For me this is personal as many of you know, but more then that it is something I feel very strong on this issue and am deeply proud my state my birthplace, New York as allowed same sex marriage. This is a huge step for all people of the gay community. I firmly believe they are humans like us no differences, and they deserve all the rights as we do ... very pleased and happy for the gay community you all deserve to be happy and married for me it has always been more then just a piece of paper, it is about expressing your love and to truly be a life long committed relationship as marriage. God bless and peace.... Catherine

Liberty and justice for all.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

I don't think Mark Grisanti will be re-elected.

Maybe he decided it was more important to vote for what is right, instead of what will get him reelected.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

I am very happy about this also. I can't believe I live in a so called civilized country that bans a good portion of law abiding, tax paying, contributing to society adults from the basic rights the rest of us enjoy.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Exactly Anna basic human rights that all Americans and everyone else in the world its is plain and simple and so dearly happy, we now need more states to honor same sex marriage......Peace to all....Catherine

I am also very happy about this. IMO everyone deserves to be happy with whomever they want. It is not up to me to say that two men or 2 women can not love and be committed to each other. My DD (who is 16) said "If NY can do it, then every state should do it" I don't understand the people against it, why do they feel it is their choice to voice how others should live their life. Many people that I have talked to have only argued that "the church said it's wrong" or 'it goes against God" well take the church and God out of it and now why do you feel it is wrong? Aren't they 2 people who love each other and are committed to each other? And anyways, the church always taught me that only God can judge. So if the argument is that it's against the church /God, well then when their time comes He will judge them accordingly, there is no need for anyone else to.

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

If you are an adult, of sound mind, what you do is is perfectly acceptable as long as you don't hurt anyone or anything else. So two people making a commitment to each other has no effect on me or anyone else but them. It's their life, let them live it as they wish. What ever happened to the Golden Rule. I'm not religious but that one rule says it all.

It is because legal rulings force those for whom gay coupling is a religious issue to recognize - in every way - a gay couple in exactly the same way they do the heterosexual couples that their religion does support.

An example would be health insurance. Say you own a Muslim bookstore, and you provide health insurance to your employees and their spouses. The sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman is very important to you within the context of your religion, and male / male or female / female sex is strictly prohibited.

This law forces you to pay benefits to the gay spouse of someone you hire.

While to those who are for gay marriage it may seem crazy or mean for the Muslim business owner to not want to have to financially 'recognize' that partnership, the bottom line is that his religion - something we are all free to have and the Government is not supposed to interfere with - prohibits him from supporting it. He now much either drop ALL family coverage for ALL his employees, or violate his religious conscience. He is forced to treat situations equally that his religion does not consider equally.

For many, it is not about what gays *get* to do, but rather what this *forces* others to do who, for reasons of personal spiritual conscience, they simply cannot.

The employer should never know who or what the insurance is paying for (for example--employer should not know that their employee is being treated for Hepatitis that was contracted many years ago from a dirty tattoo needle).

If the employer knew those kind of things, then they would be able to discriminate for other reasons. Or feel that they were condoning certain behaviours based on protected health information. MT recognizes medical marijuana as legal--yeah, it is a wild and crazy law with legal marijuana!

An employer is legally mandated by state and local laws regarding health insurance, 401K, etc. If an employer is not able to abide by those laws due to his/her spiritual conscience---then perhaps they should not be in business.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Insurance was just an example.

I do not know if this is still true, but in the past, religious convictions could be taken into conviction when an employer was choosing an insurance policy to offer employees. For example, the Catholic hospital my friend worked at had insurance that did not cover birth control.

It was her choice whether to work for them or not. She was not anti-BC, the employer was. She opted to work there, and just paid for her pills out of pocket. Seemed fair to me.

I don't get your point. What does that have to do with gay marriage?

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

There are also people whose religious views forbid divorced people from getting married; others for whom interfaith or interracial marriage is forbidden. Still other feel that women who have had children out of wedlock are not fit for marriage. Should we pass laws forbidding all these people from getting married?

