Quote:
Originally Posted by pelathais
It seems like you've really constructed a false dilemma here. American government isn't a "they" it's a "we" (even if special interests rule the day from time to time). Government regulates marriage at the state level because we wanted it that way.
In over 200 years of state regulation over the issuance of marriage licenses can you think of a single case where the state forced someone to take out a license with another party against their will? It has never happened. The license is issued when two starry eyed youngsters show up at the courthouse. You can't get a marriage license any other way.
|
How long ago was it that the said question could have been asked about bills that call it hate speech and a punishable crime if you preach against homosexuality?
We are moving in that direction.
Just because it hasn't happened doesn't mean it won't.
And... yes... marriage is a state issue... that will change if people get marriage defined on a federal level. These things SHOULD absolutely be handled on the state level but people are calling for a federal definition... this will start the ball rolling to move marriage from a state issue to a federal issue... and that is a bad direction.
The move is on now to make drivers license a federal document rather than a state document. Get the federal government delving into the definition of marriage and marriage licenses will move that same direction.
Also... Marriage Licenses have not been a part of American Society for over 200 years. Marriage Licenses began to be issued in the mid 1800's but not for everyone. The initial Marriage Licenses were required for blacks & whites to marry. Every one else could marry without one (and did) but if a black and a white wanted to marry they had to get a license from the state to do so.
Some time after these licenses came into play the move toward everyone having to have one started up. All states had not adopted marriage licenses laws until 1929.
Threaded Mode
