If it's good enough for CM Punk to tell someone to go "kill themself" over, it's good enough for here. I'm sure we've discussed this topic before, but I'm hoping this works out that we look at it in a different light.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/politics/north-carolina-marriage/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
By a 61%-39% margain, the state of North Carolins voted yesterday to ban safe-sex marriage in the state. What's interesting to me is that same-sex marriage was already outlawed in the state, so all this did was alter the constitution slightly within the state. The amendment was needed, supporters argued, to shut down legal challenges within the future should they arise. But further so, some munincipalities within North Carolina previously allowed benefits for same sex couples living together in civil union, such as health insurance for partners and tax breaks. Due to the passing of this amendment, both those tax breaks and health insurance could be lost. The Amendment reads:
Well, the way this is written, same-sex couples aren't the only ones who could be adversely affected here. What of couples who have lived together and have children? If the only "domestic" legal union that is recognized is marriage between man and woman, what does that mean for domestic violence cases? Before you dismiss that as a silly thought, the laws are much stricter and defined regarding domestic violence then they are in other circumstances. Further, this could affect child custody cases as well, one would assume, as unless the couple with children is married, they can't be defined as a true "family." So, not only are homosexuals theoretically affected here, but unwed couples could be as well. Kathryn Bradley, law professor at Duke University, said the following regarding the vote:
When I read comments about amendments such as these, even the most conservative tend to state that they're not opposed to same-sex marriage, as they believe the state shouldn't define what a legal union is. Even the comments from those who believe it a sin often times aren't opposed to the recognition of same-sex marriage, as I've heard it said time and again that if "people want to live in sin, that's their choice and their business." When I've seen it discussed here, on this board, I've only encountered 2 to 3 people staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage, and those people were generally radical and homophobic in their views.
So I'm baffled by the ruling here. Where are you, 61%? We've only 9 states of 20 now, 45%, who have voted in favor of same-sex marriage, while it's yet to reach a vote in 30 other states. So are you telling me, wrestling fans, that all of you are more enlightened and informed then most. I mean, you watch programming that appeals to the lowest common denominator, yet you're realistic and intelligent enough to understand that the passing of this amendment is discriminatory? Surely, some of us out there are in favor of this amendment being passed. Surely there are some among us opposed to same sex marriage. Surely, there are some among us that believe marriage should only be defined as between a man and a woman, correct?
It's you I want to hear from, more then anyone. I'm a Christian, yet I believe that nowhere in the Bible does it label homosexuality a sin. But some of us must, correct? For what other reason, other then moral/religious, do people vote against same/sex marriage? Let's hear from Vote For Marriage NC Chairwoman Tami Fitzgerald, shall we?
I'm glad she said that, and emphasized that it was the whole point for their reason behind voting against it. Here's the definition of marriage, according to the Merrian Webster dictionary:
Now, I realize that Fitzgerald was referring to marriage as she defines it in a religious manner, and she appeals to a higher power then a dictionary for her definition of it. But I despise it when people want to have it both ways: To me, she's pro marriage in a manner that suits her, more the letter of it then the spirit of the definition. And even her letter of it, as shown above, falls incomplete.
Where are you, 61%?
I really liked the comments of Tori Taylor and Anna Krishnan, both who voted against the amendment.
Said Taylor:
The verbiage here is interesting to me, about being integrated to the culture. Isn't it a sad state of affairs when we seperate "traditional" marriage from gay and lesbian, so much that they become different cultures? As 61% of North Carolina showed, it is very much a division of cultures, so to speak. I do understand that North Carolina is in the middle of the Bible belt, so don't mistake my frustration for disbelief. I recognize and understand the discrimination that occurs in these situations.
Said Krishan:
Neither of these women are famous, or experts in anything. They're simply people who voiced their opinions following a disappointing turnout. Those opposed to the amendment are planning a new course of action, including campaigning across the state. Equality North Carolina held a press conference today to discuss the amendment, and what can be done next. Said Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Campaign for Southern Equality director:
Even President Obama spoke up regarding the amendment, and was harsh in doing so. He called the voting "disapointing" and "discrimanitory"against gays and lesbians. This is especially notable because Obama's long-held stance was of one supporting "traditional" marriage. But since I've been mentioning them this entire thread, let's give the last word to the 61%, shall we? Here's Family Research Council Preaident Tony Perkins:
If anything, these "relentless" lawsuits suggest people are standing in support of marriage, and doggedly so. It's a shame that the majority, the 61%, is against the true nature of marriage.
Thoughts on this?
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/politics/north-carolina-marriage/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
By a 61%-39% margain, the state of North Carolins voted yesterday to ban safe-sex marriage in the state. What's interesting to me is that same-sex marriage was already outlawed in the state, so all this did was alter the constitution slightly within the state. The amendment was needed, supporters argued, to shut down legal challenges within the future should they arise. But further so, some munincipalities within North Carolina previously allowed benefits for same sex couples living together in civil union, such as health insurance for partners and tax breaks. Due to the passing of this amendment, both those tax breaks and health insurance could be lost. The Amendment reads:
"Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized".