My religious cousin says he is against gay marriage because "it breaks down the sacrament of marriage". I say all those adulterers are the ones breaking down the sacrament of marriage. I don't hear anyone saying that adulterers should be banned from marriage.

There are no laws even requiring heteros to love each other a person can marry anyone of the opposite sex for any reason.

Pure & simple, it's ridiculous that two adults, who are legally able to consent, should not be allowed to marry.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I doubt that a Muslim would hire a gay person.

Religion should not override the rights of others. Your religion stops where my rights begin. If a Muslim does not want to cover a gay couple then other companies might be allowed, and/or inclined, to not cover Muslims working for them. If you discriminate, then it leaves you open to the same type of discrimination.

If a gay couple wants to comit themselves to each other, fine.
But please don't call it "marriage".
Come up with another word.

Tell you what, if you commit yourself to someone, you can call it whatever you want. Welcome to the United States.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

*snort*
it isn't often that I agree w/ you, but this time? I do!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Snort all you want. It won't change my mind or the minds of many, many others.
Remember God is watching you. And even if you don't believe in Him, he is still watching you!

And you, nor any other right-wing conservative Bible-thumping Christian, will ever convince me that God really give a flying fig--as long as people love each other and treats everyone with kindness.

Oh, and furthermore--who's to say that God hasn't spoke to me? Who's to say I don't know more than you regarding what God would like to see from society?
That's right--you don't! Nor do I know that your beliefs are correct!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Marilyn simply loved your last comments, and why in the world would the gay community have to change the word marriage, if they are getting married, then it is their union of marriage, why again in this world would they need to change the word makes no sense at all... peace to all and a safe Happy 4th .... Catherine

And what is he seeing? I would guess he might be really, really proud of things that reflect "Love thy neighbor as thyself" or "Do unto others ......." I would guess he isn't big on self-righteousness.

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

My God says your God is wrong and thinks it's creepy that your God is stalking me.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

You know there's help out there for brainwashing victims don't you?

God doesn't care who you marry. I have a very close relationship with God. He cares how you treat your fellow humans, how you treat those amongst us who are the most innocent and vulnerable; animals, children, people with limited capacities, etc.
God is merciful, all loving, and compassionate.
Those are three things I see missing in you. If you want to be more Godlike take that into consideration.

__________________
The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Anna could not agree with you more on the subject in your last post, again I am dearly pleased and wish more states more get on board and accept and honor same sex marriage, as always they deserve all the same human decent rights as all of us. Peace and blessings to all... Catherine

I certainly hope so!

I wish you well in finding some.

Be comforted as I am praying for all of you.
And I started out wanting only a different name for same-sex unions!
I don't approve of them, but I am not the Judge.
We all will be judged some day.

You are praying for us "sinners" who believe all should be treated equally and fairly. You are praying that we will cease our sinning and see the light.
Believe me when I tell you---DO NOT PRAY for me, if that is what you are praying for.
Spend your time praying for those who are physically ill and need peace.
Pray for those who have family members serving overseas.
Spend your time praying for those who are losing their homes, who have lost their jobs--because of this economy.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure God would much prefer everybody be treated fairly and with love--as opposed to demonizing people for the way they were made!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Oh yes I agree we all will be judged one day, but sadly not for love, not for loving someone and wanting to spend the rest of your life being in love and sharing in the union of holy marriage, your thinking is way off, as Marilyn said kindly pray for other concerns...
child abuse, animal abuse, battered women and men, our soldiers over seas, all the poor, sick and hungry, please start there....Peace and blessings to all... Catherine

Be thankful that I'm praying to my God to forgive you for praying to the wrong God.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

muwhahahahaha! That is freaking hilarious!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

It's people like her that give God a bad name.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

There is only one God.
I am not "screaming" at all of you. I only want a different name for gay unions.
Why do you feel the need to carry on so against me?

