjoy no more rights than any gay couple. There's a possiblity for an income deduction that can be applied depending on how you fill out your form - but even that's not a "right." Other than that, there's essentially no difference in fundamental rights..

If there's no difference, why worry about it?

[Sam]

In Ohio a couple who are legally married have joint ownership of property. If one dies, the property goes to the other. There is a term for that but I don't know it.

My wife and I have legal documents that we each have full power of attorney for one another. Any two people whether married or not could do that. Our wills state that the other inherits everything if one of us dies. Any two people whether married or not could do that. Our checking account has both names with an "or" between them so either one of us has access to the total checking account. Any two people whether married or not could do that.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sam

In Ohio a couple who are legally married have joint ownership of property. If one dies, the property goes to the other. There is a term for that but I don't know it.

My wife and I have legal documents that we each have full power of attorney for one another. Any two people whether married or not could do that. Our wills state that the other inherits everything if one of us dies. Any two people whether married or not could do that. Our checking account has both names with an "or" between them so either one of us has access to the total checking account. Any two people whether married or not could do that.

I have a few questions Sam...

Do you think that the gays will stop fighting for full blown marriage?
Do you think they will win the right to full blown marriage it somehow goes to the Supreme Court?

It may be a strategic move to grant them civil unions to prevent them from having grounds to take it further. Just a thought.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I have a few questions Sam...

Do you think that the gays will stop fighting for full blown marriage?
Do you think they will win the right to full blown marriage it somehow goes to the Supreme Court?

It may be a strategic move to grant them civil unions to prevent them from having grounds to take it further. Just a thought.

In my opinion it will eventually get to the U.S. Supreme Court and states will not be allowed to prohibit anyone from getting married based on gender or sexual preference. To deny marriage to anyone based on gender or sexual preference would be unlawful discrimination and not be equal access under law. All states will have to accept anyone married in another state. Common law marriage with partners of the same gender or even more than one partner will eventually be recognized. That is my opinion of what will happen. I don't agree that it is right.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Aquila

If there's no difference, why worry about it?

Because there's "no difference" in the individual liberties and rights the way things are now - without gay marriage. Gays activists want to have their lifestyle sanctioned and accepted with a legal seal of approval. Our society has chosen to accept and tolerate gay lifestyles without forcing everyone to necessarily approve.

I tolerate gay lifestyles and even accept a few associates who behave like ladies and gentlemen with their gay lifestyle. However, I do not approve nor do I like being told that I must sanction and approve of gay marriage.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Because there's "no difference" in the individual liberties and rights the way things are now - without gay marriage. Gays activists want to have their lifestyle sanctioned and accepted with a legal seal of approval. Our society has chosen to accept and tolerate gay lifestyles without forcing everyone to necessarily approve.

I tolerate gay lifestyles and even accept a few associates who behave like ladies and gentlemen with their gay lifestyle. However, I do not approve nor do I like being told that I must sanction and approve of gay marriage.

This is the bottom line for me also.