The ONLY state out of 50 in the 'freest' nation in the world has voted to keep pushing the amendment to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. The process has begun for the amendment to appear on the 2008 ballot for ratification by the people.
"If the amendment makes it onto the ballot and residents approve it, it will leave Massachusetts' 8,000 existing gay marriages intact but ban any new ones." (By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press Writer)
How can they selectively take away people's rights? I am not condoning stripping the married couples of their marriage licenses. Quite the opposite, I am arguing that it is an individual's right to do with their life what they choose, to marry and live with who they choose, and not mine or any other person's right to tell them they can't. I have a problem with the politics of this country stressing 'Christian Values.' Yes, I am a Christian, but what about separation of church and state? What about the discrimination that early Christians faced because of what they believed it? what about the additions and lies that have been added to Christianity over the centuries so that it would suit what the leaders of a country thought was best to keep it's masses contented and quiet? Are we not attempting to do the same now? Christianity is the least tolerant of world religions. Isn't the US supposed to be accepting and above all tolerant?!
"'This is not just another question for popular decision. This is a question, under the equal protection clause, about what freedoms the minority is entitled to,' Patrick said." (By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press Writer)
What happened to the civil right's movement? Have we not labored for years to make all people of both genders and all races EQUAL in the face of the law if not in the eyes of our neighbors? The actions taken by anti-gay rights activist is DISCRIMINATION. 'Gay' and 'Lesbian' relationships have gone on in many cultures for centuries! The Roman men liked little boys, and yet we founded our nation on their ideals. Other cultures find in inappropriate if their warriors do NOT adopt a young boy and teach him how to be a man, including sexually. The name 'Lesbian' comes from the poet Sappho, a woman who wrote love poems and lived in Lesbos.
The US is not unique in having gay citizens. It also has citizens of different races. IF someone were to ban multi-racial marriages, you would call him a racist, be outraged and no one would vote about it.
Marriage is not a right that can be voted on. If it were, then perhaps we should stop anyone under the age of 25 and who has not been involved with their potential spouse for 5 years from marrying, then there would be less divorce. (Again, I don't advocate that, I am pointing out the absurdity of the situation). When we have television reality shows on which contestants COMPETE to marry 'prince charming' are we not also bending the 'rules of marriage' a bit too far. So a man wants to marry another man, what is the big deal, he isn't marrying you!
"To advance to the next round, the amendment needed the approval of only 50 of the 200 members of the Legislature. On Tuesday, 61 lawmakers voted in favor, while 132 were opposed." (By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press Writer)
In the tradition of our previous presidential elections, we do not even need the majority to screw things up for the rest of us...
"Other states are moving in the opposite direction: New Jersey's gay couples gained new rights last week when the state legalized same-sex civil unions there. Vermont and Connecticut also allow civil unions." (By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press Writer)
On a positive note, Gay rights are being recognized in other areas of our fine union. If only the people of Massachusetts were as open minded...
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