Do you agree in same sex marriages?
965344
Absolutely.\n\nFemale.\nAtheist.\nWhite.
184172
You can marry the person you love and want to spend the rest of your life with, while they can't. Laws against same-sex marriage impose an arbitrary, and essentially religious view of marriage on people who do not believe in it, for no reason other than to maintain the status quo. It is ridiculous to say that you have the same rights because you can't marry someone of the same sex either; you obviously don't want to.
848695
Two people who willfully choose to join themselves in a committed relationship and who plan to stick it out through the good times and bad times, come hell or high water.\n\nSince this is the LGBT forum, I will add this. I am really angry about all the hoopla about gay marriage going on in my country (US) right now. So many people keep saying marriage is a one man + one woman only affair, but the fact of the matter is that marriage, at least in the US, is a LEGAL MATTER. If you choose to have a religious ceremony, it isn't legal until you get the marriage license issued by the state. Since it's a legal contract, I find it obscene that anyone wants to legislate that it can only be between a man and a woman. If marriage was simply a religious affair, then I would say it was up to the religious leaders of that faith to say who can and who cannot be married, but I find it repugnant that some people are not allowed to enter into a binding legal agreement simply because they happen to be of the same sex. The simple fact that I have two X chromosomes, and my partner is an XY gives us, automatically, all sorts of rights and privileges that are denied to other couples because they are the same sex. I am weary of people saying, "well, they can go to an attorney and make sure that they inherit each other's stuff, and they can go to an attorney and legally adopt each other's kids, and they can go to an attorney and give each other medical power of attorney, and they can go to an attorney..." because all of that stuff was just given to me and my husband when we married. No one in a committed relationship should have to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees getting their ducks in a row so that when something happens to one of them they can end up with a rotten judge in court and have it overturned in favor of "next of kin", who are, sadly, not always mindful of what their dearly departed would have wanted. It's all just offensive to me. \n\nOkay, sorry for the outburst. I will put my soapbox away now.
527126
Okay- I did a Public Speaking presentation on same-sex marriage. (BTW, not only homosexuals want to get married to people of their own gender, bisexuals would like to do it too; if you use "same-sex" marriage, it's more professional, since that's what the news media has termed it recently.)  In the sources, I've put all the internet sources I used.  I'm not sure if this will help, since you didn't specify if it could be an online newspaper or if it had to be a print newspaper.  Good luck!\n\nNOTE: For the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (last link), I used Articles: 1, 6, 7, 12, and especially 16\n\n(PS- I can't remember where I found it, but I remember one of the pros was that married people pay more taxes, so that if same-sex couples were allowed to marry they'd be charged under spousal income tax laws and more money would flow into the government.)
972744
You can read all about this issue here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_South_Africa
1040814
Nothing wrong with a civil union between any two consenting adults. The word "marriage" is a religious term describing the union of one man and one women, and just because gay people want to form a union shouldn't change the meaning of the word.
931321
yes! ~ I agree! ~ Marriage is sacred and shouldn't be changed to conform to those who want to make it less than what it is.  If they want a civil union with the same benefits as marriage, fine.  But marriage shouldn't be changed.  And this has nothing to do with the bible ~ this is about the tradition and the meaning of marriage.
1130410
No.  If gay people want to be responsible and be married, I see no issue with that. \nI will vote for any that comes out against amnesty for illegals.  So very few have done that.
745705
Absolutely.  IMMEDIATELY.  People say that it will "ruin the sanctity of marriage" and "make a mockery of it", but...\n\nCivil marriage laws don't exist to uphold the ideals which opponents want the institution to reflect, so the fact that, in their eyes, same sex marriage "violates" the institution is of no consequence when considering the legalization of same sex marriage.\n\nRemember: there is no clause that requires people to be capable of procreation in order to marry. There is no written or unspoken requirement compelling each couple to enter into the contract with only those intentions that are considered "pure" or "proper". There is no small print at the bottom of the actual contract which states that every person involved in the union must behave, believe or live in any certain way (besides, of course, remaining faithful to their spouse, and even that bit is often disregarded in "open" marriage and no external force tries to obligate those marriages to dissolve).\n\nThe majority may feel that the institution SHOULD represent one certain concept (i.e. that it exists strictly for making families) or set of values (i.e. according to the Christian Bible) but marriage law and contracts have never translated that desire into any sort of obligation.\n\nA man and a woman can and will get legally married for a myriad of reasons, good or bad, because they HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY. A man and a man or a woman and a woman deserve THE SAME OPPORTUNITY to make it work or do it for the same "good or bad" reasons.
