New York's One Step Closer

New York's State Assembly approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in a 89-52 vote. The bill will now move onto the state senate.
Several legislatures who voted against a similar measure in 2007 have changed their vote.

Outside the Box

I just thought this first letter to the editor was really refreshing. The second one just further pissed me off. I'm so sick of hearing these so-called "representatives" of the black community telling the world that black people are against same-sex marriage. I must not be a black person then, because I'm completely for it. I wish someone would have sent me a letter letting me know I was being kicked out of the group... I would have stopped payment on my dues. I'm not exactly sure where people like Marion Barry came up with this census but I definitely wasn't asked to participate. And from the looks of this first letter, neither were a few other black people who aren't bothered by gay marriage. Just like with any other issue, and any other group, there are varying opinions. If you want to know what any one individual feels about it you're going to have to ask on a person-by-person basis.

The Unrecognized Same-Sex Marriage

And just when you thought same-sex marriage was a black & white issue, a whole new level of complexity emerges. I never even considered the fact that there are same-sex couples legally married in this country already. Some have been for years, they just go unnoticed because when they originally got married they were a man marrying a woman. This article points out that when a member of a heterosexual marriage goes through a sex change in many places they're still legally married, technically...at least until they choose to get divorced. Did you hear that? Somewhere in the world the Anita Bryant is having a conniption as she reads this.
This completely changes the game. I think this could prove a strong defense for same-sex marriage advocates.

Empty Arguments

Okay, so I admit that when it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage I have a very bias opinion. I'm 100% supportive of it for various reasons that I think make perfect sense. Actually that's being too diplomatic. If I were to say what I really think I'd say that I have various reasons that I KNOW make perfect sense, but that's not the point I want to make. My point is that just as much as I think my arguments are strong and undeniable and make absolute sense, those against same-sex marriage believe the same about their arguments. I try to listen to both sides of any dispute. Usually no matter how strongly I feel about something I'm able to understand the opposing side on some level. I don't agree with you, but I get where you're coming from. It's like that with the issue of abortion. I'm pro-choice, but I understand why pro-lifers believe what they do. I mean there's usually some logic to an argument right?
But then articles like the one in the Augusta Chronicle show up and just remind me how this whole "anti gay marriage" thing is completely alien to me.

The first argument opponents want to pull out of their hat is the "the bible says..." defense. "The bible says that two men shall not lay together", "The bible says that "...For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." I get that they believe the bible is the word of God, but shouldn't logic kick in at some point and make them realize that the bible is more accurately a loose interpretation of what God said translated by man. Besides the bible is full of so-called rules that even the most devout don't follow. I would never claim to be an expert on the bible, just moderately familiar with it... and most of the time confused by it. I get how it is the foundation of a faith, but there are just so many other decrees that they could focus on. Instead of putting so much energy into the whole "homosexuality is wrong and you're going to hell" thing why not focus on "Love thy neighbor as they self" or "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"?

Then there's the arguments that are just flat out lies, like the one that says legalizing same-sex marriage would strip people of their religious liberty. I've tried to figure this one out and it's just not true. There is nothing in these marriage bills that would make it mandatory for churches to perform these marriage. They wouldn't even have to recognize them under their faith... unless they want to. I doubt a law that would be approved in the first place because it goes against everything America is supposed to stand for. People are very sensitive to being seen as "that country" when it comes to the laws they pass. Besides, these movements around the country are very focused on separation of church and state. I actually think the counter-movement to redefine "marriage" as a union between a man and a woman is more oppressive (religiously and otherwise). They are actually trying to make it a law that nation, state, individual adopt that belief.

I think my favorite arguments are the ones that are just ridiculously twisted facts. I love that the article claims there will be even more children being raised without a mother and a father, but fails to recognized that these children will be living with two loving committed parents rather than products of a broken home. And the idea that tax payers will have to fun same-sex marriages is just mind boggling. I can't even figure out how that would work.

Granted this publication writes for a specific audience that doesn't necessarily include an individual such as myself since I have already decided my stance on the issue. But then again I do believe in God so does that make me a member of their target audience? Perhaps I am a Christian who's gone rogue. One of the things I remember from all my years of religious private education is that God supposedly gave us free will when it came to what we believe and what we do. He/She may prefer we believe in certain things and behave in certain ways, but it's our choice, right? You may not like what I choose but it's still my choice.

If nothing else what happens between two consenting adults in the privacy of their bedroom/home, that's not illegal, is no one's business but their own.

Rant complete.

I Love Urband Dictionary

The term "opposite marriage" has been added to the Urban Dictionary database. I for one am overjoyed to finally have a clear definition.
Will this moment ever end?

Baldacci Breaks the Cycle

Maine Govenor John Baldacci signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage within the state. While Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont beat Maine to the punch, Baldacci is the first governor to sign the legislation outright. The governors for the other 4 states all vetoed the legislation forcing it to be debated and passed by without governor approval.
This move by the governor may come as a shock to some of his constituents, as he strongly opposed same-sex marriage in the past, but supported the idea of civil unions. MSNBC.com quoted Baldacci as saying this,

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," Baldacci said in a statement. "I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage."

D.C. Approves of Same-Sex Marriage Laws

In a shocking twelve to one vote Washington D.C. has agreed to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Because the District of Columbia isn't really a state any laws it creates still have to be approved by congress. Going directly against the Defense of Marriage Act, should be prepared for a court battle.

Ex-Chicagoans Love Pushes Them Over the Borderline

On April 27, four former Chicago residents became the first couples to marry in Dubuque, Iowa. Both couples, Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann, and Rosalyn Henry and Laketta Davenport, who moved to the family-friendly town a few years ago, were married by County Magistrate John Nemmers.

Monday, April 27, was the first day that Iowa's Supreme Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriages became officials. The four women were amongst hundreds of other gay couples that came to take advantage of the new ruling. While many were Iowa natives, many of the couples came in recognition of same-sex marriage in the Midwest despite it being illegal in their home states.

While they are now residents of Iowa, the women are still tied to Chicago. The couples returned to their hometowns to celebrate their new union. Scarver, who is co-treasure for Windy City Black Pride told the Chicago Sun-Times about same-sex marriage spreading through the Midwest, "We've proved there is hope."

Carrie Prejean: Anita Bryant XP

It's official. Miss California Carrie Prejean is the new Anita Bryant. The beauty pageant contestant has become a maverick at extending her 15 minutes of fame for her answer to a question about legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Reminiscent of former beauty queen Anita Bryant's campaign against gay rights, Prejean has taken to being the "temporary" spokeswoman for the National Organization for Marriage. While she tries to be a little more subtle than Bryant when speaking her mind, preceding most of her comments with a "I mean no offense", Prejean is just as adamant about the destruction (she believes) the legalization of same-sex marriage will do to American society.

Husbands Lock Up Your Wives

This has nothing to do with same-sex marriage, I just thought it was a really interesting article and wanted to share the wealth. Apparently there's been an increase in women leaving their husbands/male partners to be with women. They almost make it sound like a "trend". And it hints that there might be a fluidity to female sexuality as they grow older that isn't present in men.