Well, the way this is written, same-sex couples aren't the only ones who could be adversely affected here. What of couples who have lived together and have children? If the only "domestic" legal union that is recognized is marriage between man and woman, what does that mean for domestic violence cases? Before you dismiss that as a silly thought, the laws are much stricter and defined regarding domestic violence then they are in other circumstances. Further, this could affect child custody cases as well, one would assume, as unless the couple with children is married, they can't be defined as a true "family." So, not only are homosexuals theoretically affected here, but unwed couples could be as well. Kathryn Bradley, law professor at Duke University, said the following regarding the vote:
The language of the amendment is so vague, it could strip other unmarried couples of some rights as well. It could affect unmarried couples who live together and bring them unintended consequences on issues such as child custody and the prosecution of domestic violence. also strengthens the state's position against same-sex civil unions, often considered a precursor to the marriage issue. Some municipalities in North Carolina provide benefits to same-sex couples, and those rights could be lost with passage of the amendment.
When I read comments about amendments such as these, even the most conservative tend to state that they're not opposed to same-sex marriage, as they believe the state shouldn't define what a legal union is. Even the comments from those who believe it a sin often times aren't opposed to the recognition of same-sex marriage, as I've heard it said time and again that if "people want to live in sin, that's their choice and their business." When I've seen it discussed here, on this board, I've only encountered 2 to 3 people staunchly opposed to same-sex marriage, and those people were generally radical and homophobic in their views.
So I'm baffled by the ruling here. Where are you, 61%? We've only 9 states of 20 now, 45%, who have voted in favor of same-sex marriage, while it's yet to reach a vote in 30 other states. So are you telling me, wrestling fans, that all of you are more enlightened and informed then most. I mean, you watch programming that appeals to the lowest common denominator, yet you're realistic and intelligent enough to understand that the passing of this amendment is discriminatory? Surely, some of us out there are in favor of this amendment being passed. Surely there are some among us opposed to same sex marriage. Surely, there are some among us that believe marriage should only be defined as between a man and a woman, correct?
It's you I want to hear from, more then anyone. I'm a Christian, yet I believe that nowhere in the Bible does it label homosexuality a sin. But some of us must, correct? For what other reason, other then moral/religious, do people vote against same/sex marriage? Let's hear from Vote For Marriage NC Chairwoman Tami Fitzgerald, shall we?
"We are not anti-gay; we are pro-marriage. And the point -- the whole point -- is simply that you don't rewrite the nature of God's design for marriage based on the demands of a group of adults."
I'm glad she said that, and emphasized that it was the whole point for their reason behind voting against it. Here's the definition of marriage, according to the Merrian Webster dictionary:
a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage>
b : the mutual relation of married persons : wedlock
c : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
Now, I realize that Fitzgerald was referring to marriage as she defines it in a religious manner, and she appeals to a higher power then a dictionary for her definition of it. But I despise it when people want to have it both ways: To me, she's pro marriage in a manner that suits her, more the letter of it then the spirit of the definition. And even her letter of it, as shown above, falls incomplete.
Where are you, 61%?
I really liked the comments of Tori Taylor and Anna Krishnan, both who voted against the amendment.
Said Taylor:
"It is a very sad day in North Carolina. There were a lot of college students, young professionals who came out to vote. We have gay friends. A lot of us are integrated to that culture. Do you think your friends should have the same rights? It's black and white. Of course, they should."
The verbiage here is interesting to me, about being integrated to the culture. Isn't it a sad state of affairs when we seperate "traditional" marriage from gay and lesbian, so much that they become different cultures? As 61% of North Carolina showed, it is very much a division of cultures, so to speak. I do understand that North Carolina is in the middle of the Bible belt, so don't mistake my frustration for disbelief. I recognize and understand the discrimination that occurs in these situations.
Said Krishan:
It writes discrimination into our state constitution and gives the majority the chance to vote against the minority.
Neither of these women are famous, or experts in anything. They're simply people who voiced their opinions following a disappointing turnout. Those opposed to the amendment are planning a new course of action, including campaigning across the state. Equality North Carolina held a press conference today to discuss the amendment, and what can be done next. Said Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Campaign for Southern Equality director:
"We can't change the results of this vote, but we can determine what comes next, When kids across the state wake up, I want them to know that this story isn't over."
Even President Obama spoke up regarding the amendment, and was harsh in doing so. He called the voting "disapointing" and "discrimanitory"against gays and lesbians. This is especially notable because Obama's long-held stance was of one supporting "traditional" marriage. But since I've been mentioning them this entire thread, let's give the last word to the 61%, shall we? Here's Family Research Council Preaident Tony Perkins:
Despite the relentless lawsuits and attempts to marginalize supporters of traditional marriage, a clear majority of the American people have not given up on standing in support of marriage. But instead, the evidence suggests they want to see it strengthened and preserved for future generations."
If anything, these "relentless" lawsuits suggest people are standing in support of marriage, and doggedly so. It's a shame that the majority, the 61%, is against the true nature of marriage.
Thoughts on this?