Posted by Mrs. Isis Fabulous at 207.127.233.246 on February 19, 2004 at 11:58:12:
In Reply to: My Opinion posted by Paul U on February 19, 2004 at 11:49:48:
: Although I am not opposed to civil unions that would aquire SOME benefits that married couples receive.
Why only some? Just curious. What rights would you prefer they NOT have?
: The basis of marriage comes from - in all areas of the world - religion.
This might be true, although I think it comes from something deeper.
But more to the point -- my religion, which is a brand of neo-paganism, teaches that gay people are holy. In the Charge of the Goddess it is stated that "all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals", thus telling us that we must honor those people who defy authority and make sacrifices in the name of love. Our process of marriage (handfasting) can be done between any two people, whether they are romantic partners or friends, lovers or family -- any two people who wish to be bound together spiritually.
So -- if a Constitutional law is passed preventing gay people from marrying, then MY religion is being denied. I'm an American citizen and my religion is my right. How do we reconcile this view with that of the ultra-conservative Christian who declares that government-sanctioned gay marriage is an abomination that cannot be tolerated?
Figure that out, and the problem is solved.