177964
i saw this really interesting show (daytime talk show)(could've been oprah...)in which people with different stances on gay marriage spoke their minds. the guy who really left an impression on me was an older gay man (40-50)who said he was with the same man for like 20 yrs or something and he in no way had any desire to ever marry,  period. obviously it wasn't a fear of commitment, he simply stated that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and so he was not a part of that equation. he also said, in lieu of the insurance arguments(ie: not being able to acquire insurance through your partner because your union is not recognized by the law), get a job! i thought this to be kind of bold because in some instances you have people with disabilities in relationships with others who are capable of going to work every day and insuring them; but if they are in a state that doesn't acknowledge gay marriage, they are in a state of S.O.L., if you know what i mean... i think that it's a shame when two devoted partners can't enjoy the feeling of finality that i felt once i became married. and the divorce rates are so high i don't know why the conservatives are so concerned with whether or not gays marrying threatens the sacredness of marriage. nothing really is sacred anymore (don't mean to sound hopeless but let's face it) babies are having babies, every day people make empty promises to each other and "god", and every day people break them. people go on t.v. and advertise "i'm hot and want to marry someone rich and hot" selling them selves, but 2 people with legitmate feelings for one another are not allowed to cement their union with a formal term and ceremony... just doesn't seem right at all... just sharing my thoughts, great question though!\nhave a good day!
967651
Mankind uses words to convey ideas and specify meanings. A marriage is not a same sex union! I believe that the word "marriage" is ALREADY defined as a union between man + woman.I don't really understand why the Gays' seem to want to use the term "marriage"- when a lifelong civil union w/ equal government /economic recognition is what they want. I believe that same gender couples should be able to obtain a Same Sex Union Certificate which would entitle them to the same economic and rights of survival benefits AND difficulties if they seek a divorce from their mate/spouse. They too MUST be required to file for divorce,settle their shared assets, change their wills, redesignate beneficiary status etc. \n\nThe government is NOT really concerned about WHO your spouse or pardner/mate IS. The IRS has to apply the correct proceures/ formulas based on the "status" -->individual/ joint/ age etc. \n..Now "gay" unions are off the books; The Same Sex Union Certificate would provide the same documentation as a marriage certificate. As for the states and individual companies, they will have to decide whether they will change their policies on many items..i.e. payment of a pension to the deceased spouse(married) or non divorced pardner(same sex union). \n---The gay lifestyle is another topic....some people do not believe that same sex unions are \n"normal"...they do not produce the next generation..they are in conflict with their religious beliefs.  Thier beliefs are AS STRONG as the belief held by gays that they are not  abnormal,..they should be able to have an intimate relationship and seek happiness with whoever they want ...\nSO simply put..a piece of paper (same sex union) can achieve economic equity BUT individual Humans can and do  choose what they want to accept or believe in. Heterosexuals and homosexuals need to recognize this concept...NO ONE IS guaranteed that they will be liked and accepted.
494933
I think legal marriage is just a peice of paper. Being married is really in your heart.  whats stopping you from throwing a big party, exchanging vows and rings accompanied by your family and close friends? i believe there are churches geared toward the gay and lesbian community that can give you guidance. Either way. congratulations on finding that special someone in your life.