Yes, my God is the one and only God. My God likes the word marriage for gay unions. So it shall be.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Agreed with all except Lizzette, sorry your the one who has the problem, so you alone need to find another word, our God knows the word when 2 people are married it is called marriage, plain and simple....Peace and blessings to all...Catherine

Hi, all! I have been reading all of the posts and have been wondering about something. WHY is it that when someone does not agree with same sex "marriage" that they are the one with a problem and so on??? Why are they not allowed to have their own opinion on the subject?? And for those making light of God and so forth, I am guessing that we have all studied completely different versions of the Bible!! Oh, well! This is just one of the many slippery slopes that our country is on right now......

* * * * *

(5 stars)

dl

I don't think anybody said that opinions could not be held, just that people disagreed. If you are referring to the ILL post "....your (sic) the one who has the problem, so you alone need to find......" I agree that was ignorant.

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

1) The point of Lizette's original post was to dictate which words the rest of us use to describe same-sex marriage, not to open a discourse.

2) Lizette tried to impose her religious beliefs on us. She told us her God was watching us and that she was praying to him to forgive us. I don't need her God watching me and I don't need his or her forgiveness.

To you, littlewolf, how is having different interpretations of a bible a "slippery slope"? Why do you expect us all to study and follow your Bible?

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

My question is why we are expected to read any bible? Are there some new laws mandating this?, (right now that would not surprise me).

And that "PEACE & BLESSINGS TO ALL" just does not seem to belong in the same posting with the rest of your remarks....as usual

ETA: " Peace and blessings to all...Catherine" This is the quote I should have included. Sorry, if my remarks were misdirected.

Since I don't do "peace and blessings" I know you aren't talking to me, but it isn't clear since you quoted me.

__________________
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

If the radical right gets their way, no doubt we will.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

TO suezz if you kindly go back I am not the only one here on the boards who disagreed with her comments about finding another word for gay marriage, all disagreed with her, so kindly do not single me out. As far as peace and blessings all I will say on this is , for me it is part of my ending statements and will continue to be so.... I believe in one God and that he created all of us and loves us, he may not approve of all we do , so therefore judgement may come into play, but not for loving , not for loving so one so much, that you want and deserve the same respect to be able to get married to prove your love. Of course it for me goes way beyond the legal papers to state your married, of course that is so important, it is plain and simple, we are married and so proud and want to share our love and total commitment to the world and most of all to each other. Again she has her rights to her views, but by the looks of this thread she is the only one who started, "WE will be judged ", no one else did..........Peace and blessings.......Catherine

I am confused, you quoted me, yet I don't ever say peace and blessings.

As a matter of fact, I started a thread here a while back about the rampant use of "blessings". I won't repeat that, but after reading so many say it and then do the opposite (irl too) and going to the "shower of blessings" last year about this time, it needs to fade away. Typing or saying something when you don't live it and you don't mean it doesn't fool me although it makes you (general you) feel good.

dl

You can't have it both ways. You aren't satisfied with a poster here who you've decided "is the only one" and yet when you (lucy) are the only one you cry foul also. Your narrow mindedness is shining again.

If you can have your opinion, so can she, so can everyone else.

dl

Well....here goes. I stayed out of this thread cause I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade. So, you are happy about NY's new ruling? Good. No problem. But to think that only one poster here at MC is the only one that does not join in the joy is not reality. She may have been the only one to voice a differing opinion, but she is not alone. And with the realization that this is the way our society is going, she just felt maybe a different name than " marriage" might be considered. IMO, that is not too much to ask. Some people feel very strongly that "marriage" is a union between one man and one woman.

The God I love, the God of the Bible does indeed love every human ever created. So much so that he sent Jesus to the cross so that one day we might all have the opportunity to fellowship in heaven. If that is our choice. Nowhere does it say in the Bible that His love has anything to do with our choices. He loved Mother Theresa no more for what she did, than He does a murderer for what they have done. We are called however to repent of sin to enjoy a closer fellowship with Him while still in this life. It is our choice. my interpretation of sin is based on God's word and what He calls sin. Not my opinions.

