A Gay Marriage Surge

Newsweek Web Exclusive

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  • Posted By: bkrummel @ 12/09/2008 1:22:35 PM

    cherrylee60, finishwell, and other DEEPLY religious people posting comments. Not all of us here share your religious beliefs, so how about respecting us by not preaching so much. Now I stuck up for you by commenting that activist shoving gay rights down our throats is wrong, so don't shove the Bible and God down my throat. Anyone shoving anything down anybody's throat is being disrespectful of those disagreeing with them and is wrong.

  • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 12/09/2008 1:07:35 PM

    There will never be a consensus as long as people keep bringing god into the argument....how many different secs of Christians and how many Bibles?

  • Posted By: draco_nite @ 12/09/2008 12:28:28 PM

    God should QQ moar.

  • Posted By: cherrylee60 @ 12/09/2008 12:20:04 PM

    I think people are forgetting about Sodom and Gomorra. How GOD destroyed both cities for homosexuality. The BIBLE does mention that homosexules will find themselves in fire and brimstone. I believe in a man and a woman in marriage only. Its not healthy for our children to be so exposed to all of this.

  • Posted By: texaspatty @ 12/07/2008 2:55:27 PM

    WildWonderful is an idiot. I feel sorry for people who think only straight people are going to heaven. That is such a fallicy to even entertain the idea that someone who commits the rape and murder of a child is on the same sinful level as someone who falls in love and expresses that love in the most basic of human terms. Wake up people! God created everyone equal. We are all going to heaven.

    • Posted By: cherrylee60 @ 12/09/2008 12:19:23 PM

      Sorry, but you are wrong. Only those that obey the will of My FATHER wall enter into the pearly gates.

  • Posted By: cherrylee60 @ 12/09/2008 12:00:46 PM

    I think people are forgetting about Sodom and Gomorra. How GOD destroyed both cities for homosexuality. The BIBLE does mention that homosexules will find themselves in fire and brimstone. I believe in a man and a woman in marriage only. Its not healthy for our children to be so exposed to all of this.

  • Posted By: one small fish @ 12/07/2008 3:00:18 PM

    I can understand people who want to make a commitment to someone else ot the same sex. They love each other want to legalize with in the eyes of the law and under their god if that is their beleif. The same is true for heterosexuals as well. But, and there is always a but in an opinion that has many facets besides one aspect ot the meaning of the word marriage. In oreder not to be long winded I will cut to the point. The origin of the word marriage occurs between years1250 and 1300. By definition it means to marry between a man and woman to live as husband and wife with all legal commitments and religious requirements. This according to Random house dictionary of 2006. I have spoken to gay people on seveal different occasions regarding this issue. While their anger and lengthy defense swims all around their right to get married especially when it comes to equality of legal rights and medical benifits they should get just like heterosexuals the truth is that the value and essence of the word marriage does not describe two people of the same sex making that commitment. that we (the heeterosexuals) should change the slanguage to include same sex within the definition of the word marriage. Here is the point I have if the population wants it then fine my issue is if we let this special interest group change the word marriage to please their point of view Then where will special interest groups be stopped in changing the words or laws of this nation to suit thier needs just as long as they get what they want. With each Pandora's box we open a future calamity is sure to befall us. I gladly support people of the same sex having a civil union and the states and federal government recognize it on par with the word marriage in that they are able to get medical and health benefits. retirement and social security benefits. Yes same sex couples can even raise children. but they can not generate a new life from each of their loins in their relationship. Buying or donating sperm an egg or a womb from outside unionbut those that do from either side of the fence is a very small fraction of the population las to not have enough weight to make a difference in swinging opinion one way or the other.


    for one interest political or religious group of people where many have very deep beliefs regarding something that real and imagined ramifications that are yet to be imagined or not marriad based choice that pits points of view that are by percentages at each end of the spectrum. While I am a catholic but not a devout religious person my opinion here is not based on relgion. My opinion is based in the value and the essance of the word marriage and its full meaning since we have used this word to define a man and woman makeing a commitment together.