57526
Yes...although I'm thinking this wasn't the place to ask this question...unless you're looking for a fight.  You will invariably get rude and hateful answers.  Since you don't have any history, it's impossible for me to guage if you asked this to see others' views on the subject or if you are gay and wanting to marry.\n\nI am a strong advocate for gay marriage.  I'm straight myself, but I have quite a few gay friends and I like to think of myself as somewhat liberal.  Who are we to define who should and should not get married?  Granted, anything within a family is sick and wrong (although I'm sure there are some people out there that will beg to differ with me - but I've seen in places that the result of children from incestuous relationships often have severe abnormalities)...and I agree with NoMorLuv that anything involving animals (beastiality) is also wrong.  They can not speak for themselves.  Multiple partners, not okay either.  \n\nThat remains simple.  Set a law establishing that a marriage is a union between 2 persons - be it a man and a woman, 2 men or 2 women.  That's it.  1 union per 2 people, not related by blood.  There ya go.  Solves that.  Why can't 2 guys get married in most states?  Why can't 2 women?  Why does it matter?  \n\nI'll tell you why - because you have the religious types (nope, not quite sure where my faith lies) that say that it is wrong in the Bible.  I thought God was supposed to love you no matter what?  No matter what your sexual orientation?  I've seen people post here that if you repent for your sins (ie homosexuality - I saw it on a post concerning lesbians going to hell) that God will forgive you.  Why should you have to repent for loving someone of the same sex?  That implies that it's wrong, when it's not.  So what if you're the same sex?  As long as you love each other, that's what's important.\n\nIn my mind, I think that a marriage should be just as stated above.  It's a commitment to love and honor your spouse, no matter what.  I have a very close friend at work (he lives in Massachusetts - where gay marriage is legal) who is married to another man and he can't be happier!  And you know what, I can't be happier for him!  \n\nPeople say that by allowing gays to marry, it will destroy the sanctity of marriage.  Will not.  Like said, it shouldn't matter as long as there is love and commitment there!  \n\nPlus, there's the whole children thing.  Just because Mary has 2 moms (or 2 dads) doesn't mean that she will grow up to be a lesbian.  It's more important to show a loving relationship than the sex of the parents.  Homosexuality is not something that is induced by surroundings or peers, it's just something that happens.  Nor is it an abbhoration, as I've also seen people post here.  Damn people and their closed minds.  It's actually been seen in young children, sometimes they just don't know it yet.  I believe it's something that is just predetermined...a lot of gay people (mostly men) that I've talked to said they always knew.  Actually, my married friend was married to a woman once...he thought he might change!  (I saw that here too...someone said with enough of the right counselling they can "become" straight!)  So it really doesn't matter who your parents are, as long as they're happy.\n\nBesides, why should they be denied the benefits of being married just because they're not man/woman?  Gay people need health insurance too!  (No smart comments, future posters, please!)  Life insurance?  Then again, some plans might let you place a sibling or what not as a beneficiary.  There's the tax break (although that's not as big of a reason but it is still a reason)...\n\nSo all that being said...YES.\n\n\nPS - Thanks for the clarification.  I'm all for it.  If you don't live in a state where gay marriage is legal yet, lobby for
1160673
Marriage is what you make of it. If you make it sacred, it will be sacred.\n\nI think most people have made a mockery out of what is supposed to be a very special thing.\n\nI also do not think allowing homosexuals to marry will "ruin" the sacred bonds of marriage. We straight people have already done that.
1174446
I'm perfectly fine with the idea of gay marriage. Perhaps those against gay marriage just done want to be outdone by spectacularily fab weddings that are sure to be the result of gay weddings. On the downside, if gay weddings would be lavish, tastefull affairs can you imagine how nasty a gay divorce would be! Yes, I am being silly, but in all seriousness I think that whoever wants to get married should be able to.
691592
i havent read all the responses to this ques so sorry for any over lapping ideas.\ni am of the opinion that being attracted to the same sex is the most natural thing, and man woman marriage is a part of conditioning. well now that may be refuted. but marriage, relation or watever is a very personal choice. its like telling someone publically not to wear a bra but continue with a breif! i mean its ones choice whether he/she wants to b with a man a woman or both. if any one tries to stop this sort of personal desire or right, they are coming in the way of a person's regular life - and that my dear friends is the very basic threat to all our natural, basic and fundamental rights. this is the root cause of a lot of evil, disharmony and unhappiness to many people. live and let live. support those who want to b with people of their own sex. its healthy for them as well as people around them. being gay is like saying i'm happy, why come in someone's way of happiness? \nso yes...ultimatum - lesbian/gay marriages should be supported ad not banned. everyone has the right to a happy pesonal life that is spent in the loving wake of the one they chose to loose their heart to.
1119301
Probably the same reason a lot of US states won't.  They say it's wrong because God created man and woman to be together.  and the devil created homosexuality.  People in general just don't accept things that they don't understand and what they have been taught and always have thought was wrong.  I think if two people love eachother who cares.  Does the governor or all these protestors or the judge of the courthouse have to go to the wedding or go to their house?  NO they don't.  I think there are bigger issues than this that states and countries should worry about.  This shouldn't even be an issue.  Its not fair that when two people of the same sex want to get married they get a protest outside their wedding but if two people who have a 60 year difference want to get married they can without any problems from the outside world...Its just sad to think that a 80 yr old man can marry a 20 yr old woman and its ok, even though the woman is only marrying him for his money but two people, of the same sex...which shouldn't even matter, who love eachother want to make a commitment to one another the entire world thinks its their right to come in between it just because God says its not right.  Let God do His job and they should do theirs.\n**by the way I'm not a lesbian...I'm married to a man**