That said, while I do not agree that a gay/lesbian lifestyle is what God chooses for His children, I do not believe we can legislate morality. It is up to believers to live such a lifestyle, based on God's word that others notice the difference. A lifestyle of love and compassion, not judgment and hate. Hate the sin, not the sinner if you know what I mean.

So, no I don't "agree" with the rulings that say a gay couple can "marry". It goes against every fiber of my being. However, it is their right to make any choice they want, just like everyone else. Obviously.

Indeed, our country is on a slippery slope and has been for a long time. But, like I said, legislating morality does not change hearts. Love, prayer and Jesus change hearts. So I think I'll stick with those.

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Melissa

Deddlastt.....No, hon, I didn't mean YOU at all......It's a certain Lucy (or Catherine or whomever she is) that includes a version of Peace, etc. in every comment that I meant to be referring to.... So sorry if you thought I was directing that at you...

No, I agree with you totally.

Suezz, sorry but I totally didn't mean you either....My comment was intended toward Lucy/Catherine as I stated above.....

Sorry, guys..... That peace/love/blessings stuff all the time seems very out of place and really gets under my skin....

We are used to those passive-aggressive tendencies **sigh**

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

LOL, that's a great way to put it! Passive-aggressive hits the nail on the head!

You certainly have the right to continue to end your every rambling post with whatever ridiculous comment you choose. We expected as much.

We reserve the right to continue to be irritated by your doing so. That is why you do it, isn't it?

Sanstat you seem to be a new person do not remember you posting so much, as far as everyone else is concerned they all know me and know I use the words peace and blessings alot, it is my choice to do so, if you all of sudden do not like it, then kindly skip over. Furthermore this post is not going to turn into another Iluvlucy420 thread, it is about being proud of my state honoring same sex marriage plain and simple, to others DL and Suezz again go back all others have agreed about the comments made about same sex marriage, and that there should be not another word term for gay marriage. I am not crying over anything, I have made my personal comments and again so have others who are in agreement with me, kindly reread all the threads thanks so much.........Peace and blessings......Catherine

OMG!! Let it go already.....geez! A few people here agree with you, but many in the world do not and never will. Just accept it. I am not even sure how I feel about it, because while I have a few very close friends that are gay, I still struggle with what my church preaches. I am confused, and was not even going to say what I thought, but I did not want you to accuse me of being mean to you because I don't agree. I don;t agree or disagree, really, but I think you need to realize that the few people here that have agreed with you are not the entire world. A LARGE part of the world will never agree.

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"When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream."

John Lennon

I see a slippery slope in the country as well. But the one I see is coming from the religious zealots and the far right political ideology that keeps trying to take us back to the "good old days", which for many were not all that good. If this great country is destroyed, that will the the cause of the destruction, not letting two people who love each other and are committed to one another get married.

ok ! You have a majority here agreeing with you and that's it, case closed. Copy this off and send it to your lawmakers so they will be convinced too. Anonymous posters on a message board have agreed "there should not be another word term for gay marriage" and they have agreed with you ! How great ! How wonderful ! Safety in numbers, it's always cool to be popular.

dl

We don't agree very often, but YES!! It is a total of what, 5 people at least, right?

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"When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream."

John Lennon

How is it that I seem to be a new person? I joined in January 2000....quite a while before you did. I am well aware that you use the words peace and blessings a lot (alot is not a word, by the way....another pet peeve of mine).

It is your false assumption that I all of a sudden do not like it!

OK OK OK ... the dead horse has been beaten.....

Good night all!

So now I have another person who is going after my grammar use, alot or a lot big deal and peace and blessings I can say it all I want because I sincerely mean it, and if I say or write alot or a lot wrong and say peace and blessings too much and that sincerely bothers you, when then hun oops another mistake, you literally have to much time on your hands to worry about , and if those are true pet peeves, I feel sorry for you, life is way too short............When I mentioned about you being new here, while you may have joined in 2000 like me, I do not recall seeing you post here as I know all the members who post here alot or a lot which ever, and while there are some who I know very well by name, they might not post in weeks, but they show up................Peace and blessings.......Catherine

Hear, hear!