    • Posted By: oceanmc @ 12/09/2008 9:27:55 AM

      And the word "wife" means cook. So I guess all woman should get back to the stove!

  • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 12/09/2008 9:14:56 AM

    Who were all the Democrats that voted to ban Gay Marriage?

  • Posted By: finishwell @ 12/09/2008 6:52:37 AM

    Jesus came to save us not to condemn us...He wants to save all those who are sinners, homosexuals, liars, adulterers, etc. What do you think Jesus wants to save us from? He wants to save us from the ways of the devil. Dear people, please do not go that way. Allowing marriages for homosexuals will bring you deeper into sin where there is no way out. You will be in a deeper bondage. The devil is a liar and a deceiver and he is an imitator. He wants to copy God by having marriages too! But do know that God is a just God and if you do not heed to his WORD you are setting yourselves up to fall.You don???t want to be separated from God FOREVER! If you are gay or a lesbian, why not try it God's way. Give Him an opportunity to work in your life. You have lots to gain from it like HEAVEN! His mercy and grace abounds. So get saved, be born again. Let your old nature be gone and put on the new nature of Christ. He loves you and he desires to help you in every portion of your life that is weak. Know that being gay or a lesbian is the same type of sin as murderers, liars, greedy, etc. Sin is sin. Without the cleansing of Jesus' blood you have no life. You knew at the beginning that it was wrong but you went that way anyways. Your wrong is now truth to you. Please I beg of you. Do know that the devil does not care about you. In fact he hates you and he is deceiving you and many others. His time is running out. Read the bible for yourself. I beg you to please ponder Gods word. Seek Him with ALL your mind, heart and soul. The truth will set you free. He died on the cross for you and everybody. But we must respond to it. This might ALL be so hard to swallow or believe, but please believe me...One day you will stand before God and He will ask you, ???What did you do with My Son Jesus Christ? Did you know Him? If you don't truly know who He is and what He has done for you???? Then He will deny you before His Father in Heaven. So get to know Jesus Christ this Christmas. Receive Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one goes to the Father except through Him! If you want to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, then just pray this prayer it from your heart!

    Dear Father God, I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for me. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I turn away from it. Cleanse me with your blood from ALL unrighteousness and make me a new. I invite you into my heart to lead me and guide me the rest of my life. Thank you Lord for coming into my heart I look forward to all the great things that you will do in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

    ???For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you declares the Lord and will bring you back from captivity.??? Jere

  • Posted By: bkrummel @ 12/09/2008 4:01:05 AM

    Since the entire point of this debate is the definition of marriage, let me share how I would define marriage. Marriage is the union of equal committed partners who wish to build a life together, love and support each other, and possibly raise kids. Or, as express sometimes in wedding vows, "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." This definition excluded most absurd marriages that society would reject. For example, an adult human can't marry a child or dog because the relationship is not an equal partnership. However, two adult humans, straight or gay, can engaging in such a union. The poll seems to suggest most people recognize this and wish to legally recognize such unions, even permitting gay partners to adopt and raise children. So why not call it marriage? I doubt it will lead to the recognition of absurd and perverse marriages, as they don't fit my definition and society soundly rejects these "unions". In fact, full recognition of such unions would probably strengthen society and the unions. Ladyblueyes argued that marriage is not genderless and thus ought to be between a man and a woman. I respect her opinion and find it thought provoking, but I disagree because I think marriage goes beyond gender as the commitment is what marriage is about.

    Some have complained that gay right activists are shoving gay rights down our throats. They are right. It is wrong to call someone intolerant because they oppose gay marriage and sometimes discount opposing points of view. To do so is intolerant and beneath the activists. While I voted against Prop 8 and hope to see it reversed, I hope it is reversed by activists engaging their opponents in a respectful and thoughtful manner and it is reversed with the consent of the governed.

    • Posted By: bkrummel @ 12/09/2008 4:08:50 AM

      I just noticed something I wrote reads funny. Full recognition of unions fitting my definition, such as gay unions, would probably strengthen society and the unions.

  • Posted By: jeffrey1234 @ 12/09/2008 3:54:57 AM

    Hopefully these state constitutional amendment embarrassments to the American system will be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the US. American Law is based on equality and liberty and these certainly go against that. Our system is to ensure that we all stand before the law as equals and we are all guaranteed due process. We cannot have this with a separate system for gay Americans. We are one country and one people and the laws, rights, and obligations that marriage provides must be applied to all citizens equally.

  • Posted By: futurewatcher2 @ 12/09/2008 12:24:21 AM

    This is discussed along with some other sexual behaviors that are forbidden: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." As I said, it isn't the only one on the list. More is said inconclusion to all of the sexual behaviors: Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: and the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity upon it, AND THE LAND ITSELF VOMITETH OUT HER INHABITANTS....(for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled;) that the land spue you not out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you." --Leviticus 18
    When a person cares for another that is living a life that is doomed for misery, that person who cares will voice concern to the wayward soul. It pains those who love the wayward ones to see them ruin their lives, maybe even bringing an early, unnesessary death. There is another issue when the wayward becomes a menace to others as well as bent on a personal path of destruction. Those who love that individual still love them but they have to make a tough choice of protecting the rest of the family and neighbors from the one is making poor choices. That grief is now intensified. God knows choices and behaviors that bring ruin upon the individual and to society as well. He can see consequences that people may take generations to figure out (if they are lucky), the consequences to sexual relations that he has expressly forbidden leads to the ruin of individuals and to entire civilizations. God cannot save us in our sins, he can only save us from our sins. God is a God of love. When He is finally grieved at the stubborness of people who refuse to comply with his council, he will step aside and he will no longer stay the judgements (cause and effect) of the poor choices. That is when he ceases to extend his mercy and grace to them so they can go on to their doom. When there are other people involved who are striving to live according to his precepts, he will keep and preserve these people. He doesn't want to see anyone destroyed. He trys to prevent that from happening and he also wants to give us a fulness of life in addition.

  • Posted By: bkrummel @ 12/08/2008 10:02:54 PM

    Looking at the poll results, it seems that most people support gay unions and gay partners having the same rights and privileges as married people, such as adoption rights, inheritance rights, and hospital visitation rights, but most people oppose gay unions being called marriage. Moreover, 67% believed that marriage should not be a religious matter. If you feel this way, could you explain why you support such gay unions but oppose calling them marriage? It would better help me to understand your opinion of this issue.

  • Posted By: BigAnswer @ 12/08/2008 8:38:30 PM

    God said he accepts and loves all his children, however they must give up their sinful ways...that is the word of God.!

  • Posted By: JWILDER @ 12/08/2008 8:33:50 PM

    My God would be happy to know that we are becoming more tolerant, inclusive and caring. Let's keep it up.

  • Posted By: kshortSD @ 12/08/2008 2:57:06 PM

    Sad thing is, if this were 1965, we could easily identify which of you would be pushing for segregation, can't we?

  • Posted By: nestdevi57 @ 12/07/2008 3:37:12 PM

    First, who cares what a Newsweek poll supposedly shows. They are SO unbased. Secondly, how many times do people have to vote down gay marriage before people get the hint. We do not want or approve of gay marriages. I don't care if you want to live together, have children together, whatever, but I do not think they should be allowed to get married.

    • Posted By: kshortSD @ 12/08/2008 2:53:54 PM

      Too bad! Honestly, why do you think it's okay for the majority to vote on the equal rights of a minority? This is why the courts will address this matter and gay marriage will rightfully remain legal. People didn't get to vote on interracial marriage, or the voting rights of blacks or women. And they shouldn't get to vote on this! Deal with it.

  • Posted By: Wise Man 1 @ 12/07/2008 1:28:23 PM

    I don't really care about the marriage thing. That can never be between two people of the same sex. Sexual relations between two men is no better that beastiality! Is there no end to the devient acts that humans beings can invent and still think that it's ok?

    • Posted By: Horrible Bastard @ 12/08/2008 2:47:21 PM

      "Is there no end to the devient acts that humans beings can invent and still think that it's ok?"