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

To wildwood and jujubee I totally agree with what you just said , thanks so much...Peace and blessings...Catherine

I don't have an issue w/ a person having very strong beliefs and convictions.

I do have an issue w/ any person telling me that "God is watching" even if I don't believe in God. And implying that their beliefs are far superior to my beliefs...

I disagree with some religions, but understand that in those people (by and large) they are trying to be Christian and do believe what they believe for the "right" reason. I would hope that the same courtesy and respect would be afforded to me and my beliefs.
I understand that people believe marriage should be between a man and woman, and I understand "why"--I disagree.

"Civil Unions" are going to be about as effective as "don't ask don't tell"...

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Exactly my point that someone telling me God is watching and that we will have to answer to him one day. Of course I realize that everyone is going to agree with same sex marriage either based on their religious views or personal views. However a question comes to my mind, do you not think if is was not for religious reasons, just a personal view, does anyone else here view that thought as a form of discrimination. I bring this up because I just came back from a long vacation. Part of the vacation was spent in Orlando Florida, where I will admit it was sooooo hot, lately I cannot take the heat. Okay back to topic, while walking in the park, there were many muslim women who were wearing long shirts or dresses on top of jeans and some had their faces except for their eyes totally covered up. Now to me I would be dying, but I said it is their religion and it is what they believe, however while sitting down waiting for my family who went on the Hulk ride, I so do not like those rides scary me, anyway I overheard some people saying awful things against these ladies. So it brings me back to the same sex marriage if not for religious reasons same as wearing those clothes, I feel people who are against these views are displaying acts of discrimination, well to me anyway. Bottom line for me and part will always be personal, whom ever are in love, they deserve the human rights to express their love in the holy union of marriage. Peace and blessings...Catherine

I'll go on record as not agreeing with gay marriage.

Good....hopefully you will never be made to have one.

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GO NAVY WRESTLING!!BEAT ARMY!!!
RJB 3/18/60 - 5/22/04
We miss you, sweet brother
God Bless the USA!!!!! Praying for my Youngster son at United States Naval Academy, class of 2014!!

http://mylifeundertheabaya.blogspot.com/

My opinion won't matter in any way, but I have followed this for a few days and have to say I hate when God is brought into this conversation re: Gay Marraige. If we believe in the separation of church and state, then why do we want to legislate morality.

Every person in America deserves the same right to marry who they want, to have the tax breaks as everyone else, to have health care coverage with their partner if available.

If someone doesn't want to be married to a gay person, don't do it. If you don't believe in gay marraige, don't have one. But don't deny that right to someone else who is gay or think that someone who is gay cannot love someone and make the same commitment to that person and create a family as you have. You are entitled to your opinion and live your life as you seem fit. But if the law says that people who are gay can be married to someone they love then is the slippery slope for real? Isn't that what people are commanded to do by Christ...love one another?

The fear that some people have over letting gay people live their lives as first class citizens is silly in my opinion. The God I worship isn't concerned with who loves who and how they love.....he is more concerned with that we love one another. Period.

__________________
GO NAVY WRESTLING!!BEAT ARMY!!!
RJB 3/18/60 - 5/22/04
We miss you, sweet brother
God Bless the USA!!!!! Praying for my Youngster son at United States Naval Academy, class of 2014!!

http://mylifeundertheabaya.blogspot.com/

To Kellyjef honestly a quick question , your a mom , if one of your children told you they were gay and wanted to be married, how would you answer them plmk thanks in advance. Peace and blessings to all on this very hot humid day here in New York... yucky. Catherine

I LOVE that pic!!

Love the picture as well. thanks jujubee, peace and blessings to all ...Catherine