      No, there's no end to it. For example, some people believe that their belief system should be crammed down other peoples' throats. You, for example.

  • Posted By: PhedUpInPhilly @ 12/07/2008 7:37:13 AM

    This is just another example of the media pushing an agenda. I'm so tired of this issue being cast as "The new black." Being forced into slavery is NOT the same as choosing to live a perverted life-style, and then demanding rights that aren't yours. This nation has plenty of real issues to deal rather than this one. What will we see next? Pedofiles demanding rights because "this is the way I am - I didn't choose to be this way?"

    • Posted By: dwmusic @ 12/07/2008 7:43:47 AM

      PhedUpInPhilly Homosexuals are not suggesting that there is a point by point direct comparison between slavery and legislating against a right to be with your partner of choice, something I am sure by the way that you would vigorously defend if it were proposed to be taken away from your goodself.

      Your equating of the pedophile who was born 'that way' with homosexuals is an affront. Pedophiles prey on vulnerable and defenceless children, homosexuals prey on nobody. We freely choose our relationships, or at least we would like to, without interference from people such as you who don't even know us or have any apparent understanding of the meaning of love.

      • Posted By: GHookway @ 12/07/2008 7:53:56 AM

        And what do you propose is the difference between preying on children and indoctrinating them. Mo child needs exposure to this until they know what sexuality even is. They have enough problems as it is these days.

        • Posted By: OhCaptain @ 12/08/2008 1:54:08 PM

          I have *never* experienced, witnessed or heard about a gay person trying to indoctrinate someone. That's a total myth. I have, however, had many, many Christians try to indoctrinate me into their lifestyle (quite threateningly, on a couple of occasions, even though it's something I disagree with and think is the cause of a lot of the problems with this country.

        • Posted By: dwmusic @ 12/07/2008 8:26:00 AM

          GHookway You don't listen do you. We are specifically against indoctrinating children to be of this or that sexuality. It is comparable to indoctrinating left handed people to be right handed. They can pretend but it makes no difference, and can cause psychological damage when left handed children are forced to wirte with the opposite hand.

          Much as you might want to, you cannot legislate or indoctrinbate to force person A to love person B - that is a deeply personal natural occurence, and not yours or mine to interfere with.

    • Posted By: kevinbgoode @ 12/07/2008 10:04:07 AM

      And being considered as "single" adults who are almost perpetual wards of the state is a form of slavery to someone else's church rather than the constitution. Why do you people seek to amend constitutions on this issue? It ain't to protect marriage - it's to remove the equal protection clause as the birthright of millions of other Americans.
      That sounds like slavery to me.

  • Posted By: gemmy @ 12/07/2008 8:08:57 AM

    No homosexuals & pedophile have the same mental problem, that's right you were molested by an adult at one time in your life or either by a pedophile. Until you come to grips with your mental problem of wanting sex with a same sex homosapien, you will never live a normal fruitful life. Plus God will never forgive these kind of mentally ill acts, remember sodom & gomorrah. That's a fact.

    • Posted By: Ren27 @ 12/07/2008 9:03:22 AM

      Actually, Sodom and Gomorrah was a sin about idoltary, not homosexuality.

      For clarification, idoltary is about putting the importance of anything before the importance of God. Homosexuality is two people of the same gender are attracted to each other.

      If you read the text closely, you will see that the men of the city wanted to have sex with the Angels that came to the city to get Lot and his family. Angels are sexless, meaning neither female nor male, therefore, having sex with them would have been impossible anyway.

      In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, the people of the city had put the importance of sex before the importance of God. Which has nothing to do with homosexuality and everything to do with the act of sex itself.

      In case you want to, it's Genesis chapter 19. You know, to read it for yourself instead of thinking everything every preacher has ever said from the pulpit is infalliable truth.

      • Posted By: OhCaptain @ 12/08/2008 1:48:56 PM

        Yeah, I always interpreted the text about Sodom and Gomorrah as, "Please don't rape the angels."

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